Author Topic: What's a good climbing stand? (Read 7689 times)

mdatlanta · « **on:** March 03, 2007, 07:24:40 PM »

I'm going to have to hunt public land next year and want a climbing tree stand. The last one I used was probably a "first generation" of some unknown maker, and I scared myself with it. I know climbers have improved dramatically, but don't have any experience with them. Any advice on which are good (read safe/comfortable) and which to avoid will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Mike

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2007, 02:34:26 PM »

If price is no object, Summit all the way.............I've looked at a bunch of them, and I think that the Summit's are the way to go. API also makes some nice stands. For the value oriented person, I've had good results with Ameristep and Strongbuilt, but I'm not sure if they are rated for more than 250 lbs (meaningless if you aren't a big guy).

sidekick · « **Reply #2 on:** March 05, 2007, 12:57:47 PM »

Summit is hard to beat. Easy and quiet to attach and climb with. Never had mine slip the first inch. 20+ feet off the ground is no place to go in a cheap treestand. I have others, but I prefer the Summit overall for bow, pistol & rifle hunting.

dukkillr · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2007, 02:20:14 PM »

My climber is an API Grand Slam Magnum. I believe it's rated to 275 but I'm not a large person. I like it a great deal. It's quiet, not too heavy, and easy to use. They aren't a cheap as some others, but it's worth the money. I use it for both rifle and bow.

deerslayer79 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2007, 02:53:07 PM »

Well let's see,Summit,API,Gorrilla,are my 3 favorites.If you want a good gun hunting stand,find a buckshot.

ken2222 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 06, 2007, 07:29:59 AM »

I've only used one...that being a Summit. I was very comfortable and felt secure thru the entire event! First pistol kill was in that climber!

Hope this helps.
Ken

rickyp · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2007, 04:02:04 PM »

Summit stands are the best.

snapcrackpop · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2007, 11:54:46 AM »

Only time I've had trouble with my Summit (14 pounds!) was on Popular (aspen) trees. Their smooth bark is tough to hold onto with the cables.

My old River's Edge(I think) is heavy, but those 2 steel V's will grab and hold onto anything. They are cheep, noisy and you have to be careful about bumping the top section during set up(bang, crash, clang!) but they hold well once in place.

oldrookie · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2007, 03:06:35 PM »

My only experience has been a summit vipor and I love it. My only experience prior to the past season was with ladders. So I was a newbie to the climbing thing. I was great! Bottom never moved all season but I still sinched the top just to be sure. As far as weight, mine is rated for 275. It is wide and comfortable.

burntmuch · « **Reply #9 on:** March 14, 2007, 05:49:42 PM »

Check out Loggy bayou. I ldont like the big seats with the armrest. I have a hard time with those bowhunting. Loggy bayou has one thats got a seat attached to the platform, folds up &secures to tree. doent get in the way of shooting the bow Jay

mdatlanta · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2007, 03:27:12 PM »

Thanks for all the responses...I meant to check back sooner, but have been real busy lately.

I was talking to a guy the other day about climbers and he couldn't say enough about the API Grand Slam, same as "dukkillr".
Anyway, now that I've got a list of what's worked for y'all it's time to go shoppin'.

Thanks, again.

gruvco · « **Reply #11 on:** April 14, 2007, 05:55:49 PM »

if you haven't bought yet, check out the tree lounge. I have them for me and my sons. lots of accessories available and very comfortable and I've personaLLY seen them CLIMB A STEEL POLE using one. try that with some others. jim

ken2222 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2007, 07:19:17 PM »

the tree lounge looked good to me too...tho I haven't been in one....here's the link, check out the hunting videos....www.treelounge.com

Ken

wncchester · « **Reply #13 on:** April 21, 2007, 03:28:40 PM »

md, if you are in Atlanta you really should go to the Bass Pro Shop out I-85N before you buy. They usually have a dozen or so set up on "trees" so you can look them over.

I have an API Grand Slam that's strong, very comfortable and safe. But, if I had seen the Summit Viper and it's cable system before I bought the GS, that's what I would have. It's a little lighter, a little easier to connect and just as comfortable. All this assumes you're a rifle hunter, not bowman. Bow shooting from either of those stands would be difficult or impossible but I think both brands still have open-front models for bow shooters that would be just as comfortable but maybe not quite as safe if you nod off at all. I do!

snapcrackpop · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2007, 08:11:55 AM »

Actually the bar is not much of a problem when shooting with a bow. If you have your seat very high it could be a problem, but if the bar is waist height, just lean up against it and shoot. No problem. Person should bend at the waist anyway when shooting below.

Try leaning against a sidewalk railing that is wait high or lower and you will see what I mean.

The open front is great for most fit guys, but if a person is on the heavier side, the bar (like the viper) makes climbing much easier. You sit on the bar and just lift your legs and the platform.
I'm 6' and 175lbs and the open face ones are do-able, but you grab the seat with your hands and forearms while you try to lift your legs and platform while basically hanging. I can do it so I prefer the 14 pound open face stand because it's light.

schunter1128 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 26, 2007, 06:21:01 AM »

My Summit Viper is definitely the most comfortable I have used although I hear the API climbers are comfortable as well. I just don't like the idea of the chain. One weak rusty link is all that stands between you and the ground and the plastic coating makes it tough to inspect.

Here's a stand worth considering:

http://www.equalizertreestands.com/

Almtnman · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2007, 08:32:15 AM »

I have used a lot of different climbing stands and when I got a Summit Viper, that's what I found to be the best for me.

jy951 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2007, 10:48:25 AM »

i've owned a summit viper before and it's ok. very bulky and hard to walk with. i currently own a lone wolf and while not as comfortable as the summit, it's alot lighter, folds flat and compact and easier to walk with. the summits make a ton of noise packing up, the lone wolf is alot easier to pack together, or you don't even need to pack the seat portion, you can carry it out. the strap system of the lone wolf is so much quiter and easier to use than the summit. although it's not recommended, i have climbed trees with braches on them and gone around them by detaching the seat and platform. i think the lone wolf is far superior to anything else out there and well worth the difference in price. the only problem is it's a little tight if your waste is larger.

DDelle338 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 09, 2007, 05:33:27 AM »

You have to check out Lone Wolf. I bought my first one as a "second stand", then I sold the API to get another Lone Wolf. Light, quiet, easy to set up!!

scout34 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 20, 2007, 02:13:40 PM »

I like the Lone Wolf. I went to Bass Pro Shops to get the Assault hang on model and when I got it home I found that the stock kid had given me the Sit and Climb Combo. I tried to take it back (It's worth twice what I paid) and they told me that since I had broken the packing tape on it they would have to crush it due to fears of liability. As the model I had originally sought was not actually in stock I took the one I had home and tried it out. It works very well, is very light and I'm glad I got it. Check out Lone Wolf. Great product and actually made in the USA.

DDelle338 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 29, 2007, 03:42:10 AM »

Which Bass Pro was that? And what was that stock boy's name? I want to buy another one when he's working.

Almtnman · « **Reply #21 on:** October 29, 2007, 03:59:15 AM »

Quote from: jy951 on September 01, 2007, 10:48:25 AM

i've owned a summit viper before and it's ok. very bulky and hard to walk with. i currently own a lone wolf and while not as comfortable as the summit, it's alot lighter, folds flat and compact and easier to walk with. the summits make a ton of noise packing up, the lone wolf is alot easier to pack together, or you don't even need to pack the seat portion, you can carry it out. the strap system of the lone wolf is so much quiter and easier to use than the summit. although it's not recommended, i have climbed trees with braches on them and gone around them by detaching the seat and platform. i think the lone wolf is far superior to anything else out there and well worth the difference in price. the only problem is it's a little tight if your waste is larger.

I have a Summit Viper and since I prefer sitting longer periods of time, so comfort is what I look for. I can't sit in an uncomfortable stand for long periods of time without getting fidgety which spooks the deer. I don't plan on packing my stand on my back very long, only enough time to get it to where I hunt and get it on the tree, so packing on my back is not a problem, but being up a tree in comfort makes me stay longer and see more deer.

VSSF · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2007, 12:30:10 PM »

Summit.

BOGA · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2008, 05:17:37 PM »

I am happy with tree lounge. I am comfortable while sitting on it

huli · « **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2008, 08:37:47 PM »

Ill go with the most of the hunters here Summit Then API

jeffrehs · « **Reply #25 on:** April 08, 2008, 08:16:00 AM »

I have always liked the Cadillac or buckshot climbers. You face the tree.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #26 on:** April 13, 2008, 05:09:37 PM »

Another vote for the Lone Wolf. It is SO quiet the cast al. just sucks up all the scuffling noises from feet. I got mine because of the compact carry in size and lite weight. It is the Caddy of minimalist stands.

rdh · « **Reply #27 on:** October 12, 2008, 04:20:45 PM »

I have used the ol man stands for about ten years and love them. Do a google search for scotts outdoors in florida they sell them and all parts for them

epanzella · « **Reply #28 on:** December 17, 2008, 05:12:54 AM »

Quote from: huli on February 27, 2008, 08:37:47 PM

Ill go with the most of the hunters here Summit Then API

I used Summit Vipers for years - just luv 'em. I modified one of mine to sit facing the tree but 2 years ago Summit came out with the 180 which allows you to face twards or away from the tree. Bought one and it instantly became my favorite. My Summit is so comfortable that although I'm 260 lbs I hunt dark to dark without a problem.

spo · « **Reply #29 on:** December 18, 2008, 01:21:37 PM »

I have owned old bakers, summit, and treelounge treelounge is the strongest stand but at a price, noisey and heavy, I now own 2 timbertall stands, and I FEEL the best stand, your able to level the platform while up the tree not climb down and re set then climb back UP, JMO