Very honest/fair accessment mez. I'm not a big guy, 6'170lbs. So the stand size is OK for me. I mentioned the seat getting caught when I went to stand as well. That's whyIscrew in a tree hook behind/under the traction belt on the seat section. It can't drop down to the platform. Seriously, the only negative thing that can really be said about the LW is, it's not real comfortable for an all day sit. Period.

Hey Bob,I've just spent the last 10 minutes on their site (LW). I've owned a LW and I'm gonna buy another stand this week. So....far as I can see the yappy personal insult is simply another in the long line. You rarely miss a chance "buddy"

I'm FAR from bashing a product I may be getting ready tos pend my money on. I just want an HONEST assessment and not someone trying to justify their purchase. They ain't the cheapest stand in the tree, ya know.

OK, let's see.First of all, I don't know how comfy the new stands are. If you're referring to mine with the cushion, yes it's comfy for all day sits "for me". As far as what you lean back on, I would think the tree is the only thing behind you. And, I don't sleep on standbecause Ican't see deer coming whenI do that.Lastly, you don't have to spend a dime to sit ina LW. Go to a Cabela's, you can sit in one for free.

WOW!!!

1st bold underlined statement: Can you explain this one further, Mez. I don't understand this. MY summit doesn't creak or crack....so I don't know anything about the rest of your sentence. I had a cobra lock on that was noisy....but the viper isn't (or, mine isn't). I remember how solid the LW latform was.....and I agree it's solid.

What makes the LW easier to get on the tree than the summit? Don't you still have to take one side of the cable/straction belt out? Just trying to figure out how it's "easier".

How does the LW secure better to the tree?

"m 6'1"/198 Mez.....Is this stand too small for me?

That may end my questions.

I have both LW and Summit, as far as the big bulky Summit's go, I would chooes the LW hands down. My Summit openshot on the other handis as quit, as easy to use, as lite, climbs better, more comfort and cost me $189. Thats my honest assessment andFood for thought.

I have just bought a sit and climb and I had kind of the same thoughts. I had it packed up and ready to go back to the store.But, I thought I would give it some more time and practice. I used an API for about 6 years now and the LW is not as comfortable, but I did sit in it for about 4 hours last night over a bear bait and after I made a few adjustments to the seat, it was fine. I have the new style seat. My only gripe is that I am 5'10 and 225 and it is alittle tight for me. When I stood up my harness would catch on one or the other knobs that are used to secure the bars in the up position. Climbing took some getting used to since you are sitting lower and it seems that you are so close to the tree, but it is quieter, lighter, and packs and set up at the tree was quick and quiet. It also was really solid when In the tree. I do wish they would just include the bowholder grommet with the stand. Just my .02

Weight it. Another guy did, it was 16. He wasn't complaining, it was just that a big deal was made of it. Then you'll need the upgrades unless they've changed that, more weight.

I advise anyone who buys one to put your hands onit first. It's what changed my mind. I'd read all about it's atttributes and was convinced this thing was it, until I held one. Just the site of it with all the black straps hanging everywere gave me a shock. Pick up any catolog with stands in them (Just got cabela's archery) they stick out like no other.

As far as the rail goes, I have a similar style stand, come to find out I don't need it to climb. The seat can be move to the outer edge and be used in place of the rail. Now the seat is no longer in front of me when I climb, is much easier to climb with than the rail AND the rail is gone, more weight reduction. You should see if a LW can do the same.

Jeff -
I'm facing the same dilema as you, I plan on getting a new stand before the season. My summit is starting to crack (its an old model and they sent me a new platform last season), but now my top doesnt fit quite perfect... and its 7 yrs old.

I'm torn between getting a new summit and a LW. I've hunted both, and IMO the LW beats the Summit hands down in everything EXCEPT comfort. BUT this was w/ the old seat style, I havent used the new style yet.

Here is why I like the LW better:

1. It packs like a dream, and rides better on your back. I hate how the summit weight is down low on your back, you almost have to lean forward to be comfortable when walking, And some of my spots are close to 2 miles, so I like that.

2. Its a lot quiter set up. Period. Now I'm good w/ my summit, and have climbed a tree w/ a doe feeding 50 yrds away and she didnt bust me. But the LW if much easier to get on a tree and the tree straps are a better design (you can adjust in 1/2" increments, not the 5" like summit) Also theres no hollow tubes to clang.

3. The LW teeth grab a tree better. And the straps "teeth" grab better. I climb some Red oaks w/ smooth HARD bark, and its terrifying in a summit. I constantly slip. The LW grabs better on both contacts w/ the tree.

4. It was addressed earlier, but the LW stabilizer straps make the stand rock solid. When you sit down you have a two straps that run from the end of the seat to the base. When you tighten them it holds the two together perfectly. Cause when you standup the base flexes slightly and pulls on the seat holding it firmly in place.

5. I like the built in bow holder in the LW. Just handy to have when you get to the top, you dont have to hold your bow while you set everythng else up.

6. The bar in the LW is a better design IMO: Why? I like that it moves, I dont put it under the seat, I leave it out in front. Just bend it down so when I stand it just below my knees, I can stabilize myself on it for the shot (and that is huge help). OR when time for a snooze I bring it up to my chest and rest my head on it, pretty comfy w/ a hat or glove as cushion.

7. This is probly a huge one. The LW keeps you right up against the tree when you sit. Helping you blend in better. There no gap between you and the tree. When you stand up you can stand completely against the tree.


CONS of the LW:

1. Its slightly tricky to pack, this is probably because I was used to the Summit and I never watched the LW instrucitonal video (only borrowed it from my dad for a few hunts) But I found the summit tricky to pack quietly when I first got started...

2. The old seat of the LW is terrible. Especially compared to the Summit. I did an All day sit in the LW. By 1 pm I was ready to jump. I couldnt take it anymore. I had to stand up now and then so I could feel my bum and the boys again.

That being said, I think the pros of the LW outweigh the cons, If the new seat is more comfy that will help significantly. And I havent rulled out using the seat on my current Summit on a new LW. But I'll decide after I try the new LW.


Just my 2 cents, And I've used a summit for 7 years, which is why I'm torn, I hate to try something I've not proven to myself...

1. You have to take it out, but you have "unlimited options" in length, and you can put it in just a bit and it grabs, then adjust perfectly.

2. The stabilizer straps make a big difference, better teeth IMO..

3. Im 6-0 and 195, and I dont find it to small, its a little closer on the hips than the Summit, but thats better IMO (smaller profile)

Hope that helps.