I dont really have an answer for you Buck.. Ive just always used the Vipers and been perfectly content with them. Im sure the folding ones are great stands as well.

summit goliath ss for me. the ONLY complaint i have about my summit, is the powder coating job sucks. after the first years use the podwer coating started flaking off. after year two, it started peeling off. this year i am going to remove what is left of the powder coating and paint it myself.

I've tried many different types of stands. I have found that I really like the Tree Saddle{made by Trophy Line}and a set of Climb Paws{Climbpaws.com}to get up the tree. I can go in set up quickly{after work} andquietly.This system really works for me.

They are the only climbing stand to buy. Period.

I worked at Gander Mountain for a while and although I use an Ol Man,I've heard nothing but praise for Summit stands from customers and experts alike.It'll probably be my next stand buy.