Never used one. I posted a thread two years ago on this thing and couldn't decided. Now that I'm in my young 30s and sitting on day in the stand cant be brutal in a hang on. I finally coughed up the 300$ to get climber. My plans are going to use it as a semi-permanent stand. ratchet the bottom and with peg screws to climb up to it. Then just lower the top and sit. Anyone else do this? I don't like the fact of carrying this in or out or the noise to do this in the morning and teh danger of climbing up and down in the morning.

I've done it with old, heavy climbers but would not leave my Summit in the woods (Theives and squirrels).

i've done it with old beater climbers. would never do it with nice stuff, to many people out there stealin stands and cameras.. my buddy is selling me his once he gets it welded for only $120. its a summit viper ss. i can't wait. i heard they are the Cadillac of climbers

I agree. Do not leave the stand out for any length of time. Theft is an issue for sure, but so is damage to the cloth by squirrels andweathering. As far as the quality of a Summit climber, I have 2 Vipers and like them a lot. They are simple, quiet and sturdy. A bit on the heavy side but not not an issue for me because I seldom treck in farther than about 1 1/2 mil these days.

Not sure how much you have hunted from climbers, ladders or such ... but be sure to use a quality fall restraint harness. There are very good ones out there these days for under $100.

I will use a harness 100% of the time. I hunt a old kansas farm and have stands up for 5 years ladder mostly and some hang ons. Possibly could take the upper part and drop it and just leave the base strapped to stand. Cant wait to use it.