RE: Noise from Summit Viper XL back rest.
 

The metal to seat material contact was the oly noise issue with mine.
To wrap the bars in terry cloth would provide the quietest solution, BUT I feel that would collect and hold too much odor.

RE: Noise from Summit Viper XL back rest.
 

hhmmmm, i never had a problem with mine. i have a viper xls. I think they are very reliable and safe stands. Just last sunday i was in a tree that had some bad bark, and i slid down it about 5 ft before the summit grabbed back on before i fell the other 20ft!! it may have saved my life, cuz i wasnt wearin a safety harness, like a dumb ass, i wear one now that is for sure.

RE: Noise from Summit Viper XL back rest.
 

Right there is another reason I use the brand of climber that I do! I guarantee my climber would not have slipped even one foot.:)