I sorta figured that went without saying. Are they attached? I was actually talking about securing the upper portion to the tree. Some people said this was necessary.

Only reason I'd want the sit and climb is for the rail. I've been known to go in VERY early....and I'd sleep better knowing that rail was there.

The top and bottom are attached by a strap. You can undo it on the way up, or loosen it so you dont accidently drop the bottom.

I did like the rail for safety, my summit is open...

If I get a summit it wont be one w/ a rail. I've been forced to shoot sitting down before, and the rail on a summit would make that difficult. The LW can be moved down...

Yeah, I actually did... notwithstanding fatsbucknut's point (there'll ALWAYS be that type in any crowd, and I know exactly what you mean...), I think of people like Andre and Adam Hays, Todd Pringnitz, Dan Infalt and a lot of the other guys that just breathe "hardcore" to me... And yes, I'm well aware of ALL their connections to the stand, obviously.

I never said I shouldn't feel that way, and that's why I prefaced it by saying 'admitted prejudices and preconceived notions"... perhaps I shouldn't have even included that last comment in there so as to not take away from anything else I wrote, but it IS true so I thought I'd add it. Heck, we've got to have something to talk about for another 15 days or so!

And looking at your question again after my post popped up... it has nothing to do with the discomfort as much as the WILLINGNESS to put up with the discomfort (or maybe I should say the willingness to forego feeling like you're sitting in a La-Z-boy recliner) to GAIN the other advantages that separate the two stands when thinking about which one offers the best chance of getting in further, and with absolute silence.

I'm 5' 11 240 lbs I think the stand is cozy, definitely quiet...definitely light...I also own a summit which doesn't get much use anymore

I'm inclined to buy this stand.....just to see what all the fuss is about. It's quieter (can't imagine)......hell it's "everything" better except comfort. Plus....I'll automatically be elevated to "More hardcore hunter" status.

Does it fend off lesser bucks......in lieu of larger animals....worthy of walking under it?

I can't wait!

I don't think that it is so much better I just prefer it more.. That's JMO

I didn't tell you it's got infrared controls in it that guide your arrows through your quarry's heart with unerring accuracy. That's just a bonus.


In all seriousness though, knowing your likes over the years, I'll be surprised if you like it.

Now you have me even MORE intrigued. Here I am ready to pull the trigger (CC in hand) and you tell me that.

Why not me? I HATED the LW Alpha lock on. HATED it. But....I hear the sit and climb has come a LONG, LONG ways in the comfort dept.

"It's for "more hardcore" hunters......but Jeff....knowing your likes over the years.....I'll be surprised if you like it????"

Damn...I don't know how to take that!....

It's all personal preference. I feel Ol'man is the best/quietest/easiest use/best packing/most comfortable stand on the market. I sold a Summit to buy a second Ol'man.

I garuantee none of you can get up a tree faster or quieter than I can in my Ol'man.