Summit Tree stands
 

Does any one use summit tree stands. Are they as noise as they used to be.

I had a 2006 model Summit Viper and it was a pretty nice stand. Very comfortable and easy to climb with. I thought it was noisy when walking through brush or if something metal or plastic bumped it. I ended up selling it in 2009 and bought a Lone Wolf Hand Climber. It isn't as comfortable as the summit, but I think it's better everywhere else. Much quieter, quicker to set up and climb, flat backpacking. Also, I don't notice the noise my old summit had while walking through brush. IMO the LW is a much better stand.

I don't know anything about the newer summit stands than my old 2006 model. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I have 3 climbers. The first one I got was about 20 years ago. Nothing like the other 2. The newer ones are much quieter and easier on your butt!! Very easy to setup.

I've used a lot of climbers over the years, Summit included. Remember th old Baker stands? Some can make more noise than others, but there are ways of reducing it. Filling aluminum tubing with Great Stuff foam is one way. Another is, especially with the Summits, to grind down the teeth about 1/8" and round off the corners as they do dig into the tree quite well. Especially soft bark trees.

For the most part I've learned that there are not very many stands that are really noisy. Just people who make them noisy. I see all the time people saying that they can reach 20' with such and such stand in a matter of 5 minutes. All I can think is that in doing so every critter within a half mile knows they are there.

Learn what makes noise with a certain stand and do what you can to dampen it. Then when in the woods take your time and be quiet both installing it on the tree and climbing. What's the difference whether it takes another 10 minutes or so? You're most likely going to be there for hours anyway. This just one other matter where learning to be stealthy is part of the hunt.

I bought a Summit Viper SS a few years ago figuring I would use it in an out of state hunt and never needed it. It sat in the basement and I decided to finally give it a try on a recent trip to Il. In short I love it and can't wait to use it here in my home state next year. My only other experience with a climber was of course the Baker back in the old days. I remember feeling like it was ripping my guts out on every climb and I was one of the few who never fell with it. The only good was it made my abs stronger. Now the Summit...what a dream to climb with. It is quiet, fast, secure and simple to use without any strain. It is so comfortable I was able to sit all day in it and it is light and packs easily so hunting with it on your back is easy. It does make a bit of noise when on your back and walking through the brush but going slow and picking the route will help. I give it an A+ and wish I had tried it out sooner.

I own two summit climbers and never noticed them being noisy. I'd trade both of them for a lone wolf though. While the summit is much more comfortable, the LW packs and climbs easier.

Blessings.......Pastorjim

Summit all the way. i have owned and used most but the Summit is the all around best stand.

Check out this new tree stand.

www.hytektreestands.com

BGfisher wrote: "I've used a lot of climbers over the years, Summit included. Remember th old Baker stands? Some can make more noise than others, but there are ways of reducing it. Filling aluminum tubing with Great Stuff foam is one way. Another is, especially with the Summits, to grind down the teeth about 1/8" and round off the corners as they do dig into the tree quite well. Especially soft bark trees."

I have tried the same on my summit and love it even more!

Summit is a good stand, but they just don't seem as stout as they were in the past..... I guess if you're going to make em lighter they're going to look a little weaker. Still a good stand nonetheless. If I'm comfortable, all is well and depending on what model you get they are a generally comfortable stand.....

I have the viper ss great stand but I am gonna use BGfishers idea and fill the tubing up with great stuff foam. I think Summit is doing that at the factory now. They call it dead metal technology.

Stand
 

I have the viper SS and love it. I am 6'3", 215 lbs andclimb to about 30'. I stay comforttable. I do hate the way the heat shrink wears off the cables so fast. My other stand is a tree lounge and cannot be beat for all day comfort, but, it is much heavier and noisy to put on the tree. Plus they are out of business now.

Add another vote for the Lone Wolf climbers. I have owned several climbing stands over the years and the lone wolf I currently use is by far the best one. I think it is the assault hand climber. Light, quiet, sturdy and easy to use.

I have two Backpackers..fold up version of the Viper...Quiet..but I'm starting to see some wear in the rectangular box that holds the cable..I also have to put new tubing on the cables every year..I love the stand,I 'm afraid of heights and feel very safe in the stand,,Many days I've sat all day..very comfortable,..I 've also worn out the thumbscrews for the brace..you can buy news ones from Summit for 22.00 or Lowes for 4.00
've had mine since 2005..and I believe it will go another 5 years easy..I hunt out of it about 20 times a year.
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Summit all the way, most comfortable stand that I have sat in.