ORIGINAL: BDC

I have two climbers, an API grand slam and a Summit Cobra XLS. I bought the Summit this year because I thought I could attach it to the tree faster than the API. I thought this would shorten set up time. I found that it is six in one hand and a half dozen in the other. It takes me about 20-30 minutes with both.

I dont like the API when it comes to attaching it to the tree. Its hard for me to align the pins through the plastic coated chains in the dark. I thought the cable system with the summit would be easier and it is. But the problem I encountered with the summit was with climbing. Once the API is on the tree I can shoot up the tree in no time. The summit however takes twice as long to climb. The cable on the bottom part of the stand bends too easy. It puts unecessary drag on the stand making it twice as hard to lift.

I find the seat too large. The seat is very comfortable once in position but is very uncomfortable while climbing. It pushes into my chest and abdomine forcing me away from the tree. This would not normally be a big deal but the stand only offers about two inches of grip since it has the open front.

I like the summit when it comes to attaching it to the tree. I like the API better when it comes to climbing. They are both even once I am at hunting height.