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-   -   Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/bowhunting/273917-scariest-moment-stand-tonight.html)

Scott/IL 11-16-2008 05:58 PM

Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
I bought a Summit Viper earlier this year. I have used it about 4-5 times and wasn't quite sold on it. This was my first climber and I found it to be noisy, heavy, and hard to shoot out of. However, it was very comfortable and I really like being able to go into a new area hunt then leave.

Anyways, I took it out again tonight to a spot by my house. After not seeing anything I began to climb down after shooting light had come and gone. On my first move with the top portion, I felt it just give suddenly and me start to lose my balance. Luckily there was a limb right there so I just grabbed it and balanced myself again.

As I was trying to figure out what happened I realized that the cable had actually slipped to the next setting. No question about it I'm taking it right back to Cabelas and hoping to get store credit on it.

and no I was no longer attached to the tree. I wear a harnass while on the stand, but once I am climbing I detach it.

Bullet Hole Bailey 11-16-2008 06:00 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
SCARY!....yea if it does thatd Id take it right back!

virginiashadow 11-16-2008 06:04 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
"I wear a harness while on the stand, but once I am climbing I detach it."

I used to do the same, but this year I am strapped in and ready once I begin to climb or descend.

jim1966 11-16-2008 06:05 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
Glad it turned out ok.

PA Hardwoods 11-16-2008 06:06 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
So i hope you realize that you need to stay attached to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground when using your climbing stand. Climbing up or down is when most climbing stand accidents do happen. I know its a pain to slide that harness and rope up and down the tree but its your life your talking about and that should be worth everything.

gri22ly 11-16-2008 06:07 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
Wow, glad to here your ok. Good luck. So the cable stop gaveway andslipped to the next setting? Or did the notch give way and let the cable stop slip through it?

early in 11-16-2008 06:11 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: Illinois Buck Hunter

No question about it I'm taking it right back to Cabelas and hoping to get store credit on it.

You will have no problem at all doing this. Their return policy can not be beaten. I'm glad you didn't get hurt!;)

GMMAT 11-16-2008 06:14 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

and no I was no longer attached to the tree. I wear a harnass while on the stand, but once I am climbing I detach it.
Boo.

I've used a summit viper probably 130 times. I've NEVER had anything like this happen. Never. I actually don't see a way it COULD happen. Either the stand wasn't set properly....OR...the knuckle on the cable had to become detached (for it to slip). If your cable isn't broken....I'd bet on the former.

MdDave 11-16-2008 06:16 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
not callin you a liar but i dont see how that happened.. why do you think its hard to shoot out of???? the noise part,, yes it is noisy when you first start usin it.. the more you use it the more you get acustomed to it the less noise you make....

captainron62 11-16-2008 06:25 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
some folks just arent comfortable with climbers. I am one of them, maybe he is as well. If you do not feel safe in it, do not use it. But if you do use it, use your harness up and down. lots of silly little things can go wrong with climbers. over 90% of it is operator error. lots of steps when you are in a hurry to get huntin'!

Scott/IL 11-16-2008 06:30 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
I really don't know how it happened. I sat in it for nearly four hours tonight with only one notch out on each side. It never gave way or anything while it was attached or while I was climbing up. I even had to climb back down when I first got settled because I had forgotten my release on the ground. So after climbing up then down and then againback up it was all the good. So I really am clueless as to what happened. All I know is when I checked it out after that there were 2 notches out.

The main reason I went with Summit was because I have always heard good things about their safety, so this definantly isn't something that is common with their products, as I have never heard anything in a negative light about them as far as safety goes.

MdDave---Unless the deer is nearly directly in front of me it seems my lower limb is banging against the railing. Maybe I'm just used to hang ons with no railing I don't know. As far as noise is, I know they are part of the game with climbers. My brother in law has a Viper too, and loves it.

PA Hardwoods---You don't have to tell me twice now. I'm lucky it happened where it did, and I was able to keep my balance. If in the future I venture out in the climbing stand market and purchase another one I will definantly be attached to the tree from first step up to last step down.

GMMAT 11-16-2008 07:11 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

MdDave---Unless the deer is nearly directly in front of me it seems my lower limb is banging against the railing. Maybe I'm just used to hang ons with no railing I don't know. As far as noise is, I know they are part of the game with climbers. My brother in law has a Viper too, and loves it.
YOU have total control over where you place your upper stand portion. Position your seat high enough...and you won't have the rail/limb issues.

Also....think LOGICALLY about what you're saying occurred. How could it "slip"? Did the knuckle come loose from the cable? That's the only way this could happen (other than the metal receiver bending and allowing the knuckle to slide through it).

If you didn't have the knuckle seated correctly....it might still climb fine (due to friction).

Like I said....think about it logically. If the knuckle didn't come loose from the cable...and the receiver didn't bend open and allow it to slide through.....then you didn't have it seated properly before you ascended.

Scott/IL 11-16-2008 07:31 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: GMMAT


MdDave---Unless the deer is nearly directly in front of me it seems my lower limb is banging against the railing. Maybe I'm just used to hang ons with no railing I don't know. As far as noise is, I know they are part of the game with climbers. My brother in law has a Viper too, and loves it.
YOU have total control over where you place your upper stand portion. Position your seat high enough...and you won't have the rail/limb issues.

Also....think LOGICALLY about what you're saying occurred. How could it "slip"? Did the knuckle come loose from the cable? That's the only way this could happen (other than the metal receiver bending and allowing the knuckle to slide through it).

If you didn't have the knuckle seated correctly....it might still climb fine (due to friction).

Like I said....think about it logically. If the knuckle didn't come loose from the cable...and the receiver didn't bend open and allow it to slide through.....then you didn't have it seated properly before you ascended.
My knees were already touching the bottom of the rail, so I don't see how I could lower it anymore.

Also, I'm in no way am I trying to come off as pushing the blame on Summit or their product. Like I said, I bought aSummit, because ofthe positive things I had heard about the safety of the Vipers.I watched the DVD and practiced with it numerous times just climbing 5 feet up then back down. But this was only my 5th or 6th time withhunting with it, so a mishap on my part is definantly possible. I understand what you are saying about the knuckle having to come through there. I've looked at it and the only thing I figured is somehow it wasn't locked all the way, or the mechanism that locks it somehow was tripped while I was sitting or getting ready for my climb down.

Regardless of what happened or how it happened the knuckle still slipped, andit was enough to scare thecrap out of me. I would prefer to sit in a hang on or a ladder stand that has ratchet straps holding it on and a climbing stick/ladder leading up to it.

The only reason I bought the climber was our farm is being logged this year, and it was convenient to work around the loggers with it.

Primitive Weapon 11-16-2008 07:44 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
I've had 2 summits....a 180 and a Goliath (currently using). Both attached the same way as the Viper. I'm not even sure how this could happen. Did the "fitting" or "lug" (for lack of a better term) give way or did it slip thru the slot that is suppose to stop it?

solocamcan 11-16-2008 07:53 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: gri22ly

Wow, glad to here your ok. Good luck. So the cable stop gaveway andslipped to the next setting? Or did the notch give way and let the cable stop slip through it?
That's the stupidest design on a climber I've ever seen. There is NO WAY I'd get any climber that didn't usesome sort oflocking pin.

MichiganWhitetails74 11-16-2008 07:53 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
Not sure..But hearing more and more about accidents in the tree. I have more anxiety now than ever. Just because of the stories and friends that I've had fall from a tree. Serious Injuries..

I wear it all..but the bottom line...you gotta be careful...and strap in immediately before you start to fumble with the gadgets. We do this stuff in the dark guys. Always have your had on straight when you're reaching onto the platform.

Most importantly - Trees with ice on them are deadly. Although I'm in Michigan.

djs06dc5 11-16-2008 07:53 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
here's my take on this as i have (an older version) Viper.

noisy - a little bit, but i've never spooked a deer while climbing. in fact i've been in a situation twice where i've had deerin my area (within 50y)as i was climbing and didnt spook.

heavy - somewhat, mine is heavy only when my pack is hooked onfor the walk in/out.

hard to shoot out of - not for me anyways. when i get to my desired height i take my bow and move around in the drawn position to make sure i've got clearance in all directions.

as far as the cable moving to the next setting, i think that is due to operator mistake.

alwaysbe attached to the tree!!! i connect/disconnect with my feet on the ground.

i love my viper. only reason i'd replace it is if...couldn't think of one.

good luck with your choice if you replace it with another climber/brand.


mofireman 11-16-2008 08:08 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
Wow, definitely some defensive Summit owners here huh?

FWIW Illinois, I believe you. I have no reason not to. Continue to be careful my friend.

HOGHUNTINGUNLIMITED 11-16-2008 08:16 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
That would be pretty scary! Hope Cabelas takes it back!

gri22ly 11-16-2008 08:31 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: solocamcan


ORIGINAL: gri22ly

Wow, glad to here your ok. Good luck. So the cable stop gaveway andslipped to the next setting? Or did the notch give way and let the cable stop slip through it?
That's the stupidest design on a climber I've ever seen. There is NO WAY I'd get any climber that didn't usesome sort oflocking pin.
Mine has some sort of locking pin and it locks in just fine.[:-] Solo, do you know Dustan Griffin?

usmc1978 11-16-2008 08:33 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
I bought a Summit stand to have for guests who come hunt, and for a spare. I don't like the Summit cable system; it didn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling, although I've not used the stand enough to know how/why the cable could slip to the next notch. I have an API I bought in the mid-90s, which I have full confidence in. It uses chains, and a locking pin goes through the chain link and snaps in place. The only way that thing is coming off is if the pin or the chain break.

Re: the harness, you need to wear that harness all the time. Once I was in a climber, facing the tree and sitting on the seat unit's safety bar. I must have put foot pressure on the foot platform near the tree, while at the same time the foot platform wasn't dug into the tree very good, because the next thing I know that foot platform was gone---about 8' down the tree (the length of the rope tying the two together). I didn't fall and obviously recovered, but you can see how it could have been bad had I fallen and not been wearing the harness.

solocamcan 11-16-2008 08:34 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: gri22ly


ORIGINAL: solocamcan


ORIGINAL: gri22ly

Wow, glad to here your ok. Good luck. So the cable stop gaveway andslipped to the next setting? Or did the notch give way and let the cable stop slip through it?
That's the stupidest design on a climber I've ever seen. There is NO WAY I'd get any climber that didn't usesome sort oflocking pin.
Mine has some sort of locking pin and it locks in just fine.[:-] Solo, do you know Dustan Griffin?
Nope....that's what Im sayin, a locking pin of some sort is a must, I wouldn't trust a "tension" type cable.

gri22ly 11-16-2008 08:55 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: solocamcan


ORIGINAL: gri22ly


ORIGINAL: solocamcan


ORIGINAL: gri22ly

Wow, glad to here your ok. Good luck. So the cable stop gaveway andslipped to the next setting? Or did the notch give way and let the cable stop slip through it?
That's the stupidest design on a climber I've ever seen. There is NO WAY I'd get any climber that didn't usesome sort oflocking pin.
Mine has some sort of locking pin and it locks in just fine.[:-] Solo, do you know Dustan Griffin?
Nope....that's what Im sayin, a locking pin of some sort is a must, I wouldn't trust a "tension" type cable.
Ya.....that's what Im sayin, mine has a locking pin, it's not a "tension" type cable.


Texgrebby87 11-16-2008 09:10 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
Well While we are talking about it...

To night I was moving my stand to another stand tree, and my bottom was about 5 foot off the ground when I totally lost and and it went down the rest of the way with out me So there I am 8feet up still just sitting on the bark trying to grip the tree with my knees and lumber jack down... that didnt work out so well so I took off my camo utlity belt, like a white trash batman, and set it on the seat and let myself down threw the hole and jumped to the ground... So i got the stand appart and got moved...

anothter wonderful time in a treestand I had was about 3 weeks ago when we had 25mph winds... and your only moving about 3 inches each way but it feels like the whole is going over.

lastly on a but of a creepy note....
about 4 weeks ago I was up in the tree and there was little to no wind and I heard all hell break loose under me in the leaves and this stick was moving by itself... I have never made the sign of the cross and said the prayer of Saint Michael so fast in my life, well actually I have before but never in the woods....

every now and then i get paranoid in the woods... but then again you might two if you have ever read Algernon blackwood's wendigo...

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10897...-h/10897-h.htm

MATHEWS PA BOWHUNTER 11-16-2008 09:35 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: PA Hardwoods

So i hope you realize that you need to stay attached to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground when using your climbing stand. Climbing up or down is when most climbing stand accidents do happen. I know its a pain to slide that harness and rope up and down the tree but its your life your talking about and that should be worth everything.

X2 i couldn't agree more

moose1915 11-16-2008 10:43 PM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
i have several summits, from new to old and i must say i HATE the new cable stop system; i think the "hinged flaps" work ALOT better.

Jimimac 11-17-2008 03:07 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 

ORIGINAL: moose1915

i have several summits, from new to old and i must say i HATE the new cable stop system; i think the "hinged flaps" work ALOT better.
Yeah....Well, I have the old style and one time when I was climbing out of a particularly gnarly tree that required a lot ofplatform movement to work my way down, one of those "hinged flaps" must have caught on something and became unhinged. Next thing I know, I'm trying to get the platform to seat against the tree, but it just won't do it. Strange I think, until I realize that my climber cable is now only attached on one side and I'm basically hanging in the air by the hand climber. I ended up dropping the platform to the ground, then jumping clear of my hand climber to the ground below since I had no other choice. Scary moment.

Stuff happens out there. I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon and immediately start in with the operator error stuff.

Jimimac 11-17-2008 03:14 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
BTW...I drilled a small hole through the flap and attached a cotter pin to a length of cord that Islide through the flap once I have my cable length set. It prevents the hinge from moving to the open position. Also, on those old style Summits, sometimes that hinge gets sloppy fromuseage, so at the very least, check them out and make sure it fits sng when in the closed position. If not, get out your pliers and make sure it does.

Wonder why they ever went away from the hinged design? :eek:

Jimimac 11-17-2008 03:17 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
One more thing. My buddy accomplishes the same thing with wire ties to prevent the hinge from opening in an unforseen situation.

jmbuckhunter 11-17-2008 04:58 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
That'll make your heart skip a beat. Glad you were able to hang on and stay safe.

y2khog 11-17-2008 06:55 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
For those that have ever dropped the platform portion of their stand, Summit tells us to make sure and tie the climber and platform together before climbing. I have a small rope tied to my platform with the other tied to a plastic covered metal hook. The hook is bent such that it kinda snaps over the cross brace at the back of the sit and climb section. Rope length is only a little longer than my normal sit and climb distance. This way the platform can never fall farther than I can reach will sitting on the climber. And yes, always always stay attached to the tree until safely on the ground.

virginiashadow 11-17-2008 07:01 AM

RE: Scariest moment in a stand TONIGHT
 
I've used my current Summit for 3 years with the same type of locking system. No problems whatsoever.


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