I've been using this one for years now. http://www.bowhunting.com/shopping/Products/Foster-Gc4000-Side-Mount-Bow-Holder__5350.aspx I haven't found one that is easier to get the bow out of than this. The fork style can be a real pain and IMO, requires too much work to get the bow out of. With the one I've linked to. Just grab the bow and lift it up.
So far, I've used this holder on non-parallel limb and parallel limb bows with no issues. I can't imagine it not working on any of them really.
So...got the stand today and put it together at lunch. When selecting a tree, how much bite do i need at the base? How many teeth should be grabbing for it to be secure? Also. Do i tighten the quick draw cables as tightly as possible? More questions to follow tonight when ii try my first climb im sure!
So long as that stand will fit on the tree (cables have enough length), the teeth with bit fine. I've had mine on trees probably bigger than what is listed in the instructions and never had an issue. The key with the Summits, IMO, is that the teeth section is pretty wide, allowing for more teeth to contact the tree, thus giving you a more stable platform. The Summits "bite" the tree extremely well. You will not have an issue.
I got the Do-All Outdoors Extra Hand Bowholder, I didn't put a lot of thought into it but it has worked out quite well. I have it attached to the platform and the bow lays along the side of the stand very well. It's only $10 and is getting the job done. I do agree with Muzzyman, the bow holder he recommended would work better.
Went for my first run today after decoding the mystery of how to get into the safety harness. The climb went pretty smooth but i dont think the tree was the best. The bark kept popping off making the stand get a lil squirrely. I only climbed about 10 ft before deciding another tree was prbly a better idea. All in all it felt pretty safe even with the sliding around so feel like i am really going to like the stand. I just think i need a little experience in tree selection...
