I was wondering about that as well, Muzzy, but had not seen anyone else mention it before now and I've done searches back 2-3 years on the board. I guess my thought is, having never sat in one yet, is that I'll adjust the seat about as high as it will go and that should lift me above both the bar and the angled side bars. If I adjust it just right, those bars should make decent armrests... I hope.

Yep get the seat right and the arm rests are there, nice and comfey... Bar has never been a problem for me, got 2 vipers..

I guess when I get mine I'll have two as well... The wife and the stand.

Ive Owned a Summit Viper XLS for Several Years, and it is without a Doubt, the Most Solid, Reliabe, Quietest, Treestand, that ive ever Used. Once in Place, a Hurricane would not Dislodge it. I can Sit in it, All Day, if the need arises, COMFORTABLY. The Bar, is a Non Issue. Never interfered with the Draw on a Animal. Adjust your Seat High, and you will not have a Problem. Also the Bar, makes a Nice Cradle for my Bow.

I agree.........it's come in handy many times as I'm getting situated right after the climb. The front bar is a great feature, bowhunting or rifle, once you become proficient at adjusting the seat.

On a side note, the seat adjustment buckles are thicker on the X4 models and more precise. Adjustment is a tad easier than it was on the XLS version.

Same here!!

i have used this stand for 2 years now ---the security of the front bar is nice but hinders your ability to bend at the waist and shoot for a close shot.i cut mine off in front of the weld and it works great for me this way.if you need the security i would look into one with a adjustable front bar that can be raised and lowered.as long as you attach your climbing belt loosely to the tree above the stand you should feel comfortable.i also agree with muzzy about the side bars.

Ok, i own a Summit Viper,, had it out this past opening weekend, i shoot an older Golden Eagle (47in. axle to axle), i found that the lower the front rail the better your gonna be off as far as close in shots (10-15 yarders), as for me i like the front rail and i'm glad i went with it even if i'm somewhat compromised with an overly close-in shot.
..i'll take the extra time and waite for my quarry to back off a bit given the added security and limitations as far as close-in shots of that front rail.

Summit gets my vote. I have never had a problem with the bar bowhunting althought my partners says he doesn't like the bar on his viper because it gets in the way when he shoots at the deer when they are under his stand. I told him you are suppose to shoot them after the walk past or before they get under you and it won't be a problem.