The api I had was old , I have a newer one that I replaced the cusion on with a summit cusion and it is comfortable . I think the cusion was around 40 bucks .

I used an API Bowhunter model for years and was very pleased with its performance. Easy to setup, quiet to use and comfortable to sit in. About three years ago I decided to give a Summit a whirl and went with a Revolution model (discontinued now). In my opinion, the Summit's grip the tree better than the APIs though the APIs tend to pack a bit easier and more compact. Also, though I cannot confirm it personally, I have seen/heard various comments that since API sold the company to Bass Pro the quality level has gone way down. Again, that is heresay and nothing I can confirm personally.

i bought the viper x4 and a friend of mine bought the api grandslam i believe. i've climbed with both of them. the api compacts down a bit more than my x4 but the x4 seems to be more comfortable, spacious, and easier to climb. plus i don't like the idea of using the pins. it seems to easy to loose them when adjusting the chain. the summit is also built so that it won't squeak or make metal on metal noises. i think it's called the summit lock of something like that. the joints are locked together before they are welded so that the internal stuff doesn't move or something like that.

ive got a grand slam extreme bowunter i bought 2 days agho
ill use it when my leg heels up and get backt oyou

I got a grandslam bowhunter and my friend has a summit viper. When I'm in need of a new stand, i'll probably be switching over to summit. His packs easier IMO and seems a little more stable in the tree. Both companies make good stands though.

The Summits are a bit pricey compared to some of the APIs. Do you think the extra money is worth it? Has anyone found a great deal on a new Summit?

I love my API (it's a bowhunter though) but I have nothing bad to say about it. Been using it for 5 years now and it's held up to everything I've asked out of it. I have heard a lot of good things about summit though. I've used one of their stands but it was an old old model which turned me away from their product when I was looking for a climber. But their models have changed a bit since then. My next climber just might be a Summit backpacker.....it looks very portable which is what I like with climbers.

EDIT: If you're looking to buy really soon, I just got a flier in the mail from BPS and a lot of their stands are $30-40 off. Keep that in mind!

Good to see another Illini fan on here! haha I have one more semester to go up there!

been using a Summit Viper for about 6 years now. very satisfied. worth the money IMO.

I have both a summit and an API and prefer the API, BUt I've heard that in the last year or so they moved their production overseas read china, and that stinks.
If that is true, then there is your price difference right there. You get what you pay for.

Therefore I'd be buying a Summit or ole man next time around.

I have both but my first impression would say go w/ the Summit. I like the option to fold the stand flat for backpacking. The stirrups they offer w/ there stands however I think are uncomfortable to use. The shrinkable wrap on the chains of the API wear out quickly and can sometimes make it difficult to get the chain thru the frame of the stand without trimming it out of the way.