Summit Climber
 

I have been thinking about buying a Summit Mega Bucks Bushmaster Climbing Treestand. Does anyone here have any experience with this stand? After a fall from a treestand several years ago I have been a little apprehensive on treestands. Thanks. TerryE.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Terry, I have both the Lone Wolf sit and climb and the Summit Viper. They are both excellent stands that are easy to set up, are very quiet, and grip the tree very well. I recommend checking them out. The Viper is about $100 cheaper and IMO more comfortable.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Stonyrvr, Thanks for the info. I haven't really decided on a Climber yet, still looking. It will be for next year anyway. Thought I would purchase one this winter and have plenty of time to practice with it. TerryE

RE: Summit Climber
 

Terry, I used the Lone Wolf for a couple of years and this year bought the Summit because there are no bolts/nuts to loosen up. It doesn't fold down like the Lone Wolf but I climb up 15-25 feet in the Summit and feel very comfortable-and I'm not real excited about heights.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Stonyrvr, heights don't really bother me much, it's just the sudden stop that hurts. I had a hook on a small load-binder break on a stand that I was in about 12 years ago. I dropped about 12 ft and landed in the sitting position then the stand landed on top of my head. Luckily I had no serious injuries. No safety HARNESS. I have pretty much hunted on the ground since. I have looked at the Lone Wolf and Summit climbers. Cabela's has the Summit Bushmaster for $150.
Thanks for the replys. TerryE.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Terry.. you can pick up a Summit Viper or any other new stand at your local sporting goods stores for really cheap right now. At our local Gander Mtn.. they just had them on sale for $170... this stand normally retails in the $229 range. Most stores are trying to clearance them out to keep from getting stuck w/ the previous year's offerings.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Question for you Summit Viper users. Do you use your stand for bow hunting? I'm wondering if the bar will interfere with bow movement when trying to take a shot. Wondering if maybe the Cobra X4 might be a better choice for this reason? I don't own a climber, but am looking into them.

RE: Summit Climber
 

The rail could possibly get in your way if you shoot sitting down. I shoot standing up and I do not have any problems. The Viper is a great stand and super comfy, allowing many hours in the deer woods. I also have a Bushmaster top assembly that I use as well. It is suprising how comfortable it is to sit in.

RE: Summit Climber
 

I have the Summit Viper and I love it. You can shoot standing in it without any problems. I also think it is easier and safer to climb than the Cobra model. You also have the added safety of the bar when you are sitting. The new Viper X4 is all aluminum so it weighs around 20 lbs.

Good luck. I don't think you could go wrong buying a Summit Viper.

RE: Summit Climber
 

I too have the Summit Viper and is a great stand. Relatively quiet to set up and climb in. Very stable and comfortable too. I have never had it make one noise while going from sitting to standing. YOu won't be dissapointed, in my opinion, getting one.

RE: Summit Climber
 

It's a nice stand, light and easy to carry and pack. It's a little harder to climb with vs the other stands that allow you to "sit and climb". The comfort was be as great as something like a viper or goliath, but it's still not bad considering the compact design. I prefer stands with a bar in front for extra comfort and easy climbing but the bushmaster is an excellent bare bones style climber.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Hello!!

First post here..... Great site.. been lurking for awhile but I just have to review this stand.

Just got a ViperXLS stand and used it for the first time this evening. All I can say is un "Bleepin" believable. So easy to set up, safe comfortable, I just can't believe I have waited this long to replace my old stand. I have been hunting out of a TM Hunter for years (show my age alittle) Although this was state of the art in its day, what a peice of crap. I must admit, it has served many years of hunting, many years of huggin a tree to climb, many years standing for hours till I would have to kick the tree just to get feeling back in my feet, many years of that oh so slight slip that gives you the cold sweats and races the old ticker a bit.

For my first trip out with it, (in the rain) it was pure joy (except for the rain) I still have to develope my little systems with it, and maybe a few minor mods, (bungee for speed stirrups) but I just can't wait to get it back out for a nice long morning or afternoon hunt. Going from a waist tether to the 4 point harness is going to take some getting use to also, very awkward with the strap above my head. I sat in the seat, turned and sat on the bar , even stood awhile (out of habit) I'm guessing you can tell what I think of it after my first time out. all in all.........................un "bleepin believable. If your thinking about one, get it!! You won't be sorry

Mark

RE: Summit Climber
 

Well it looks like my new stand will be a Summit Viper. Now all I have to do is get my Wife to see it my way. That could take some work as she says I spend to much money on bowhunting anyway. Thanks for all the replys. TerryE

RE: Summit Climber
 

Terry,

Just from the safty factor alone I would say it is well worth the investment. My wife got pissed when I told her I ordered mine, but only because she was planning on getting me one for Christmas. I told her this was something I would prefer buying myself. I did alot of research on it on the net and Summit seams to be the leader hands down. I have seen alot of cheaper ones out there, but I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. I bought mine on ebay and maybe didn't get the best deal that I could have, but most of the retailers around here were sold out and I wanted it for our PA late season archery. Can't wait to get back out..............Good luck

Mark

RE: Summit Climber
 

I am a Lone Wolf user for the simple fact that it folds up so thin and is very easy to use. However it is not the most comfortable stand I have ever used and one of the more expensive. As far as the Summit, do they fold up to make packing easy or do they hang off your back and catch on every pc of brush you walk through.

RE: Summit Climber
 

KONK,

There is a price to pay for comfort and safty. My model (the viper) does not fold flat. I believe summit does make one that does, but Im not sure.
My old stand was basicaly a piece of 3/4 plywood with a metal band that went around the tree. Can't get much flatter than that. Still it would get caught up from time to time. After hunting out of the summit once, this will be my stand of choice. I'll suffer some on my walk in & out of the woods, but when I am in my tree where comfort, silence & safty matters most, I'll be livin large!!

Mark

RE: Summit Climber
 

Thanks Handy, I think I"ll check out these Summit stands at the Wisconsin Deer and Turkey Expo in April. Every other stand manufacture will be there also.

RE: Summit Climber
 

I'll be getting a new Viper way before next years season starts.;)

RE: Summit Climber
 

Konk, you can buy the new seat with backrest from Lone Wolf for $29 to put on your sitnclimb........its very comfy.

RE: Summit Climber
 

The Summit bullet backpacker folds flat for easy storage and "backpacking". It is the same as the viper X4, but folds totally flat. I have it, and love it.

RE: Summit Climber
 

I have the Viper X4... excellent stand, would recommend to anyone!

RE: Summit Climber
 

I just purchased a broadhead backpacker. Setup it's the same as the Viper but with no front rail. I shoot sitting down quite a bit so I didn't want the rail. The broadhead does take a bit more to set up as there is two bolts to assemble every time. The other concern I had with the viper is the size when it's packed together. I usually travel with an ATV in my pickup bed so there is no room to put a stand there. The viper would never fit in the back seat of my truck with all my gear. Some thing else to think about.

RE: Summit Climber
 

cmscat, why not strap it to the atv? you could lock it to the rack, unless you've got one of those crotch rocket types?

RE: Summit Climber
 

Well my new Summit Viper X4 arrived by UPS on Friday. After reading the instruction booklet and watching the DVD I put the stand together and I am impressed. Can't wait to try it out. Thanks to all who replied to my question on Summit Climbers. Now I just have to figure a way to strap my day-pack onto the stand or maybe bring less stuff into the woods. TerryE.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Terry,

Enjoy your new stand, it's a beautiful thing. As far as your day pack, I just clip mine on with a "D" ring where the back straps are strapped to the stand.

I also just picked a a bag that fastens to the front bar of the seat part at Dick"s for like $10. I plan to bring just a few items up the tree in the bag and leave the pack on the ground.

Many other scenarios, I'm sure you'll work it out.

Mark

RE: Summit Climber
 

Last season i went with a Summit Goliath,,had ecery bit of confidense in that stand,,rock solid once set properly,,very comfortable,,damn near dozed off a few times.

One thing of importance,,always wear your harness, Don't even think about going ^ ^up there ^ w/out one. Even if you've left it behind ,cancel that hunt turn around and come back another time, !!WITH YOUR HARNESS!!.

RE: Summit Climber
 

Last season I purchased a Summitt Viper and love it. I was skeptical at first about climbers, but the viper works great. The bar could get in the way if you are sitting down to shoot, but is a great place to rest your bow, or gun while you are waiting. The stand is very quiet when in place and easy to use. If you move stand locations at all, I would recomend a climber. If you tend to use one or two trees then a couple of fixed stands would be the way to go.

il-todd

RE: Summit Climber
 

Guy's I just bought the Viper X4 yesterday at BassPro in Toronto for 344.00cdn,maybe this price is high I don't know,but as far as I'm concerned from what I hear on this thread about this stand it's going to be well worth every penny I paid for it . I have a Warren +Sweat climber now and it absolutely suck's ,for 1 it's too small for 2 I don't feel safe or comfortable and 3 there's absolutely no room to move in it .So the ?Viper sound's as though it's going to be a very pleasurable experience.Although it doesn't pack down flat ,I'm sure I'll be able to live with it .But the main construction of this stand appear's to be rock solid .I'm sure after reading all of your post's that I'm really going to enjoy next season's hunting .

nubo

RE: Summit Climber
 

I'm surprised so many guys who bowhunt like the Viper. I have the Cobra .. basicly the Viper with no rail and I really like the stand.

That being said, for new Summit owners here's a list of things you should consider doing!

1. File or score the paint on the biting teeth. They can squeak.
2. They WILL squeek if you choose a tree that you use the smallest setting on and it is cold out! Try to choose trees that are at least one notch on the cable at least.
3. Mole skin the heck out of the points where the base and top sit together. Taking apart and putting back together the stand makes to much noise if you don't.
4. Replace that cheap braided, won't hold a knot cord that is intended to hold the top and bottom together in case of slipage with parachute cord.
5. Scrape the traction tape off the base where your feet go ... it's going to fall off in a season anyway and replace with something better, if not .. on wet days your rubber boots will squeak right when you swivel to see that HUGE buck working toward you.

6. A nice option is to sew a zippered nylon bag to the base of the cushion you sit on to hold your screw in bow hanger and extra bunjees/straps. That way your bow hook and bow rope will ALWAYS be with your stand should you leave your pack behind trying to slide out and get a few unexpected hours in stand. Wish I had done it sooner!

RE: Summit Climber
 

I've had my Bushmaster XLS for about 4 years now. Its like hunting from a big comfortable couch.

You can modify the summits by purchasing various camo zippered pouches and bags and using zip ties to attach them to the stand.

I also have an extra female clip for my quiver that I've attached to the Summit. That way when I get settled I can detach my quiver from my bow and attach the quiver to the stand...ready for a follow up shot if necessary.

RE: Summit Climber
 

What about the Summit Bullet Backpacker? It folds down pretty flat from what I have seen. I am thinking about getting one for next year.