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.

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.

I second Summit Goliath.

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

Ditto.... [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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.