I'm looking at getting a new climber this year. I have an older api aluminum 'sit and climb' model which works great. what i'm looking at getting is something really light and less bulky. the summit openshot looks good. Is it hard to climb with the 'hand climber' type?

Also, anyone have any recommendations on a light weight climber?

It's not hard...It just takes more energy and you sweat more. I'm lazy so I prefer a sit and climb.

I agree with Kamil. Hand climbers is so much extra work and you will sweat more getting up the tree. I would suggest Summit Viper SS.

Have had both.... sit and climb is much better....

MET

I' ve used both and I perfer the set and climb type....

Hand climbers suck....I mean.. I prefer sit and climb.

LOL

Yeah I have both too, and I like the sit and climbA LOT more, but the hand climbers are lighter

I have an older API climber as well and it weighs around 33lbs. Many of the newer climbers are much lighter. Generally between 18-22lbs. A lot of guys looking for the lightest weight climber recommend the Lone Wolf sit and climb. But at the price of $350 it's going to be one of the more expensive. Summits sit and climb models are probably the most popular and weigh around 22lbs or so.

The older I get the more I like the sit and clmb. The last hand climber I had was with a Baker stand. YEP, it's been a while!