Climbing stands are easy and safe to use........but like anything else you need to learn how to use it with a little practice ang getting familiar with it. I used a Loggy Bayou for yrs. until I broke down and purchased a Lone Wolf climber this season. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Word of caution, no matter how big you might be.......a heavy stand will wear you down if you use it much.

Hey,

I have this exact stand and I love it, new addition for me this year to the old one that was stolen off private property that says a lot huh.

However it has some weight to it, but I'm a young 38 I pick my hunting areas carefully due to it's weight, but comfortable to me up in the tree. I could have sat there for a much longer time on many occassions nice padded seat with space, arm rest padded etc.


VaSavage270, Prince William Co.

the api grandslam supreme climbing stand is the best in the business

Hey There
I have the exact same stand BUT it is called the Eagle and is made out of alluminium, it weighs like 23ish. I go deep with this stand and it is easy to use. The difference between the 2 is, one is steel, the Hawk and the other is the Eagle, and is alluminium. I got mine tricked out with 3D leaf tape and extra padding and camo tape everywhere. Also I bought an extra bigger bunge cord makes it a hell of alot easier to move the platform. I also got it on sale for like $119.00 a STEAL, pardon the pun!!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!

BowHuntingFool

I own a Summit Viper which was a little pricey around $250 but to me it was worth it. It is comfortable, safe, 21lbs, quiet and has given me alot of use so far this year. Wouldn't get anything else as far as climbers go.

Hey OZZ,
Welcome aboard!

My buddy swears by his climber, and like many others here owns an API brand. To use a climber you just put both sections on the tree, stand on the bottom part so that your upper body is inside the upper part, put your feet in the straps, push the top part up the tree, and pull the bottom part up to you. You just keep "inch-worming" your way up the tree. Secure the stand and your safety strap once you get to the desired hieght. Hint: Connect the top and bottom parts together with a teather rope so that if something goes wrong and your feet slip out of the straps while climbing, the bottom part can't fall down the tree out of your reach. Climbers are nice when you are required, like on public land, to remove your stand every day, and you can go to any hieght you wish.

I have a hang-on type stand that I use with climbing sticks.
There are days when I wish I had a climber so that I wouldn't have all that bulk to carry. The reason I like the hang-on is that I can get in and out of it very quietly and relatively quickly. I can get down at mid-day and come back later toward afternoon, or I can stalk after a deer that passed by my stand out of range. With a climber, it's pretty tough getting down without making a fair amount of noise.

Good luck.


Keep 'em all in the Bull.

I have always been partial to Summit and have used a Summit Bushmaster for the last 2 years. However, I recently purchased an API Grand Slam Supreme from a good friend. He sold it to me for less than half the original price he paid and was only used one time last year. I really like this stand as it is very comfortable and easy to climb with. You can always find good deals on "like new" stands after the season is over and sometimes during the season.

Just to let you know how heavy that Hunter's View stand is... the total weight of my Summit and my API combined is 37 lbs. The Summit weighs 16lbs and the API weighs 21lbs. Strap one of those Hunters View stands on your back then try a Summit or API and you will see and feel the difference.

I to was new to climbing stands until this year. I borrowed a summit cobra xls from my brother in-law and loved it. just be sure to read the instruction book, and watch the video then practice a bit. it is really much easier than they look when they are hanging in fake trees at outdoor stores. i highly recommend the summit cobra, i seen one today at the local outdoor store for $219.00. did i mention it only weighs 17 lbs.

My dad and I use the API Grand Slam Supreme.Nice stand.We don't use the foot straps on them though.Instead we wedge our feet at an angle under the bars coming down on the base of the stand.This in our opinion gives you more control then using the straps.