I'm looking for a new climber treestand and I've narrowed my selection down to either a Summit or an Equalizer. I noticed the Summits were on sale last time I went to Dic k's Sporting goods for $259 for a Summit Viper SS. I'm headed to Cabelas on Friday for some new gear and will be driving right past Dic k's on my way. I've ordered and watched the Equalizer video and I thought it looked nice, but I don't have anything to compare it to really. What's been everyone's experience with the Viper SS and Equalizer?

The most important features I'm looking for are lightweight and easy/quick to setup. I've got an API that I spent $400 on which is heavy and slow to hookup.

Should I order the Equalizer over the net for$290or should I go for the Viper SS $259 or is the Viper Ultimate worth the $359(?), which wasn't on sale.

Thanks Everyone

I have a summit bullit backpacker climber and really love it. Really light, folds flat, easy to set-up, and stable and comfortable while in stand. I believe that I go tit for just a shade under 3 bills at Cabelas.

Can anyone else help me with this decision? I'm trying to decide between the summit viper ss and the equalizer. I looked at the other summits but I really feel much more comfortable with the bar in front of me while hunting.

The viper is not the only summit climber with a bar in front, as the 180 and bullet backpacker that I have have bars as well.

Ok. I will check the bullet backpacker out. You would buy it again though? thank you

I like the Summit Viper SS. Lightweight, dependable. Not sure about the Equilizer seat and the crank handles.

I bought the equalizer this year and love it.


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i got the Summit Goliat SS and love it. light and comfortable. my dad had the equalizer with the "crank" level adjusters and he took it back. he said they suck and aren't usable when climbing certain diameter trees. he traded it for one of the older models and loves it. i think both are good stands but the Summits are a little cheaper and more comfortable.

I bought a Summit last season and loved it. I have always used loc-on style stands in the past but found that I really liked the all-day comfort of the summit. ONE word of caution, it takes a little practice learning how to set them up and climb in them. Take time to practice before you go hunting.