I used a Viper Ultra this bowseason and loved it! The bar doesn't get in the way at all. In fact, I set up on the back side of the tree and sit on the bar, using the tree to break up my outline, and I shot out the back of the stand. I was comfortable doing this because the stand is rock solid and the safety belt included made me feel safe. Hope this helps.

-Timba

Preserve your hunting rights- Spay or neuter a liberal
>>>---------->

good stand easy to carry because it is carried upside down with the cables facing down so you can clear any branch that your head clears it attaches to the tree very fast and climbs quietly if you are comfortable with heights I would get the cobra because it is lighter but I don't like heights so the bar is a comfort but will get in the way if you like to make shots sitting down and if you use the stand alot the plastic coating around the cables wear out pretty fast making the stand more noisy but that can easily be corrected


lonewolf50 -------it is nice to see that i am not the only person still shooting a matthews z-max

Edited by - huntforlife on 11/28/2002 20:26:00

If it makes you guys feel any better, my dad and uncle are still shoting their Z-Max's too

-Timba

Preserve your hunting rights- Spay or neuter a liberal
>>>---------->

I have a bad back, and simply can NOT sit up agains't a tree at 90 degrees for any length of time. My Viper XLS lets me sit for hour on end without ANY discomfort. It goes up easy and quiet. It's Light and QUITE sturdy. And VERY comfortable. The bar NEVER bothers me (I shoot a 39" ATA bow) in fact, on some close shots, or odd angles, I like to lean agains't the bar...helps steady my aim, and gives you a secure feeling.

I have a Cobra XLS
and let me tell you its great!! Light and easy to use. Carrying them is a breeze unless you don't put it together right! Comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Blends in good. Only Con is the cables can become worn but i just put a rubberized coating on mine when they went to the bare metal.

Grandpa has the Viper so he can sit to climber gettin weaker in his age bt says it does get in the way of bowhunting sometimes but other times it helps for something to lean on to get a shot off.

Its all in what u would prefer and the viper isn't all that much heavier either

In hte end htough i love my Cobra the most nothing to get in your way and nothing to have go wrong for you

12 deer shot and 12 recovered
all credit to pse and nap for spitfire broadheads

I have the Viper and love it. I rest my bow and gun across the bar, I always stand when I shoot my bow so the bar isnt a problem. I have a small pack that I attach to the bar for calls, binoculars, drinks...etc. I always use a full body safety harness in it. I seem to nod off in it so I need to make it not so comfortable.
I just taught someone how to climb with it and let them borrow it last week. They shot 2 deer out of it.

I was going to tell you that the biggest seller at the archery shop I work at is the Viper but as you can see from the board that is not necessary. The ease of the sit down climber is the big sell, the all day, and i mean ALL DAY, comfort of the treestane is the added bonus. ALong with the simple and strong design of these climbers. They stick to the tree like velcro. By the way I have the Goliath. IT is two for two, I doe and one 8 point. Both with the bow. The bar is really not an issue as far as being in the way for shooting. Obvioosly you can not shoot straight down in the stand while sitting. but it is sweet.

LIFE MEMBER: United Bowhunters of PA. >>------> (x)

My buddy has a Viper XLS and it is a great stand I have used it several times. The bar doesn't get in the way. When standing the bar is at the height of an armrest on a chair which would clearly be out of the way.

I have the summit bushmaster and it is great for bowhunting. I like the front being open. This stand is very lite and easy to carry. You can't go wrong with any summit product!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I own the Bushmaster XLS. It is a very light, very very well made stand. I like the fact that there is no bar across the front, although I can see where the bar might be an asset for some situations. I chose the Bushmaster because I wanted a light stand.
I carry binos, 2 or 3 calls, extra clothes etc, in small gear bags, which I have attached to the stand with cable ties. Works great.

I've seen the other models that my friends own, and they are all fine stands.

The safety harness and the tether that comes with it provides a very high degree of safety. I also use the tether rope as a drag rope after a kill. I also use the same harness and tether in my fixed position stands.

Summit is a class act. You will get your money's worth with whatever Summit you choose.