RE: summit viper or tree lounger?
I had a tree lounge and did not like it.
Pros.....VERY COMFORTABLE,VERY SAFE
CONS....VERY LOUD TO CLIMB WITH.....PAIN TO SET UP...TOO MANY PINS AND SCREWS.....I SLEPT TOO MUCH IN IT.......MORE DIFFICULT TO CLIMB WITH.
It is very safe in the tree. If it were'nt such a Pain to set up and climb with I would still have it. I replaced mine with a Summit, and I am very glad I did it. I feel very safe in it. You also get a Seat O' the Pants harnes, which it is also used to climb with because it dubs as a linesman harness.
With any climber...a lot had to do with the tree you climb. You need to be smart about it. The manufacturer will say the same thing. NO DEAD TREES.....don't climb trees that have loose bark. Straighter the tree the better. Good luck with you decision. IMO I'd go with the summit. I've enjoyed mine more than the tree lounge.
FYI...if you do get the tree lounge...paint those knobs a bright color. IF you drop one in the dark you'll thank yourself! Although, I think I remeber seeing that treelounge is selling them colored now.
j