I really don't know how it happened. I sat in it for nearly four hours tonight with only one notch out on each side. It never gave way or anything while it was attached or while I was climbing up. I even had to climb back down when I first got settled because I had forgotten my release on the ground. So after climbing up then down and then againback up it was all the good. So I really am clueless as to what happened. All I know is when I checked it out after that there were 2 notches out.

The main reason I went with Summit was because I have always heard good things about their safety, so this definantly isn't something that is common with their products, as I have never heard anything in a negative light about them as far as safety goes.

MdDave---Unless the deer is nearly directly in front of me it seems my lower limb is banging against the railing. Maybe I'm just used to hang ons with no railing I don't know. As far as noise is, I know they are part of the game with climbers. My brother in law has a Viper too, and loves it.

PA Hardwoods---You don't have to tell me twice now. I'm lucky it happened where it did, and I was able to keep my balance. If in the future I venture out in the climbing stand market and purchase another one I will definantly be attached to the tree from first step up to last step down.