I have owned and hunted from both of those stands and while I do agree that the rail has potential to be an issue with a really close shot, It has never been an issue for me after close to 20 years of hunting from a viper. I either shoot before the deer gets that close or after it has moved away a little. And they ease of climbing with sit down stand up method versus using you arms with the open front style far out ways any clearance issue with the shooting rail. Plus I feel way, way safer in the one with rail as opposed to the open front stand.As far as the price goes I had not realized the price was that high at cabelas as the viper could be found locally for 250 or so.But as always just my opinion but it is based on been there done that experience.