I'm very much in the hunt for a new climber beforebow season comes in. I know I have plenty of time, but I would like to have all my new gear ready to go and be familiar with it when it comes time to head to the woods. Last year I used a borrowed River's Edge and it was a stable and solid platform, but man was it ridiculously heavy and noisy, especially on cold days the metal would creak just from shifting your weight. Anyway, I was wanting to know if all the cool features on the Summit really are for real and is the extra money worth it in your opinion over any of the API Grandslams (except the Bowhunter, I want a stand-up, sit-down climber only)? How's the cable on the Summit in comparison to the chain on the API? Does the Quick-Draw on the Summit work as good as it seems it would?Which is easier to backpack and set up at the tree? Any details would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Go API all the way, They may be heavier but in my mind there better.

Well actually, the weight difference is only a couple pounds if any.

I prefer the Summits. They are outstanding stands in every way and I know you will be happy with how they work.

Another vote for Summit here... Trust me, check out the Summit Viper and you won't look back. It is THAT good of a stand! [8D]

I used to use an API Grand Slam Supreme....it was a good stand but the Summit Viper is much better for me. IMO the Viper packs in and out of the woods better,is easier/quicker/quieter to set up...especially in the dark and Summit is backed by great customer service.

Ive had an api shooting star and a sumit , I prefer the sumit , its much more comfortable , and because of that you wont squirm as much in it .

I prefer the API hands down. IMO they are quieter, more comfortable,and they fit a wider selection of trees. The Summitt won't open up wide enough to climb a lot of the trees that I climb and the one I use in the pasttended to squeak pretty bad on some of the scaley bark trees like persimmons. I think they have gone to some better seats in the last few years so I am not real sure how much difference there is in comfort anymore but I hunt at least 10-12 days a year from daylight until dark out of my API with 0 problems and I don't set real well because my legs start going to sleep etc.. I don't have those problems with the API though.

I bought the summit viper last year and loved it. It is comfortable,
quiet when in place, and easy to use. I wasn't sure if I would like a climbing stand, but if you change stand locations at all it is a good way to go.

Where's the best price on a new one? Can you find one for under $200?