Hi I would like some advice on which Climber to buy this summer. I am looking at the Lone Wolf sit down climber or the Summit sit down climber, probably the Viper. I have never used a climber, so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,

I really like API treestands, I dont have any experience with Lone Wolf stands, but have used Summit. It worked well and set up easily, I just like the chain on the API better than Summits cable system. Try to borrow a few and see what you like best.

If you are new to climbing you might be best served with a climber with the wraparound bar.........that way you can " Sit down Stand Up" style of climbing which is very easy and safe. Climber stands are probably some of the safest as they easily allow you to connect your safety harness/rope at the bottom and as you climb you just slide it along as you go. With each move you make up the tree,when you lock your platform down your hands are free to move your safety rope ahead of you.

I' ve played with the Lone Wolfs and own Summit. The Lone Wolf' s are nice.....they are very light, not confortable with the platform seat, and the platform itself flexes(at least under my weight) I just didn' t feel safe with one.

Honestly the Summit climbers are the ONLY stands I' ve ever used that make me almost totally at ease being 22ft up a tree. Rock solid....a tad heavy depending upon model, but they aren' t going to shift, flex or do anything when you are up there. With my " Goliath XLS" I feel Like I' m standing on my living room floor. I' m tall so the bar in front is of little concern for bowhunting....I just set it a little lower than I would for rifle hunting. The braided steel cables are rated to over 8,000lbs and they can' t bind or pinch, and there are no links to worry about like the API chain stands........API' s are a nice stand I just could never get past those links.

I added a thermal mat on the platform,a footrest, and a front gear bag and it ends up like sitting in a Lazy Boy. These stands are so comfortable that you just sort of melt into the seats.
I would highly recommend any of the cable style climbers from Summit.

Models to check if you want a front bar would be the Viper XLS, Goliath XLS
Without the bar, the most comfy stand is the Cobra XLS, and the Bushmaster is pretty comfy but without the sling style seat so its not AS comfortable as the others......but its a nice economical choice and a good one for bowhunting.
Summit also has the new " Bullet" stand which is a climber with a fold down design so that it packs flat on your back.....

I' d say play with a bunch if you can, but I' d be willing to bet you find your way out the door with a Summit.

I have a viper and agree with everything Matt had to say. The only thing I will add is the Viper is rather bulky on your back but is manageable. The new version that folds down I would have to assume is easier to backpack but I don' t know how stable it is being the sides collaspe down for backpacing. Being the sides arn' t welded it seems like it would almost have to flex when you put your weight out on the corner. The Vice Pres. of Summit posts here often enough so maybe he will shed some more light on the new model.
As far as API, I have used them also and didn' t like the chain, just seems it' s subsustable to break a link. I just feel safer in a Summit.

Thanks for the information. Looks like I will be leaning towards the Summit.

I used a Summit Viper XLS last year and was extremely pleased. It feels very light and comfortable packing in and is very comfortable after you get up the tree.....This stand is quiet......I have never heard a squeak out of it while climbing or sitting....You will be extremley pleased with the service you get from the factory if you ever contact them.......I' m sold on the Summit..............

Can' t speak for Lone Wolf, but I enjoy my Summit Cobra.

Can`t go wrong with a Summit. I have two and I enjoy using them both.

I have the Summit Bushmaster and it is a very good, solid stand - but if I were to buy a new stand today it would be the Lone Wolf. The Summit stands tend to be somewhat noisy when packing in, setting up, and climbing/descending. This is mostly due to the cable rattling around in the hollow aluminum tubing. Walking through brush with the stand on your back also makes noise (from the brush scraping the stand).

I have never used a lone wolf stand, but I can say without hesitation that the Summit stands I own are excellent in every way. They are comfortable, quiet stable and very comfortable. I have tried a lot of differnt tree stands over the years, and the Summits with the cable attachment are far and away the best I have seen. They also have outstanding customer service. I promise you that you will be very happy with what ever Summit you choose.