I have always been uncomfortable bowhunting from a climbing stand. A buddy of mine claims that he has a Summit, which he cant remember the name, thathas a platform that is attached to the front of the bar that is used for a footrest. The only time that the bottom section is used is for climbing, after you are set up you or only using the top half. He says it is very solid and he would not be afraid to dance on it. If anyone knows the name of this stand or another summit like it please let me know. Thanks

Can't think of which stand your talking about, but I can tell you that I feel very safe and secure in my Summit Goliath and broadhead backpacker stands. They are super comfortable, quiet, and safe. Just make sure you always wear a full body harness, and a little common sense. you can look at their website, www.summitstands.com and probably find what your looking for.

We were looking at the limited Cabela's catalog and could not find this stand. I am going to get a Summit but with 2 or 3 of them very similar I was wondering which wasbetter for bowhunting. I could not find one that had the extra platform made on the upper section of the stand. Maybe my buddy is pulling my leg but he is supposed to bring it by. Thanks

Check out the Summit Viper. Sounds like that model will fit your criteria. I have one and really like it. Funny thing is it bites into the tree so much it's a small struggle to climb. But this is good thing!!

I use a Summit Cobra, which is an open front stand that I prefer for bowhunting (no bar to get in the way). Summit makes several models of open front stands, although I don't know if they make the Cobra anymore. They all work very well, and are rock solid if you use them correctly and secure them to the tree like you are supposed to. They all cost around $250 retail, but you will not have to replace it for a long time.They come with an instructional video, which you should watch and, of course, ALWAYS use a safety harness the entire time you are climbing up or down or in your stand.

http://www.loggybayou.net/newproductpages/legendseries.htmI think that Loggy Bayou makes a stand that has a platform that is connected to the seat and you use another piece for the purpose of climbing only.

The one my buddy has is just like the others except when you are set up you only use the top half, which is where the platform is attached. It is attached to the front of the regular footrest that is on most Summits. Thanks

Sounds to me like a TreeLounge. Anyway Summit stands are great. I usethe Viper andand feel very secure in the stand. I think if I were purchasing a new Summit today I would look very seriously at the Viper/Goliath or the new RazorX5.

i have a summit viper x4 and actually hunted out of it this past sunday for 3-4 hours. it was great. but my legs have grown a bit since i bought the stand but that was my only complaint. the rapid climb stirrups worked great and depending on the hieght in the tree you are at and what kind of angle of shot you take it didn't seem that the bar would get in the way too much. then next time i go i think i'm going to try bowhunting from it.

Hunter06,
Where the heck cna one hunt in FLA? I have been there many times scuba diving and next year spearfishing - but where can one hope to hunt? Any state land down there?