Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Beginning my search for a climbing tree stand for bowhunting. Want something lightweight, easy setup and safe adn will not break the bank. Was looking at the Summit Razor SS. Also looking at the Equilzer but wary of the moving parts. Any other ideas?

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Take a look at the Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber. I posted a thread asking for opinions on this stand and have received only great replies.
http://www.keystonecountrystore.com/...TR2844206.html

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

It's really all in what your criteria are that will make you satisfied. I've tried several stands from various manufacturers, and have come to the conclusion that Summit makes exactly what I want in a stand -- within a pound or two of anything out there when looking at stands that operate the same way (meaning hand climbers, or sit 'n stand versions)... but the comfort my Summits give me FAR outpaces the competition in allowing me to have an enjoyable experience in the woods, as well as stay on stand longer.

I looked at the Razor SS at the Alabama Deer & Turkey Classic while I was at the Summit booth, and I think I just may be upgrading at a later date. I've currently got a Viper and a Cobra XLS, and this stand combines the best features of both, and gives up nothing.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I usually stay up in my stand from sunrise to sunset so I want something that is comfortable. I'm willing to sacrifice weight for comfort. It is not uncommon to take a short nap here or there so I want a stand that I won't fall out of if I dozzzzzzzzzzzzze. I like a stand to have sides that will hold me in. I also like the stands that have a barrier on the front so I can't walk off the stand. I like my Ameristep.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Summit is the way to go. Comfort that can't be beat.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

If you want lightweight, I got one for ya. It is a little expensive though. Check out TimberTall treestands, at only 12.5 pounds and backpacks. For a good deal, look up Bowhunters Superstore on Ebay.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I love my API Extreme Bowhunter. Light, quiet and set up easy.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Summit is hard to beat.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I also have a Lone Wolf Hand Climber and I love it. Its light weight, Easy to pack in and out, easy to set up and very quiet. Also very sturdy. A little on the higher end for the price but worth it. If you look on ebay you can usually find better prices than at a sporting goods store.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I used Summit (Viper & Goliath) for years and replaced it with the Equalizer this year. The few sessions I have had with it this summer have been impressive. The sling seat option is not worth it, it's too hard and makes backpacking a problem. I put a Summit sling seat on it and it's like sitting in the Viper but with the option of being able to adjust both sections to leval. The Summit sling seat is must softer and flexable. Thereis a thread about the Equalizerin the Hunting Gear forum http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1525964&mpage=4&key=&#219816 4 andno onehas a bad thing to say about it.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Timbertall Treestands are amoung the lightest on the market, but I don't know how comfortable they are. I want to buy an Equalizer this year. I have a Summit Razor SS right now and its a very comfortable stand.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Me too, and no rails in the front for you bow to clank off of.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I bought a Summit Openshot last year and I really like it. It was only 200 dollars, so not too expensive. It only weighs 14 lbs. which is nice for packing in and out. You might check it out, I found mine at Cabelas

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I have a Summit 180, Summit Razor, Buckshot, Equalizer, Lone wolf seat climbers and a few more.
I can stay all day long in any of the stands except Lone wolf. The big advantage with Lone Wolf is that it is lighter than the rest. That being said My favorite climbing stand is the new version of the old Buckshot now called the Equalizer.
I have put this stand thru many tests before I would climb in the 20-30 foot range. The ability to climb and safely adjust your stand as you go up a tree is very, very, veryimportant to me. If my stand is angled correctly then it is going to be comfortable. I prefer a seat that does not sit in the stand but instead sits on the stand, especially when I am bow hunting. It Also makes it easier when you are climbing the tree. Lastly this stand carries very well for those long trips in the woods. Hope this helps good luck this year.

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I was a strong old man climber guy until I bought the summit viper. It is a great stand and it very stable in the tree. I would agree that summit has a great climber

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I had an API bowhunter and did not like it. I'm not in the best of shape and having to use your arms to hold yourself up while you raise or lower the lower platform can take a toll on you.

I now have the Summit Vipor and that has got to be one of the most easiest and comfortable stand out there.

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

If you don't want the price of a Lone Wolf(what I use), I highly recommend the Equalizer. Both the Lone Wolf and Equalizer are the quietest, safest, and most solid stands I have ever used.

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Just curious, what are your experiences with the Summit stands. I to am looking for a good climbing stand and I'm caught between the Summit Razor and the Equalizer. Problem is the Equalizer is not sold in stores, so I can't physically check it out. From other members posts it sounds like a great stand. From reading another thread it sounds like their customer service leaves something to be desired. The other thing is the Summit looks mighty comfortable and is about 65 bucks cheaper. I have no problem paying the extra money for a better stand though. Thanks for all input...

RE: Bow hunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I own both Summit and Equalizer they both are excellent stands as I stated previously. As far as customer service I rate both excellent. I have ordered extra parts I thought I would need if I lost on a hunting trip and both were professional and immediately sent my parts to me. Hope this helps good luck.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

I love my Equalizer.
I was skeptical when I first saw the video but was lucky enough to live close by NavyDeerHunter who already had one.
We got together one afternoon he showed me how it worked and let me climb a tree, I ordered mine that evening.
I really like the positive locking system as well, the stand does not budge once locked.
The only draw back was the seat, I switched it out for an old Summit seat I had.

RE: Bowhunting Climbing Tree Stand
 

Thanks for all the input. I love the concept of the Equilizer but with the Razor SS you have the option of an enclosed stand or you can put the bar out of the way. It seems al little more versatile.