I just went with a Summit Goliath stand with a front rail, my question is what is the best way to start climbing with it. do you step over the rail or can you let it just slide over the body and then begin the climb.? i've never used a climber before i've always used a ladder hang on combo.

The best way is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. The Goliath should come with a VCR or DVD explaining the correct climbing procedure. In addition, you should really look into the rapid climbing stirrups!

Once I have both sections of the climber attached to the tree I usually slide the top section up the tree about 4 feet. Then I climb in from underneath, strap myself to the tree, strap in my feet and up I go.

-Jeramy

When I had a Summit Viper, I found it easiest to push the top part up the tree like JeremyK stated. I found getting started in the Viper cumbersome though. With the addition of the climbing stirrups, this should be a peice of cake now.

Ok,, Thanx for the advice ,,and i'm glad i've been reading some of the other posts about tieing the top and bottom sections together with bungees before climbing, i should be getting my climber next week,,i'll definitley watch the videos supplied.

There should be a rope for keeping the bottom attached to the top section--so the bottom doesn't fall to the ground leaving you sitting in your chair with no way to get down!ALWAYS WEAR THE SAFETY HARNESS

My Summit Goliath showed up yesterday and i was able to set it up in my back yard, where i live i have pines trees and a 20 ,, 30,, 40 yard setup where i can practice (i must be blessed).
Anyway the Summit Goliath X4 is an awsome stand, rock solid, easy to pack and i was very confident in climbing with it, a well made stand in my opinion, really loved the idea of those "rapid climb stirrups", very comfortable large seating area something that i was looking at as far as being able to sit comfortably for an all day sit and the front rail really gives that added sence of security.

..Hats off to Summit. !

How do you use the safety strap while climbing?

i read the instructions FIRST , it explains on how you properly set up the harness , i try to keep as minimal slack as i can as i climb, the very first thing i do when i step on the platform before the climb is i hook up that harness , wear it at all times till your back safely on the ground.