Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I'm looking to upgrade my climbing tree stand because it makes a couple of creeks and cracks I can't tune/adjust out of it that are simply unacceptable to me. I want a new climber and I want the best. Criteria listed below:

1. Quiet!!! I can't tolerate a stand that makes any noise from the shifting of weight etc.

2. Easy to attach to tree. I don' t want to spend 20 minutes getting the stand hooked up to the tree in the morning

3. Comfortable for an all day sit.

Some other things I was considering and would appreciate fellow bowhunters opinions. Stands to stay away from and stands you like and why. I think I would like the security of the bar that goes around some of the stands about knee high. Is there any disadvatage to this? Also don't like stands with a grate platform. They seem to be a little noisier if a boot slides across it or, like on my current stand, the grate is occasionally "creeking" or "cracking" making some noise at in-opportune times. I know it sound finicky, but when you put all the effort into this sport to be successful, every little detail matters to me. Thanks for your input.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Summit Goliath or Viper, you won't be sorry. The Goliath is rated to 350# and is a little bigger and more comfortable but you can't go wrong with either one.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I second Summit Goliath.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I third the Summit Goliath. I have it and love it. Attaches to the tree in no time and is very quiet.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Ditto.... :D[8D]

I have a Summit Viper X4 and won't get any other stand but a Summit from now on.

Quiet
Lightweight
Rugged
Easy to use
COMFORTABLE!

I've been in my Viper X4 on a few early mornings, and have actually fallen asleep! Yes, it is that comfortable.... You can't go wrong with a Summit! [8D]

Butch A.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Ol' Man is the most quite, comfortable, and packs up flat. All big keys in my book. Easy to use, etc. The bigger version can be heavy, 20+lbs. I use the Air Elite series, I think it weighs 17lbs.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I have thought of buying a new climber for the last year or so. I bought a Hunter's View on sale for $99 when I started 2 years ago. I was told that the grate would creak--it never did. I have made numerous modifications to cut down on the noise(no structural change), and it has worked. I feel very safe and comfortable 18ft in the air with this stand. It might weigh a little more than the rest, and it might make a little noise while walking(if I don't tie it together correctly). I am comfortable with this stand and can be up the tree in no time with minimal effort, and little noise. There is absolutely no need to go out and spend a few weeks salary on the top of the line models. The on sale, non-big name models can be just as usable.-----Just my 2 cents!

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I'll agree with WTDoc. I bought a Hunter's View last year on sale for 89 bucks. This stand is the most comfortable stand I have ever sat in. I don't have any other climbers to compare it to, but it is easy to pack and carry, easy to set up, quiet, and most of all comfortable. 1/2 the price of the others too.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I hunted with a loggy bayou for years and really thought it was a good stand. Then 2 years ago I damn near slide all the way down a maple tree in December. I looked to find another as it had been a great stand to that point. I could never find the same model so I went with the Summit Viper. I cant believe i wasted all those years!! This stand is unbelievable. Comfortable, quiet, lightweight. I am a big man. 6'3" 250lbs and I can sit in this stand comfortably for 8hrs without struggling. I have tried my friends Hunters view and i will say for the price its not bad but it does not compare to the Summit.

As i have learned more times than I care to admit you get what you pay for.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Must go with the Summit Viper or Goliath.. I bought a new Summit viper this fall and it is the best money ever spent. Takes about a minute to attach to the tree, climbs super smooth and quiet, and is rock solid against the tree. And they give you a full body saftey harness with the stand. Good luck.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

API Grandslam Bowhunter, Best stand Ive ever owned! Quiet, light, and comfortable.. I dont leave home with out it, I use it when I get the sudden urge to hunt some where else besides where I have my portables. or if I find sign or see deer somewhere. Very nice stand you cant go wrong...

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I like my Lone Wolf alpha climber. No bolts or screws, Quick & Quiet. It is not a cheap date.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Last year I bought my first climber. A Warren and Sweat. It barely madeit thru the the season. The remains of it are in my garage. This year I saved up and bought a Summit Viper x4. I am cheap. I mean world class cheap. I still hunt in my military BDU's from 5 years ago, and I add a hodge podge of stuff to the mix. But I dropped a couple hundred bucks on the stand and I'm glad I did. It climbes really well, digs into the tree quick and strong. makes very little noise, The harness is comfotable and easy to use(so I don't mind using it at all. The one I had before always clanged when I was putting it in the tree. I find it so comfortable that I have yet to make it thru a day of hunting without takin ga nap. I don't just fall asleep, I go to sleep. If I'm a bit tired, I'll take a 10 or 20 minute nap. Then I'm ready for another couple hours on watch. I don't regret spending the money. I'm worth it.
David

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Does the Goliath actually have more room than the Viper? I thought I read their platforms are the same dimensions? 20 x 28 if I remember correct?

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Love my Lone Wolf, but Summit is tops too.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Summit viper of Goliath seem like the stands for you. The bullet backpacker may also make a good choice. Great overall stands, quiet comfortable and easy to use.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

TreeLounge! ;)

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I have had both the lone wolf and the summits. The summit is more comfortable however it is a lot noisier (sp?). The other thing I don't like about the summits is they have like 5-6 inch adjustments instead of 1/2 inch like the lone wolf. When bowhunting out of the sitand climb I raise the seat up with some straps so I can easily shoot over the side rails. When gun hunting I keep it at normal. Yesterday I sat in it for 5 hours and didn't even have to move once. The pacability of the lone wolf is amazing as well. Do yourself a favor go to the sporting good store and get a box from a lone wolf and a summit...tell me which you would want on your back when going through thick brush. Note* If you are a big dude then go with the summit. The lone wolf is very narrow which helps its pacability.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

I've also been a Loggy fan for years and even bought the new improved version this season. The stand flexed like crazy so sold it. Since then I bought a Summit Cobra X4 and couldn't be happier. I had a Viper, but for bowhunting, didn't care too much for the bar in front. My knees hit it all the time.


I too like to sit all day during the rut and with a Summit, its a breeze.


Can not go wrong with any Summit you get.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Another thing to consider is where your stand is made at least it was for me. Summit stands are made in the USA as are the Lone Wolf stands don't know about the rest that were mentioned except Hunters View which is made in China.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Yeah Charlie P is right i bought a API its a Made in China peice a crap. Its put together very poorly and the pins are a pain. I didnt know Summits are made in the USA.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

Good point Charlie. The thought of Made in China scares when I am 20' up and my life depends on it.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

1) Lone wolf

2) Lone wolf

3) Some-other stand.

Bear in mind that it also depends on how far you plan on lugging it. My "Wolf" is 14.5 lbs. I can take it anywhere. It's fine for 3-5 hours at a time, beyond that it may not be what your after.

If you like to catch a few zzzz's in the stand don't buy a wolf.
It's quick quiet and climbs like a squirrel with minimal set-up time.

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

summit viper

RE: Perfect climbing tree stand?
 

i had a api grand slam 2 yrs ago,, then a friend told me he thought that a viper would be better as they arent as bulky and being somewhat clumsy in the woods as far as walking goes (broke my back 3 times) i tried his viper went out the very next day and purchased my own viper all i can say is if it says summit on the stand you wont be dissapointed