I opted for the Viper XLS for $229 ( my price is a bit less with employee discount). I' ve only had it on the tree three times and can say it is most likely the best stand I' ve used in my 30 years of playing monkey. At 19 lbs it' s still a bit heavy, but Summit adds one feature that noone else offers; the SOP safety harness. This is one item that should be used religiously by all who venture into the treetops.
Good post and I agree about the safety harness...use it.
Anyway, one stand that does not get much mention these days is the Summit Bushmaster XLS...one of their lightest climbers, if not THE lightest climber they make at about 19 lbs.
The Viper XLS is also a fine stand but weighs in a few pounds heavier. Because of the " gun rest" style bar that it has, I' d say its probably safer, but I' ve never needed the bar and I am funny about the extra weight.
I hual binos and calls and a few things that add a few pounds to the stand so I' m glad I bought the lighter Bushmaster XLS.
I would definitely not buy the steel version of their stands though. Your adding about 6 pounds of weight just to save a few bucks on a stand that you' re going to be hauling around the woods for many years. Six pounds doesn' t sound like much till your humping to your favorite ridgetop.