I have the Realtree Summit Viper. Just got it this year and am undecided on it thus far.

PROS: It is solid as a rock in the tree. I have used it several times now and have never had it slip on me. It is very simple to attach to the tree, and climb with.

CONS: I walked 3/4 a mile last night and by the time I reached the tree I planned on getting into I was sick and tired of the bottom of the stand scraping the back of the legs as I walked. A little heavy, but not to bad. I do pack a light fanny pack instead of the backpack when carrying it though.

I looked at the Open Shot as well, but decided against it. I think this Viper version is right around the same price range anyways, and it gave me a better feeling of safety.

I have personally never been a fan of climbers.While they are convenient, I feel they add extra noise and work to your hunt. However, I bought mine this year, since I am going to have to be hunting around a logging company daily. After the year, I will probably look into selling it.

I have hunted out of a climber 49 times this season alone. I own a Summit Viper....but I hunt out of the LW sit and climb I bought this year.....now...almost 100% of the time.

Just do this....

Go somewhere that sells the LW sit and climb (or the hand climber) and put it on your back. That'll likely be all it takes. I did order the padded straps from Grey Wolf Woolen, and Id suggest that if you go the LW route. They make a real difference.

My LW sit and climb packs to 5" in depth.....and rides high enough on your back that it's extremely comfortable.

Rob's always been high on his Ol Man stands.....but 30#'s is a LOT of weight when you pack a climber in and out every day. The Pro series of that stand??? I'm interested in it myself (to maybe replace my Summit).....but I need to hear from someone who's used it in the lighter material to know if it has any inherent issues. For example....the steel version of the Summit Viper is (I'm sure) "quieter" than the aluminum version. But....you sacrifice weight. That's just one example.....but it's definitely a stand I'm looking forward to hearing what Rob says about (when he gets the pro series).

I may also look at the Equalizer stands. Go to their website. It looks like a solid stand, also.

For now, though.....I'm hunting 8-10 times a week (morning and evening) and climbing in ever one of thse sits. If I thought there was a better climber ou tthere than my LW sit and climb......ya think I'd have gotten one of em? When the season's said and done....I'll have likely climbed ....maybe 80 (???)times ......THIS YEAR!

Summit Open Shot

Summit razor. Works like an open shot or leave the bar up if you're rifle/ML hunting. Light, safe COMFORTABLE

Josh, take a look at these www.treewalkerstands.com . They are a liitle over what you want to spend but well worth it. I got one a couple of weeks ago and love it. Their stands hook together, no straps needed to hold them together,no sound at all once they are together. They weigh 16lb, rated at 350lb, stick to a tree extremely well(they have bolts ground to a point for tree contact) I literally have to wiggle it out of the tree to get it loose. Very easy to climb with and the net seat is all day sit comfortable. The best thing is they are made in the good ol' U.S.A.

I have personally used a lone wolf one time. There is just no way I can EVER justify spending almost $400 on a tree stand. I know, I'll spend $800 on a new bow - But I use the climber at most, 5 - 10 times a season.

You're right. The Lone Wolf line probably isn't the best line for you.

Like I said earlier....if I only climbed a few times a year.....I'd get a stand like ROb has (Ol Man).....because of the quality that's apparent (Rob loves his)......and I'd give up the weight issue (only climbing 5-10 times.....who cares?) for PRICE. They're under $200, I think.

I bought my first climbing stand ever, last season. A trusted friend and fellow hunter told me to look at the Lone Wolf stands. He had purchased the Hand climber and simply loved it. After looking his over, my decision was made. I purchased a LW Hand climber.

Pro's: Lightweight, One piece cast aluminum base (no squeaking), effortless to attach to tree, sturdy as any stand I've ever sat in.

Con: Price. But I've learned through the years that you usually get what you pay for. That is the case with this stand. Notice I haven't bashed any other stands? That's because I have never used another. But the LW is the Real Deal.

Well, I was heading down to basspro to check out stands, when I decided to look on craigslist. Found a viper brand new in the box, never even put together for $100. I will look at the old man and the others after season, but for now, I've got my stand.

If you are 215lbs or under Summit Viper SS
Over 215lbs look into a Summit Goliath or Titan