I bought a Viper last year. I felt safe in it.....but I'm giving it to my son, this year....and going with the lone wolf and the climbing sticks. Good thing is....I still have access if I need it......and it's a GREAT STAND. I don't like the rail.....but that's just personal preference.

I didn't ean to talk about other stands in your thread (You asked SPECIFICALLY about the Viper), but I thought I'd tell you WHY I was sort of switching (rail....plus the son needed a climber). I had the rhino linings stuff applied to my platform to give it better grip....plus add a little noise dampening.

Good Luck

Jeff