I have the viper and have for 8 years, best stands on the market, I don't like the bar in front either, mine didn't have one i think the new vipers have the bars, nothing a saw won't take care of. I think the bullet backpacker has the open front

Personally I would get the Broadhead Backpacker SS. This is what I have but in a later version. It used to be called the Summit Cobra. It is an open stand, which has a very comfotable seat and you dont have to worry about your cam hitting the bar or sitting shots not clearing it.

I love my Viper SS. Period!

After a week of trying to decide, I went to D-ick's Friday night and bought a Viper Classic. After all the points and coupons we accumulated it ended up being $119 instead of $149. They had the Viper SS for $259, but the only difference I could find was 7lbs. I'm new to hunting and new to any stands other than my ladder stand. I bought a Gorilla climber on clearance at Walmart for $30 and really didn't like using it because it was a hassle and, while decently comfortable, didn't have enough seat room.I have to admit, the Summit is probably going to be used more than anything else. It's more comfortable than any of the ladder stands I've used and I like the bar in front myself. It's a good rest for my bow or it's something to lean against to help stretch out occasionally. And the stirrups fix the biggest hassle I had with the Gorilla, the climbing straps on the platform. It packs, sets up and climbs so easily it isn't even a contest. Only thing I would add would be a footrest to change the position of my knees every so often.

If I were going to buy another stand, which I probably won't for some time, it'd surely be a Goliath. Only problem would be having more space, I probably wouldn't get out of it.

I have the open front backpacker from Summit also. Great stand, strong, good seat, not to heavy.

Just a question to anyone that might have some thoughts. It seams that the stand creeks/skweeks where the teath meet the tree bark. Not sure if anyone else has had this experiance. The paint on the teath is worn and it's just bare metal. Anyone?

Says in the instructions to take a file and rough up the metal teeth to make it stop squeaking when it slides against the tree bark.

thanks, I'll give it a try