Tree climber/advice:please help
 

:eek: Christmas is coming and my boy Joe, gave a subtlle hint he was looking for a climber=type stand from Santa Jim. I'm on the dark side of these devices but I know that of utmost concern to me is the safety issue. Tell me your experience as to brands, models and approximate cost. I'm interested in hearing about good and bad experiences so that Santa can make the wise choice for his best friend and hunting partner. I thank you in advance for your time, knowledge and concern.;)

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

API makes a climber like an old Buckshot. That is IMO the easiest to use.
Make sure he ties the parts together when climbing and uses a safety harness ALWAYS. Around $200.00?

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Summit stands ranging from $170 to $270 depending upon model.

Ol Man from $160 up to $350.

Lone Wolf from $270 to $290.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Anything from API, Summit and Ol' Man would be great choices. Prices anywhere from $150 - $400. Take your choice.


BTW, sounds like a good Christmas is in store for Joe. Weren't you just asking about new bows? Good luck.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

No, he bought himself a nice Vortec late last season and has been having great success ever since. I'm just a mailman and I can assure you our wages have their limits.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Stay away from API, they are made by the slant eyes and have been getting lots of recalls....

I bought my son a Summit Viper Classic........I works great, I hunt from it when he's not using it.

I just ordered me a Summit Goliath this morning, got it for $225 new in the box, they run $279 in Cabela's and Bass Pro........

I know where you can get most of the other models that Summit has for about $199..........PM me and I'll fill you in.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

:(

Sadly enough that probably makes them even better, that is if the car industry is of any comparison [:'(]

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I bought a Summit Viper XLS this year and it is by far the best stand I have ever used. It is extremely comfortable and really grips the tree. I have had two other Summit stands prior to this one and they were great stands also but they have really made some great improvements in their stands over the years.

I forgot to mention that each one comes with the SOP harness included. It's one of the best safety harnesses out there!

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I would definatly recommend a Summit. I own a Bushmaster and it is the best stand I have ever owned. They are a great company as well, customer service is great and they know how to treat loyal customers, I will never own another brand of stand.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I would recommend the Summit line also. My first climber was a Summit, I then moved to an API, then to a Lone Wolf and finally back to a new Summit Viper XLS. The old API's were great stands but they are being made overseas now and have been involved in some recalls. Lone Wolf makes an excellent stand but I found it too uncomfortable for long hunts. The stand was just too small for me. For me the Summit was the best choice. It combines comfort, ease of use and most importantly safety.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Yeah that's why some models are on recall..........

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I doubt they are designed by the... what did you call them... oh yeah, "slant eyes".

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

:) Keep em' coming friends! Santa Jim is getting itchy to get this major gift secured and ready for my steel-nerved son, Joe. Would'nt it be nice to have ice in your veins like the young bow hunters? You're suggestions so far make me feel like this will end up to be a wise choice. Thanks again!

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

summit viper xls. you can't go wrong. made in america

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Buckshot magnum....this is def one of the safest stands out there. i told my dad that i wanted a climber for christmas about 4 years ago(i was 17) and he wanted the best and safest stand. He went to the local archery and they told him what to buy. This stand is pretty big but still is managable. It doesn't use a cable or chains, its has a full metal bar which means that these teeth grab extra tight into the tree. I have hunted out of it many of times and have never had any problem with it. They are kinda pricey, around 300 i think but you get what you pay for. check them out and you will see they are solid, safe climbers

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Summit Viper XLS. I should have bought it years ago!!

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

My vote is for the Summit Viper XLS, too. Used many stands over the last 30 years. Just got my Viper this year and it is a sweety. The SOP harness that comes with every Summit stands is still one of the best. This being a $40 item, subtract that from the price of the stand and you get the actual price of the stand- compared with others. Some stands use cheaper harnesses and some offer "fall restraint systems". That means they give you a very dangerous "safety belt" that will kill you almost as quick as a fall to the ground, should it ever happen. API stands are now made in China and offereed only by Bass Pro and Cabela. Just thought I'd mention it.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

SUMMIT VIPER XLS--you won't find a better climbing stand.

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I own a tree lounge and have been very very impressed with how comfortable it is. I can stay longer and the stand absolutely makes no creeks or pops after you've got it set up. The only draw back that I can find is that the stand weighs more than some of the others. They have come up with a new model that is supposed to be lighter than the previous models. IMO it's the best stand that I've ever owned. If you can stay longer you see more deer.;) Check them out at www.treelounge.com

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Where do you find them for that price? They are the EXACT SAME price everywhere I look - $329. I'm starting to think there's some price fixin going on with these stands.....

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

I've had in my three decades of bowhunting, five climbing tree stands.
The orginal baker
TSS(total shooting systems) I believe thats what it was called
A home made one
A summit
and I just purchased a lone wolf.
The lone wolf by far is the best of any of those I've ever used. Lightweight, super quiet and very well engineered.
This morning it was near zero outside and I took the lone wolf on its first trip to the woods. Even in these cold temperatures the stand was flawless as well as noiseless. Packs in nice. Only problem is that the bow holder in the stands platform is made for a compound. I have to do some thinking to get it to hold my longbow.
I know a lot of people on this site like summit, but mine only went bowhunting once. Never again, it squeaks when I shifted my weight.
Dan

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

even though it's already been said ,go for the summits they can't be beat! stay away from api they are made in china right now and are having problems (recalls) . summits are solid, comfortable,and easy to set up and use ! and they are not that heavy! i think they are the best hands down,bar none!

RE: Tree climber/advice:please help
 

Summit Viper XLS...