I too have a Summit Viper X4. I LOVE IT!!!! [8D] Scan through this site for the Viper and/or or other posts on Summit stands, and you'll see all the threads talking about how incredible they are.

I mean, sit in an API. Sit in an Ameristep, Loggy Bayou, Ol' Man, or any other types of stands..... Then sit in a Summit. It will be all over from that point on. Summits are the most comfortable, most lightweight, most rugged, tree stands that I have ever seen!

SUMMIT STANDS ROCK! [8D]

Butch A.

Jim, I know this isn't the classifieds but if you want a deal on a Summit Cobra PM me. I've used it twice, there's nothing wrong with it, it's just not my cup of tea.

BTW-I don't like the stand but those rapid climb stirrups are awesome. I like those a lot better than the old way. When I get a new stand I'm probably gonna get a set of those stirrups for it.

I have been a Loggy user for years and last year bought a Viper. Awesome stand once up in the tree, but I didn't like the front bar in the way. I went back to a new Loggy this season and was disapointed. Not comfortable at all and flimsey built IMO. I since purchased a Summit Cobra X4 and really like it. I don't use the climbing bar and climb like you would with a bushmaster. Extremely quiet to climb with, stable and most importantly, the most comfortable stand I've ever sat it. I did a 12 hour shift in it last weekend with ease. Next week I'll be doing the same with the rut in full swing.

You will not be disapointed with a Summit stand.

Summit Stand Quick Tips...............

I'll post these since I've found them useful on my Viper.

1. Use electrical tape and heavily tape those bungee hooks on the seat. They "ding" loudly during setup if you're not very careful.
2. Buy a couple 8x11 sheets of foam from the Walmart craft department. Glue foam on the top of the lower portion's bars where it comes in contact with the top portion. Also glue a 1/2" x 3" strip of foam on the inside of the inclined brace bar. Separating the stand to set up will be totally silent without having to be too careful.
3. Use small screws with large washers to screw the carrying straps securely to the second slat. Screw from the top of the slat. This keeps the straps from moving while putting the stand on your back and holds it more securely IMO.
4. Buy 1" non-skid strips and stick on the top of the slats, but especially on the lower portion's incline braces and the outer bar. This eliminates the sqeak from wet boots and allows you to safely step on that outer bar if you need to.

Any other tips from anyone?

Another satisfied viper owner here. I bought it for my wife orginally but she hardly hunts so i use it. the one thing I dont like is the weight. my loggy weighs about 4 pounds less. which makes a big difference when walking in deep to hunt. viper is a great stand other than that.

i have a viper xls which i added the rapid climbing stirrups to. i though is was a great stand before ,but with the stirrups it's an awesome stand! i wouldn't buy and other treestand (i've tried others) there aare none better then summit ,IMO. good luck!

Love my Goliath.

Hunted from a VERY secure fixed Gorilla stand the other day and even though it was probably as good as fized stand hunting gets..........I was NEVER as comfortable as I am in my Summit.

The surrounding shooting rail on my stand just gives me peace of mind.

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Yeah, I forgot to mention that part as well. The cable gets snagged in the chamber of the arm as you try to slide it in and out. Just another small point of frustration.

I am going to keep mine, and practice and practice using it, and try some of the home remedies mentioned here until I get it working like I want it to. It is solid, safe and quiet, once in the tree.

I dont think you should let the how the cable extends and shorten bother you. Like anything new, you have to learn or get used to it. Once you have done it afew times, it will be second nature. I think you would be really happy with it after you have used it afew times. Whatever you chose, there will probably be just as many happy people with it like the summit stands. There are plus and minus's for every stand. Good luck with your choice and make sure you practice setting it up afew times before you take off for the first climb at 5am.