Jeff -
I'm facing the same dilema as you, I plan on getting a new stand before the season. My summit is starting to crack (its an old model and they sent me a new platform last season), but now my top doesnt fit quite perfect... and its 7 yrs old.

I'm torn between getting a new summit and a LW. I've hunted both, and IMO the LW beats the Summit hands down in everything EXCEPT comfort. BUT this was w/ the old seat style, I havent used the new style yet.

Here is why I like the LW better:

1. It packs like a dream, and rides better on your back. I hate how the summit weight is down low on your back, you almost have to lean forward to be comfortable when walking, And some of my spots are close to 2 miles, so I like that.

2. Its a lot quiter set up. Period. Now I'm good w/ my summit, and have climbed a tree w/ a doe feeding 50 yrds away and she didnt bust me. But the LW if much easier to get on a tree and the tree straps are a better design (you can adjust in 1/2" increments, not the 5" like summit) Also theres no hollow tubes to clang.

3. The LW teeth grab a tree better. And the straps "teeth" grab better. I climb some Red oaks w/ smooth HARD bark, and its terrifying in a summit. I constantly slip. The LW grabs better on both contacts w/ the tree.

4. It was addressed earlier, but the LW stabilizer straps make the stand rock solid. When you sit down you have a two straps that run from the end of the seat to the base. When you tighten them it holds the two together perfectly. Cause when you standup the base flexes slightly and pulls on the seat holding it firmly in place.

5. I like the built in bow holder in the LW. Just handy to have when you get to the top, you dont have to hold your bow while you set everythng else up.

6. The bar in the LW is a better design IMO: Why? I like that it moves, I dont put it under the seat, I leave it out in front. Just bend it down so when I stand it just below my knees, I can stabilize myself on it for the shot (and that is huge help). OR when time for a snooze I bring it up to my chest and rest my head on it, pretty comfy w/ a hat or glove as cushion.

7. This is probly a huge one. The LW keeps you right up against the tree when you sit. Helping you blend in better. There no gap between you and the tree. When you stand up you can stand completely against the tree.


CONS of the LW:

1. Its slightly tricky to pack, this is probably because I was used to the Summit and I never watched the LW instrucitonal video (only borrowed it from my dad for a few hunts) But I found the summit tricky to pack quietly when I first got started...

2. The old seat of the LW is terrible. Especially compared to the Summit. I did an All day sit in the LW. By 1 pm I was ready to jump. I couldnt take it anymore. I had to stand up now and then so I could feel my bum and the boys again.

That being said, I think the pros of the LW outweigh the cons, If the new seat is more comfy that will help significantly. And I havent rulled out using the seat on my current Summit on a new LW. But I'll decide after I try the new LW.


Just my 2 cents, And I've used a summit for 7 years, which is why I'm torn, I hate to try something I've not proven to myself...