Yeah, I'm in better shape. It's still just a workout climbing a tree when you're 350 lbs. I had the harness from LW that came with the stand and I never trusted the thing. Not only was it a pain to use, but the waist belt would loosen up when I put tension on the climbing rope.
Honestly, I think the harnesses that come with the LW stands are junk... Now I DO like their carabiners; those things are SWEET! I've come REALLY close a few times to calling them up and buying about five or so of those. What I do on the harnesses is I've found a bit from this one that I like and a bit from that one... like the carabiners from the LWs, and I LOVE the soft, cottony ropes that comes with the harnesses that Summit gives with their stands.
To answer the questions being directed to me. Just about every single tree I climb is an oak, red or white and occasionally a pine. I'm not trying to deter anyone from a LW or scare anyone who already uses them. I just want everyone to be aware that this can happen. Mine did it on quite a few different trees, enough so that at the end of the season, I sold it and went back to a Summit climber.
I'm with muzzyman on this one. I have used a Summit Viper for 3 years now and I have never used a LW, so I can only go by the hearsay that I have always heard about them. Yes, they pack well and they are quiet but if you like comfort, you might want to go a different direction. I hunt 30-40 days a year and I almost always use the Summit. I rarely leave it out overnight. And I walk anywhere from 1/2 mile to a little over a mile to my hunting location. I usually sit for at least 3 hours and sometimes from dawn to dusk. I can walk into my location in about 30 minutes. I would rather have 1 hour of slight discomfort and be comfortable for the other 3-12 hours that I am on stand than to have an easier walk in/out and be uncomfortable for my time on stand.
I've actually noticed the same thing but thought it was maybe due to a older model LW that I have. 2003 I believe it is from. T
I went to Illinois hunting for the first time about 5 years ago with a Summit climber. After packing that thing around the hills of Shawnee for a week I was wore out! At the suggestion of 220, I bought a LW Sit and Climb for the following year and loved it. From truck to tree, there is nothing better. The LW is light, folds flat and is a lot easier to navigate those straight up and down hills. As far as comfort, I gave up a little bit of that not using the Summit. I am a little guy (5'6" - 190lbs) so the LW still fits my needs as far as sitting for long periods but IMO, the Summit was more comfortable. I use the LW down here in the swamp during rifle season in January to hit the flooded brakes and sloughs when the bucks start chasing during the rut. It is easy to move from one bottom to another swiftly........depending on what the deer are doing.
I've tried 4 different brands of climbers, including Summit, and the LW hand climber is by far my favorite. Pack-ability being the biggest reason. Also very easy to attach to the tree and climb. I've used it on all different types of trees and sizes with no slippage issues. As for comfort, the Summit was more comfortable, but comfort is one of the last things I look for in a climber. So my opinion there doesn't really help. How the climber packs, how it attaches to the tree, how easy it climbs, adjustment once you are up the tree, and how stable it is are definitely more important to me. I felt the LW won all those categories. I split standing and sitting about 50/50, and grew up hunting out of homemade stands. Any stand I've ever sat is seems comfortable compared to those homemade stands with wood seats. I've only had 2 all day sits in the LW hand climber. Boredom is much more of a factor than comfort for me. Its the main reason I don't usually sit all day. I never felt I couldn't sit any longer because I was uncomfortable. I don't think you can go wrong with a Summit. Just depends what features are most important to you.
Yeah I don't know that it was more stable, but I haven't had any stability issues with the LW. I never had any issues with the Summit either. I felt both were good in that department. The Summit definitely digs into the tree well, maybe too well for my liking. Its one of the reasons I think the LW was easier to climb with. The Summit was annoying on softer trees. I would have to work to get it back out of the tree before I could move it up or down. The LW "grips" the tree, while the Summit "digs into" the tree...if that makes sense. Again, never had a single slippage issue with the LW, even on hard or large trees. Maybe I'm just lucky. Not a knock on Summit, just my personal preference.
Vito's experience(s) and thoughts mirror mine almost too a "T"... And like Muzzyman, I'm no longer affiliated with any tree-stand manufacturer... just giving my input here to help you make an educated decision.
Comparing the weight of a LW and a Summit, there is not difference. Actually, my Summit Bushmaster is 2lbs lighter than the LW SC I had. Sure, the LW folds flat, but if you're like me, you strap a backpack to it anyway and the weight is distributed basically the same between the two. As I've said, I really, really tried to love the LW and make it work for me. It just didn't. It simply didn't do anything a Summit already did for me. The only thing IMO, it had was the cast platform that was quieter for sure. However, with that patent running out, I expect other companies to begin offering a cast platform design shortly.
Gotcha. It took me awhile to trust my Summit just because I'm scared of heights. Even if it is not needed, I feel better about the way the Summit engages with the tree so securely. I've found that when climbing softer type trees that once you are ready to disengage the foot platform that if you pull away from the tree with only one foot it comes off pretty easily. Almost like twisting it off the tree.
Seriously Brad... if you're somewhat scared of heights, I'd probably stick with a Summit... and a Viper at that, which has the "security rail" all the way around... When you want the lightest, most open and easiest-to-pack in and out BOWHUNTER's stand out there, get yourself a LW hand climber. There. Did that make it any easier on you? :D
I know Greg. I think I stated about two pages ago that I am definitely planning on sticking with the Summit mainly for this reason. When some describe the LW slipping AND it doesn't have that rail it was obvious to stick with my Summit. Like I said back then, if I'm on edge because I don't fully trust my tree stand what fun is it? This is supposed to be enjoyable right? I can always take a light ground blind with me back to the deep spots.
Agreed. Nothing worse than sitting in a stand you don't have confidence in (safety reasons). Makes for a very nervous sit. If someone doesn't feel comfortable (again, safety reasons) in a LW, I would suggest they don't use one. For me, the LW is the best bowhunting climber I've used. But if I couldn't have one for some reason, the Summit Openshot would easily be my next choice. The flip up sit is one thing I wish the LW hand climber had. Especially for how much I stand.
Yep, I've said this for years... if I could figure out a way to get the stand seat to flip up, it'd be the PERFECT climbing stand -- for ME.
That's right Tony, and I carry a big stick! LOL I will say that my Summit still has a place in my arcenal. I added the shooting rail to it and it is now my all-day gun hunting stand. The LW will never take its place in that category.
Vito, I've seriously been thinking of buying the Openshot top section to use with mine. I REALLY miss the old Loggy Bayou days when I had nothing around me. I just can't justify spending 150 bones on a top section when I paid a whole 180 for the whole stand I have now.
