man, I feel so confident with my API shooting star that it's the only stand I'll let my 12 yr. old son climb in and i'll buy another API this year for him. He feels safe in the stand and it is stable and quiet.

Haven't tried any API other then my strap on and like its weight (7 lb.). Use an Ol' Man Original and really like it. It is heavier then my Loggy climber (by only a couple pounds) but much easier to pack (folds flat). Go with what you feel comfortable with.
PS. Welcome to the forum.

Edited by - IroquoisArcher on 01/22/2002 13:49:16

I have the API GS Bowhunter, but would go with Summit. It bites into tree better, doesn't have shrink tubing that breaks off and needs replacing every year, has a better carrying strap that doesn't fall off your shoulders, doesn't need stabilizing strap put on that just takes time and is noisy, and no pins to lose. My buddy has a Summit, and I will get one myself when the budget allows.

I have tried many many climber, and far and way the finest I have ever tried is the summit viper, but any of the new summit stands are outstanding! I highly recomend them.

TAKE YOUR KIDS HUNTING AND YOU WON'T BE HUNTING FOR YOUR KIDS

Hey NYWhitetailHunter, don't let the little orange moderator tag under PaBowhntr's name intimidate you one bit.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> I have an Ol Man and love it. API makes a good line of stands though, but I can't tell ya how they are cause I've never sat in one. But you can't go wrong with Ol Man either.

You can't go wrong with any of Summits climbers. The API is a nice stand, but I like my Summits much more...they fell more stable and my Bushmaster only weighs 16lbs.

SUMITT COBRA !!!!!! LIGHTER , EASIER AND MORE QUIET ! MY BUDDY HAS THE API BOW HUNTER AND I HAVE USED IT . IT WAS NICE BUT HE AND I BOTH AGREE MINE IS THE WAY TO GO.

SUMITT COBRA !!!!!! LIGHTER , EASIER AND MORE QUIET ! MY BUDDY HAS THE API BOW HUNTER AND I HAVE USED IT . IT WAS NICE BUT HE AND I BOTH AGREE MINE IS THE WAY TO GO.

I'll second that. My brother had the API Bowhunter, and I have the Summit Cobra. He sold the API a couple weeks ago, after the season, and is getting a Cobra for next year.
My father tried them both, and bought the Summit Viper, since he needed it for gun season. Awesome stand.

I use the API shooting star and think it's a great stand for either archery or rifle. The rifle rest folds under the seat for archery to give you a good size platform to hunt off. Weight of the stand is 21lbs.