Summit facts and opinions:

As if with everything, one needs to figure out the best way to use it and work around it’s shortcomings. Little problems: Get over it, nothing is perfect.

-Wrap the seat cushion bungee around the top section arms and connect in front, when climbing or preparing to climb, to keep from inadvertant hooking. Remove one of the S-hooks from the bungee if you still don’t like it.(Remember, that S-hook can be used on your bow pull-up rope to grab a release or glove etc. if you drop it from the stand!)

-The foot straps are cumbersome and loud when stepped on while in stand. Get the fast climb stirrups and be happy. They work and are indestructable.

-Order aftermarket padded shoulder straps; I have the ones from Summit and they are awesome. Well worth the $18 if you have to walk any distance, or hunt early when you only have a T-shirt on.

-Always push the cables in past the last lug when preparing to pack it out/in. It keeps them from rattling in the frames.

-When attaching to the tree, release the cable nearest to yourself and wrap around the tree so you can reach it easily. If you can’t, you may need to adjust the cable on the far side of the tree.

-The stand grips the tree so well that sometime you may need to point your toes down and twist to the left or right to loosen it from the tree bark to ascend or descend.

-If your looking at the Viper; get the Goliath! You don’t have to have it but the extra room is worth much more than the $20 price difference! I wish I would have got it instead.

-The top portion of your stand can be used to attach to the base of trees for hunting off the ground for turkey or deer. It’s much more comfy than sitting on the ground!

-It’s much easier to carry a fanny pack in/out if you strap it to your stand.

-Comfort while in stand is very important to me. (Outweighing packing weight). I would rather have a slightly heavier stand on the hike in/out than one that is less comfortable for many hours on stand.