Originally Posted by
grinder67
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.
This may be your opinion, but one I share. While the front rail may get in the way for a close up shot I think the added security it adds far outways the possible lost shot, if it ever arises. If you set the seat height right you can keep the rail at about knee height wile sitting. Then when standing you can touch a knee to the rail, letting you know just where you are on the stand. Pretty handy on a windy day.
Then there's the issue of comfort. The Viper is designed that the rail can actually used as an arm rest, taking the weight of the arms off the back and shoulders. This can mean that you can spend more time in the stand, increasing your odds of being there when a deer comes along. I've spent as much as 13 hours in my Viper and didn't feel totally wasted at the end of the day. I won't even say how much sleep I get.
Also as mentioned, the idea of sit down/stand up climbing allows you to climb not only more safely, but able to control the foot portion and climbing more quiet I've climbed down a tree with another hunter 35 yards away and he never heard me climbing. I never hurry.
When sitting you can even lay the bow across the rail and move less to get your bow if need be. It's right there in front of you.
So for comfort and comfort I'll take that rail any day. I've lived through the days since Baker treestands were the vogue (40 years ago) and can say treestands have come a long way----along with the manditory use of my trusty full harness. Don't leave home without it.