I have numerous home made stands (14)as well as 3 strap on stands that I use (huge area, deep in the bush, public land but rarely see any other hunters). Some may remember from last fall when I was on a monster buck for weeks but never got a clear shot (heard him, saw him but not going to take a marginal shot). In the next couple of weeks I will be going out and cuttingsome new hunting lanes, (could have used them last fall but didn't want to cut new ones because didn't want to spook the big boy),in the area where I patterned this buck last fall to set up new stand placements(thick bush swampy area off of a long ridge).From what the buck taught me last year I hope I'll get a shot at him next fall. I've never used a climber (looking at the summit ultra viper) but for what it will cost me I can buy 3 morestrapon tree stands. In this area I've never had to worry aboutstand theft so there is no problem leavingstrap on stands on for the season. Are there any benefits to the climber over thestrap on (I've never used a climber)? Where I hang the others are great spots so I don't want to move them (bow, ML, and rifle hunt so like to have lots of options). So simply one climber or 3strap on stands? And if a climber what type?

I would definately get a climber...lets say that big buck walks out and he is on a trail 50 yards away...with the lock on your kinda stuck where you are (depending on how you get up the stand, by ladder or screw in steps) but with the climber, its so simple to take it down and move it 10 yards closer, and you can leave it in the tree for how ever long you want to...I would recommend an API, just because its comfortable and very safe...the only downside is it is heavy so for hunting public ground where you probably have to walk a ways I would recommend something lighter...I know that lone wolf makes one of the lightest climbers out there...but your gonna pay about 350 for it...heard good things about it though

there's definately a time and place for both, climbers and loc ons. that is a decision you'll have to make, however i highly recommend (sp?) Summit's. great stands! i'm thinking about selling my Tree Lounge and using that money to buy another Summit Goliath.

I have been using summit stands for 15 years and I do love them. However I saw this stand at a show this year and I was very impressed!! I want to try one and may sell my viper ss if I like it as much as I think I will!
http://www.treewalkertreestands.com/

Hang ons are great and I have several also, but having one protable for those situations that dictate mobility they are just indespenasble in my hunting arsenal. They allow you to easily change tree, height location with very little effort.

Don't waste your time and money. Get a Summit. They are safe, light and very portable.

Yes sir..I love my Summit too...Bullet backpacker..like the Goliath but only rated for 300 pounds..

i have a summit openshot....its very light and very comfy

I have a summit viper SS got it off ebay for $240...its solid safe and comfortable you won't regret buying a summit

Summits for everyone!

That's right..here's a BUllet Back Packer..folds up to about 5 inches flat..Iveused mine for 5 years at 305 pounds..plus gear.