The newer summits cause a bit more damage than the older ones do, but it is still mostly superficial.

With my older cobra stand, which requires a bit more bite to hold since it is a hand-climber style as well, will only significantly mark some of the white oaks which already have a very delicate outer bark. It looks a lot worse than it really is, but you can tell something happened to it.

It's probably a good idea to bring your climber and show them...er...rather...ask them to see what they think. Showing them that your climber does not damage the tree significantly will also avoid them blaming you for damage that you don't create!

Cover airfare and expenses and i'd take you up on this challenge!

I have owned a Summit Goliath for about 4 years now and I would say that damage to the tree is a definate concern. I can easily see where and what trees I have climbed after just once up and down. In fact that is what I look for if I am unsure in the dark. Does it kill the tree?? Not to my knowledge.......but I could be wrong because it would take many years for a good size tree to completely die and fall over.

This is especially true if you climb a smoother bark tree and also when I get to my end point I give both top and bottom a little "rocking" back and forth with some weight on them for a little extra "dig" and security. I am solid as a rock up there but it surely DOES damage the trees. I don't "rock" or do anything special on the way up or down and the marks are very clearly seen.

My buddy has an older API Grand Slam with a serrated V blade on it and that thing absolutely mangles trees!! He has a tree he likes to climb and it looks like a flock of woodpeckers hits one side of the tree every day all year.

I would be very cautious if you think they may freak about tree damage. Some people have different definitions of what they consider "damage"

My Viper also leaves visible markings. I doubt it hurts the tree. A buck makes much worse rubs on trees anyway. You'd be doing them a favor by trying to take them out. Use that angle.

Maybe I just don't weigh as much as you guys do.

The only caveat being if you can't find it, then you pay me $100.

I had the same problem with landowners. No damage to the trees, and no trimming branches, either for a stand or for shooting lanes. So I had to use a ground blind. They're the ones with the land, so I was happy to oblige. I figured it was better to make them happy and follow their rules, than to sit at home during the season!!! I'd probably be the same way if I spent a bunch of money on land. Good luck!