I too have summit viper. I've used it on pine, oak, maple, and beech trees. I always secure the top section with the strap provided or use a bungie cordto keep it from slipping when using it on a smooth barked thee.

As others have said, watch the saftey video (twice!) and practice not only climing and decending, but actually setting up for hunting. It takes some practice to

1- walk-in and select the right tree
2- select what nock in the cable to use (as you climb, the tree narrows and you shouldn't adjust the cables while climbing)
3- attach the stand to the tree
4- attach pull rope to bow / gun
5- climb onto the stand and attach safety belt system to the tree
6- put backpack / fannypack on
7- ascend to desired height
8- set- up seat and secure top section to tree with strap or bungie cord
9- hang bow or gun holder and pull up weapon
10- unpack bino's, rangfinder, grunt call, bow release, etc
11 - settle in

practice, practice, practice. After three years with it, I can complete the above in about 5-7 minutes. I makes me apprecaite my ladder stand when i use it.