Viper x5
 

Going to be purchasing my first climber, from what I have read the viper x5 is the one to get. Any negative feedback from it?

RE: Viper x5
 

Nope. If you FORCE me to say something negative, it would be the stand grabs the tree TOO well. Sometimes it's tough when descending, but hey......isn't that what it's suppose to do? Great stand. I love mine.

RE: Viper x5
 

Yeah, get a good night sleep before you hunt out of it or you're going to miss a lot.;)

RE: Viper x5
 

I really like the Viper, but I also like the Ameristep Non Typical Lite. I looked both over closely last season before buying, and felt the Ameristep was more comfortable to sit in and was also $50 cheaper. You can't go wrong either way, but both are of similar design and both deserve a good look before you decide.

RE: Viper x5
 

Good stand. I prefer Lone Wolf but to each his own.;)

RE: Viper x5
 

Have one and love it. You will enjoy it.

RE: Viper x5
 

I have a Viper and it is the most comfortable stand I own and I own a lot. I would also check out Excaliber 43's post in hunting gear review here and check out that video on Equalizer treestands. They really impress me.

RE: Viper x5
 

One and only thing I would suggest is to make sure you like a fixed bar in front of you while in your stand bow hunting. I have the Viper x4(which is exactly the same) and I thought I wouldn't mind the fixed bar in front. I kind of dislike it and wished I bought a climber where you could remove that climbing bar some how. For gun hunting it's great...for bow hunting-not so much and it's just in the way. But that's a personal preference type thing.

Good luck

RE: Viper x5
 

Xtec...funny you say that, I've heard other people say the same. It's not been a problem for me at all, but what is it about the bar there you don't like? Just curious.

RE: Viper x5
 

No problem for me either. I like having it there and I have never cussed it.

RE: Viper x5
 

MO,

I am just used to hunting out of hang ons with nothing in front of me...or on the sides of me for that matter. Maybe it's more of a "I need to get used to it" thing, but it just seems that it's always in the way for whatever I seem to be doing. Shooting sitting down is difficult unless you remember to put the base a little closer to the top portion. If I can help it, I prefer to hunt out of a hang on(with a safety harness) any day!! No matter what the height.

RE: Viper x5
 

Xtec....I think I am almost in the same boat as you. I was looking at the viper x5 for my first climbing stand and I liked everything about it except for the front bar...I'm just not sure I am going to like it. I then found the razor x5...it is supposed to be almost identical to the viper, except for that the bar is removable. Have you looked into this stand? I haven't heard a whole lot about it even though it seems like a logical choice for someone who likes the viper, just not the front bar.

The razor seems like the perfect solution, anybody have any comments on this stand?

RE: Viper x5
 

I had one and thought it was great until it was time to pack in and out. To big and bulky. I went to a Lone Wolf since I could fold it down flat into a neat little package. Just my opinion.

jason

RE: Viper x5
 

Xtec, I understand what you're saying. That makes sense.

The Razor is indeed almost the same stand. I have looked it over, and IMO the bar is the weak link in that chain. It can either be removed or lowered. Just release it and it pivots either up or down. I looked at it, and just didn't feel very comfortable. Obviously it works or they wouldn't sell as many as they do, but I don't trust it.

RE: Viper x5
 

not much expoerience with them but from what i have heard they are worth it

RE: Viper x5
 

.308,

I haven't looked into it because I don't really feel like dropping another X amount of dollars in a climber when I don't use the one I have all that often. I hunt mostly private and thus use lock ons, but I was taking a trip to Iowa and had thoughts of hunting out of that Viper the most being that we were hitting public ground. But if I were to buy another climber....it DEFINITELY will be one that the front bar can be removed or folded down. Like I said earlier, I think that I am just too used to hunting out of lock ons and having zero restrictions for movement in a stand. I feel 100% comfortable with nothing around me no matter what the height(with safety harness of course), so to be honest...I'm not sure why I even bought the climber I did. Maybe it was because I didn't know any better and didn't think I would mind that bar being there. I guess now I know better.

RE: Viper x5
 

As Matt say's get a good night sleep before using it ,I can't tell you how many time's I've fallen a sleep in mine sinceI got it. I got the 04 and it's the very best stand I've ever owned .
As for the front bar ,it's not an issue .I thought it might be ,but I was totally capable of shooting out of this stand without the bar being a problem .Sure the stand is a little bulky ,but again I still love this stand ,and will be using it as long as I'm able to climb into it safely.



nubo

RE: Viper x5
 

i Love my X5 it clime fast and easy

RE: Viper x5
 

Thanks for all the comments and reviews guys. The bar actually may be a bonus for me, I have just received a custom crossbow stock my xbow. It would be a good rest for it. I also hunt with a compund (only bow I have taken deer with), but loosing a little of the dedication to practice daily with it, so I have been slacking off messn with the xbow. I also hunt on private and conservation property. 2 of my stands last year got stolen off my private/permission land, where as the one on public land hasent been touched go figure.

The only worries i have about the climbers is the possible noise setting them up and taking them down.

Oh ya, the store I was getting it from have no more in stock and now stocking the Viper SS, im assuming its identical except for added padding for less noise and that. Still $60 cheaper then bass pro shops viper x5.

RE: Viper x5
 

I must say that the viper is actually a pretty quiet stand to use ,it's not 100% quiet ,but is much quieter than the other's that I've used .I think you'd actually be surprised .The most noise you'll get is actually getting it mounted to the tree ,but the climbing is very quiet .

nubo

RE: Viper x5
 

On my summit the bar folds back out of the way. I think it is a 4 but I am not sure.
D

RE: Viper x5
 

Can't go wrong with a "SUMMIT". I have a ViperX4 and love it, easy to use and safe and reliable. As for comfort, I can sit in my Viper for 6-8 hours with no problem of cramping or fatigue. GREAT STAND!

RE: Viper x5
 

Hey PSE, that's my land and it looks like you are getting ready to trespass on it. Smile for my trail cameras;)

RE: Viper x5
 

Yes, the Viper SS is the same stand as the X5 w/ the padding added. That alone is the only difference. The stand is very quiet and incredibly easy to climb. The rapid climb stirrups are the bomb!!!! It is soooo easy. W/ a little practice and just take your time, mounting the stand to the tree is very quiet. You make no noise at all while climbing, and try though I may, I couldn't get it to make any noise when I was at hunting height either. You will really, really, really like it. I promise.

RE: Viper x5
 

[quote]Hey PSE, that's my land and it looks like you are getting ready to trespass on it. Smile for my trail cameras;)


ACTUALLY THAT'S NOT ME, IT'S MY HUNTIN' BUDDY. THE "NO TRESPASSING" SIGN WAS ONE OF MANY THE LANDOWNER LET US POST HIS LAND AS WELL AS HAVE THE RIGHTS TO 1000 ACRES TO HUNT ON. OH, BY THE WAY, WE HAVE OUR OWN TRAIL CAMERAS.

RE: Viper x5
 

I have the Viper X4, I assume it's the same as the Viper X5, only a year different. The next size up is the Goliath I think. I'm 6'3' and weigh 270 and the Viper X4 is sturdy enough and built tough for me. No problems at all. Good investment!