Goliath or Viper XLS
 

I' m getting a new stand and have narrowed it down to either the Summit Goliath or Viper XLS. The only differences I see with the Goliath is it weights 2lbs. more, has a weight capacity of 50lbs. more and the seat is 2" deeper and 1/2" thicker. In most catalogs it cost $40 more. I was wondering if the main rail(?) is any wider or deeper or any other differences and why it would have a 50lb. higher rating. I am 6' 3 and weigh 225. Thanks for any help.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

The main rail is thicker and has more bracing and for a big guy it' s more comfortable. I' m 290 lbs and my viper collapsed with me last year. I sent it to summit and they gave me the goliath. I have a lot more confidence in the goliath. At your weight, I' d think either tree stand would be fine and comfortable.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

Thanks for the info rockytop, I think I' ll be on the safe side and get the Goliath.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

I think you will be very happy with the goliath. While I am not a large person, weighing in at 175 lbs, when I am fully decked out in my late season cold weather gear, I wish I had the extra room of the goliath to move around in.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

I am curious as to why you narrowed it down to these two particular Summit models. The reason I am interested is simply because I recently picked up a Revolution and would like to hear others thoughts on it in comparison to the stands already mentioned.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

Those would be my two choices as well, and like you, I' m a big guy as well and I' d think I' d go with the Goliath just for the extra weight capacity and sturdier construction as well!! I like that front padded bar in front for two reasons. (1) when standing to make the shot, you can lean out against that front bar, and it acts like a safety restraint. (2) when climbing, you can sit back on that front rail, making it a more comfortable way to climb a tree.
For the life of me, I don' t know how some people can only shoot while sitting down? Look at how many shot opportunitys your missing by sitting down!!! And by standing, that front safety bar is a god send in my book!!;)

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

I have used both and really love them. The goliath is bigger in the rails/wider longer. It' s a tad harder to climb with for me, but mostly becuase I am not all that big, 5' 10 200lbs, but I like the extra room and comfort the goliath provides. I think wich ever way you go you will love the stands.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

I am 5' 8" and a pretty solid 200lbs. I can' t imagine why anyone would buy a Viper instead of a Goliath. I am not swimming in mine by any means and in the cold days of shotgun season I have plenty of clothes on but still can work the stand very easily.

For not much more money you get a stronger, bigger stand that is only 2 lbs heavier. I wouldn' t trade my Goliath for anything. I can climb fast as monkey and quiet as a mouse in it..........with my harness on I have 100% confidence in my saftey at any huntable height. I took my first archery deer ever last year from 25 feet up.........and I am not real crazy about heights.


Great stand..............period.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

PABowhntr, what maytom said, I considered the Revolution,and it looks like a great stand, but the bar across the front sold me. This will be my first climber in many years, I had a Baker(death trap) climber back in the early ' 80' s that killed me on climbers for years. I have used mainly ladders since then if I' m using a portable.

RE: Goliath or Viper XLS
 

Interesting thoughts JKT. I have heard many times how folks rule out the stands with the bar in front simply because they are worried about clearance when shooting out of the stand with a bow. This is the first time I have heard someone say that they chose the stand to bowhunt out of partly because of the bar.

I have an API Bowhunter that I bought several years back simply because of the design and lack of front bar. As I stated in my previous post I recently picked up the Revolution though it was a tough decision between it and the Cobra model. I had not even considered any of the " bar on front" models. I would be interested to hear your comments after you get to hunt out of the stand a bit. It might offer some proof to help dispell that misconception.