I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

Everyone' s good reviews of the summit climbing stands have convinced me it' s worth the investment. Now I need to try and make a choice on which one.
I want to use this for archery and rifle season, weight and ease of carrying is a mild concern although I would not need to carry it in and out every day. I' m only 5' 2" so I don' t need a lot of room (my 20 X 25" chain on is ok). I' ve decided that I want the bar around me for safety (and peace of mind). That leaves 4 possibilities that I see. Does anyone have any pros/cons for any of these stands? Thanks for your help.


Bullet Backpacker - 21 lbs, 20 X 29, no footrest, sit and stand climber. Says it folds flat.

Mini Viper - 18lbs, 20 X 25 platform, no footrest, doesn' t say how well it folds up, sit and stand climber.

Viper Ultra - 22 lbs, 20 X 29, footrest, sit and stand, optional pivoting gun rest, not sure how well it folds up

Viper XLS - 20 lbs, 20 X 29 platform, no footrest, sit and stand with wraparound bar that is adjustable so they say it can be used as a gun rest. How well does it fold up?

one last thing - the footrest looks like it could really be an added benefit for comfort - anyone have any experience with this?

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

The Bullet folds up, the others you mentioned do not.

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

CougarMag - this may be a dumb question -but how do you transport the others? Do they have backpack straps and just don' t fold up real easily or do you have to try to fold them together yourself and use bungy cords?

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

the foot portion fits into the seat portion, then you use the attached backback straps. They are not flat, the risers and cables still stick up (or out when on your back). The risers on the backpacker series fold flat and do not stick out while carrying it. Everything on the vipers are in a fixed position, except the seat height can be varied by adjusting the straps that attach it to the stand.

I think you can buy a foot rest for any of the stands.

none of them are a bad choice, head to a nearby store and try them out and go with the one you feel most comfortable in.

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

I have recently purchased the Vipor classic which they sell at our local Dicks sporting goods which cost me about $180.00. Best purchase that I have made as far as stands go. I have used it 4 times this year and it took some time to get used to climbing and packing it together but now I have it down to science. I highly recommend it.

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

I have the viper xls, i bought my son one to. If you are going to be packing in pretty far i would go with the fold up, if your not then the regular stand would be suitable for you needs...
good luck with your descision.....

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

The vipers don' t fold flat but they fit together nicely and pack well because nothing sticks above your head to grab limbs and such. All of the summits are great climbers. They have should straps that could use some padding. I' ve carried mine for a couple of miles and it didn' t bother me.

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

Jerseyjoe - I checked on the Viper Classic - seems like a good stand for quite an affordable price - I just can' t seem to find any specs on it - like weight, platform size, etc. I did find one place where I could get it for $160 with no shipping - that sounds like a very good price. I' m just trying to figure out why it' s $50+ less than the other summit' s - is it size or is it just last year' s model? Thanks.

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

the viper xls doesn' t have any adjustable bars on it , if you want the one with all the bells and whistles you have to get the viper ultra or you can add the foot and gun reats on later , which ever one you choose you won' t be disappointed , i have the viper xls and i' m only 5' 3"

RE: I' ve decided on a summit - but which one?
 

Rumor has it that the newer backpack models Bullet and Broadhead models squeek do to having the moving parts. Yes they do fold down and have moving parts but I can' t say 100% if they squeek for sure.