RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

WV,
If you are an " Average" ;) guy the Viper XLS would be a terrific stand......yes it is just like the Goliath with a slightly scaled down top section. Seat is just as comfy and the platforms are the same.
If you haven' t had a climber for a while you are in for a treat with the Viper.:)

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Thanks Matt. Yeah average...5' 10" , 190ish;) LOL... trying my best to stay under the 200lb mark.

I actually have an API predator climber that I' ve had for many years. It works great and is very comfortable. I just think it may be time to upgrade.(See what reading your post did;)...I was content before that). The only thing I don' t really like about my api, is that it can be noisy setting up(metal clank), and takes longer to set up, and be up than the summit seems like it would take. Other than that it is a great stand, I can' t complain.
I agree with you about the backpack straps. I carry my api a long ways sometimes. I have the padded straps and they are definitely the ticket. I couldn' t imagine carrying a heavy stand with those standard type straps for any distance. Heck I even added extra padding to my straps a few years ago. Some of my stands are 1/2 mile or more, mostly uphill...and it doesn' t bother me at all. The key is getting it comfortable on your back...doesn' t matter if it' s 12lbs or 25lbs.

Thanks again for the advice.
WV

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Matt/PA, what base do you have on that thing? I' m asking cause Cabela' s catalog doesn' t show the foot rest for the Goliath like you have shown. Did you add that or does it come with the stand?
Thanks

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Never mind. I should read all the post first.

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Matt, excellent review. I actually almost bought one of these new generation summits 2 years ago, but ended up going with a River' s edge Tiger Claw for a few reasons:

1- uses grated platform versus slats. I' ve never been comfortable with slats on any stand, especially API.

2- I took a 5' ride in the dark on a cabelas cable climber a few years ago. Good thing I was dressed in several layers, I was able to get a few hours hunting in before the smell broke through... :)

I did ditch the stock seat and order the summit as a replacement. I agree 100% it is by far the most comfortable of any I have ever tried...

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RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Great review. :)
I am now torn between two stands. I was going to Pa. tomorrow to look at and buy a Timbertall Super brute stand. Now with this review I am thinking twice about it. Have you had a chance to look at the timbertall Super Brute stand ?
Again thanks for the great review !

bmott

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Are you the kind of guy who goes back for second' s at the buffet line ? Their add is pretty good . I liked last years for the same product , some littel guy walking through the woods with a treestand on his back runs into a guy thats around 300 lbs and hes got his goliath on his back . Thanks lab coat guy .

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

Great review Matt:D:D

Thanks for the time you put into it:)

WV - I have been using the Cobra XLS for a few years (6' 1" 220 lbs) and I have never felt like the stand was to small. The goliath looks even bigger[:o]

I won' t hunt with that front bar though - the cobra doesn' t have it and IMO not having it is a better option for the bowhunter. Must make you feel safe though:D

Those Summits sure are sweet:D

RE: ** REVIEW / SUMMIT " GOLIATH" climbing stand (pics)**
 

I have the Cobra and love it.
I will agree the Summit bags and padded straps should come with every stand. I added the side bags and padded straps a week ago, and hunted with them for the first time this past weekend, those bags are great, no more fanny pack or pockets filled with stuff. Everything is right at your fingertips.
Great review, it' s probably going to be my next stand.