Hey guys. I have been hunting lately on the ground in a thick bush and I can see barely 20 yards ahead of me. I'm thinking about getting a good quality climbing stand, so which is better, the summit viper x5 or the api non-typical?
Which is more comfortable, durable?
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Titus 3:5 "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."
Summit. Without question... The most lightest, comfortable, most rugged,stable and secure, climber of all. Oh and when I say comfortable - I mean it's like a Lazy-boy recliner up in a tree. The Summit Viper and Goliath stands are so comfortable, you'll find yourself nodding off to sleep! Ask me how I know - I've done it!
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PSE Axe 6
61# 28"
Gold Tip Pro hunters 5575
Slick Trick 100s
Summit Viper SS
Scent Blocker Plus
Black Diamond XR 50 cal.
Hawken 54 cal.
Summit...100% and American made! Very very good stands and an even better company to do business with. I have been using Vipers for close to 10 years. Thats one thing I wouldnt even consider changing.
Recently picked up a Summit Goliath X5 climber. Awesome stand!! Being 6'-0" and 255lbs, the extra 2" of width on the top section, as well as being rated for 350 lbs, sold me on this stand. You "can" actually nap in it, it's that comfortable. Weight wise at 21 lbs, it's not to bad to carry into the woods. I also strapmy backpak and jacket to the stand, so it does get somewhat heavy, but still not that bad. I love that front bar. Sure makes climbing easier as well as making shots safer by being able to lean against it while shooting. The only problem, if you'd call it that, was the thought of taking a shot behind you. Your lower cam might smack into the either of the arms of the top section if you not careful. So, just set up facing in the direction that you expect to take a shot from. Two thumbs up on the Summit Goliath X5!!!
Until this year my favorite was the API bowhunter model. In spring of this year I purchased the Grand Slam Magnum Bowhunter and really like it. Of the three stands I use, Loggy, and the two API's the magnum is my favorite. I have not used the Summit so I can't compare the two, but the API is very well built, quiet and very comfortable.
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NRA - IPA IRA ISA IHA Certified instructor
NAA - Level II Coach
PGC - IBEP Bowhunter Safety Instructor
I've owned both Summit and API stands...Summit is hands down a better stand.
From it's engineeringand framework it's a better stand IMO. Oh, I own the Viper x5...great stand...e-mail me if you have any questions
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Hoyt CyberTec/61#/28"
Cobra Sight
NAP 4000 Drop away
Easton Evolutiuon 400
Tru Ball Tornado
Have to agree on the Summit. The cables are much better to adjust then API's pin threw theplastic covered chain deal. I just bought a X5 Goliath and the new stirrups are awesome. The only thing I hated with the climbers were getting my big feet into those straps and trying to bend down with the stand on a 45degree angle and get those bungies around my ankles it sucked. The stirrups eliminate all of that just step infront of bungie and slide foot behind stirrips. Natchezz has the Goliaths for 229 plus shipping.
If any of you have the old style foot supports, get the stirrups makes life alot easier.
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"What do you mean I ain't kind? Just not your kind."
I have to agree with most of the others as well. I have owned both API and Summit and feel that Summit offers the better design. The stands grab the tree better and the cable system is extremely easy to use. No lost wingnuts or clips. They are also extremely comfortable for extended hunting sessions.
Summit or Api
