I have a Summit that I have had for about 11 years. It would be the equivalent to the Bushmaster of today. After changing the seat out to one that fits the Cobra it is great. I also have a Headunter Lite which is a hang on stand. I absolutely love it. I recently bought a set of Bucksteps to go with it and IMO this is the perfect bowhunting setup.

I would definitely recommend any Summit product. As a bonus you get their Seat o the Pants safety harness with any stand purchase.

I have the Viper. I like it.

I have the Goliath and I like it a lot. The only thing I don't like about it are the foot straps because it's a pain to wrap the straps around your boots and then tighten down when you're getting ready to climb down. But I solved that problem. I took a 3-foot stick and screwed in a hook into one end. Now I just reach down with the stick, hook the strap, and pull it up over the back of my boots. Summit has come out with stirrups on their new stands that mount right to the frame. I tried these out at a sports and outdoor show in January and they're beautiful!! They are now available at Summit's website (summitstands.com) for $19.99 a pair.

Viper XLS I love it.

I've had the cobra, viper, and the goliath. I love the summits but if your weight puts you close to the limit on the vipers, I'd choose the goliath. I found out the hard way.

I have owned a python xls for a little over 18 months. It is bulky and heavy, but it's rock solid and stable. I feel safer in it than my hang-ons. I do believe I will buy the stirrups as the current toe strap/bungee system can be a pain in the butt. The adjustability of the seat is awesome, and I like the footrest/gunrest. Summits can also be noisy when walking in as the cables flop around insided the frame. You also have to strap the two pieces together real tight when walking or it sounds like a one-man band.

Would I buy another? Yes, but I would get the "backpacker" or whatever the new one is called that collapses down flat with less bulk.

Bill

Viper XLS all the way here, if there is a more secure and comfortable climber on the market I have'nt found it.

I had a Summit Cobra XLS. It was secure in the tree but I hated the noise the cable made when attaching and during climbing. It was also very comfortable but the design puts you too near the edge IMO.

I've owned and used a Lone Wolf Sit-n-climb for 2 seasons..couldn't be happier. Adding the new seat and backrest soon.