ORIGINAL: HAZCON7
Anybody have some good tips for using the climber? Seems I can't get the seat and foot rest sections level and the more I try the more they tend to slip.
I will tell you my experiences with climbers. I have a Summit. My friends and brother have API. My other brother bought a Warren + Sweat that was on clearence.
#1 You get what you pay for.
I have no idea what you paid for your stand but it's a pretty good estimate of it's quality. If you got a $100 climber then expect it to perform like one. That doesn't mean it's junk but it's probably gonna be a little heavier, a little louder and a little less secure on a tree then a top shelf stand. Just a general comment.
Now let's get to helping you out.
You have to pick a good tree first. Don't climb a gigantic monster..........but don't strap onto a sappling either. You will get a good idea on sizes in no time.
A tree with a similar trunk size as high up as you are gonna climb is a nice bonus but if the tree you want isn't the same all the way up jus set your platforms on an upward angle so they will level out when you reach the thinner tree above. This will take some practice to get good at.
As far as your platforms slipping on you I don't like the sound of that one bit. If your platforms are slipping when they are level then you need to return the stand before getting hurt or killed. A platform has more of a chance of slippage if slightly angled upwards vs downwards.........emphasis on SLIGHTLY. You don't want to be angled noticably in either direction but stabilty wise very slight down should hold the tree better.
When I get to my desired height I sort of "dig in"..........I put my weight on the platform and slide a couple inches side to side so the teeth really grab. I do the same with the foot section. I do my best to not saw through the bark though to avoid damaging the tree too bad.
Most importantly is ALWAYS have a safety harness on.........ALWAYS!!!
Especially when you are learning the ropes of climbing and moving around on a stand.
I am not crazy about heights but I am as comfortable as can be in my Summit. I wouldn't climb 2 feet up with that contraption my brother has...........make sure your stand gives you comfort and peace of mind.........two very important things for long hunts 20 feet in the air
Stay safe.