Best Climber Stand [Archive] - The Michigan Sportsman Forums

skipper34

11-20-2005, 07:55 PM

For lightweight and easy to pack and set-up there is no better in my opinion than a Summit, either the Bullet or Broadhead backpacker. They fold flat for easy packing and weigh in the nehborhood of 20 lbs. I have the Bullet and it has a shooting rail which doubles as a climbing aid. Just sit down and stand up. Very easy. The stand platform is more than adequate. Summit stands behind their products as they have excellent customer service.

phensway

11-20-2005, 07:58 PM

i just bought the summit viper x5 and its awesome!! ive never had a climber before, but if you are able to use one, you need to buy one because they make you so mobile........ and if you think that you wont be able to find a tree without any limbs you are wrong, ive never had to change spots because i couldnt find a tree......... i paid more than what i wanted to for mine at gander mountain, but it is so damn comfortable!!! i mean, you can sit there for hours and not even have to stand up to stretch.......its so comfortable, easy to use, straps to your back, quite as hell........ highly reccomend any of the summit climbers

phensway

11-20-2005, 08:05 PM

my viper i think is 16 lbs on my back, which is nothing..... and skipper mentioned the shooting rail which is a great idea, because it doubles as a safety mechanism..... you can just sit your bow or gun down on the padded rail and just forget about it....... want to try mine before you make a decision?????

Codye23

11-20-2005, 08:15 PM

Thanks for all the replies..

About how much does it run ?

Is it hard to climb since the seat is facing outwards of the tree. I had one that faced the tree is it different ?

I saw something about it being welded in one piece so its quiet how would you climb with one piece ?

Does that padded rail come with it ?

Rodbuster

11-20-2005, 08:19 PM

Take a look at it on Cabelas web site, that should anserw all of your questions..

wyle_e_coyote

11-20-2005, 08:23 PM

I think if you did a pole on this it subject, Summit would win by a large margin.
I have 2 vipers now and if I find a deal on another I'll have three. My son uses one and I use one. We leave ours out on our lease all the time. I feel safe enough about not packing them in and out where they're at. I'd like to have one more for those times when I feel like hunting close to home.

On a side note, I have a friend that just purchased a Bullet. He told me he hates unfolding it every time he takes it out. He wishes he would have gotten the viper instead, so he could just put it on the tree when he got out.

phensway

11-20-2005, 08:23 PM

its two different pieces and its easy to use....all the pads come with it and it also has a back rest that sits against the tree......... i paid 230 for it but im sure if you wait you can find it cheaper........ the seat faces away from the tree and it just slides out of the way when you are climbing....... this year summit included some plastic hooks to slide your feet in that make it super easy to climb..........

skipper34

11-20-2005, 08:34 PM

Codye23

11-20-2005, 08:35 PM

Where is the cheapest I can find it ?

sullyxlh

11-20-2005, 09:05 PM

Loggy Bayou!!!

phensway

11-20-2005, 09:20 PM

you might want to wait until after season is over and prices drop, or else the new models come out and last years are super cheap...... actually summit has a climber just under the viper thats only around 160......... but just as nice and comfortable

wyle_e_coyote

11-20-2005, 09:21 PM

Your buddy is just lazy if he hates unfolding the Bullet. I have not problem with it and I will gladly sacrifice a few seconds of my time to unfold a stand if it makes it easier to maneuver through the woods with it.

:lol: yea he's probably a bit lazy, or he's just impaitiant, or both !

Honestly though, it only take "a few seconds" to unfold? I really have no idea. I haven't had a chance to see one work. I do know this, the Viper takes no seconds to unfold, and it carries ok through the woods. No climber carries easy, I don't care what the ad says!! How about noise? How much extra noise does it make while unfoldig it? Is it worth all that plus the extra money?
When they came out with the Packer series the first thing I thought was...who the he** cares if it folds flat to your back. After all it's the cables that catch on trees and crap, even when they are all the way in. Making it fold flat to my back is worthless. I don't walk sideways through the woods :rolleyes: . How far it sticks out from my back isn't the problem. I think it was just a marketing scheme if you ask me.
But then again, I'm lazy also. Any extra work means I have to be out of bed that much earlier...even if it's a few seconds...:lol: :lol: !!!!!!!
I still vote Viper!

Due51

11-20-2005, 09:52 PM

Everyone mentions Summit but I'm telling you, I just went out to Hillsdale and picked up my Northstarr climber, and I can't imagine any other stand being better. Northstarr is a Michigan company, you can go right to the "factory" in Hillsdale and Robin will take care of you. She knows her stuff, they have a couple models right there in the lobby to sit in.

If you want to save a couple bucks, ask her if she has any returned stands. I picked up the Big Starr that was returned for faulty paint (it had some paint flaking off). I saved a ton, got a brand new FULL body harness, the securing rope, the back pack straps, and the back rest pad.

This thing goes on the tree quickly, and climbs up the tree with ease. I'm 6'3" 255# and I feel as secure as if I were standing on the ground.

GET A NORTHSTARR. Support Michigan companies!

phensway

11-20-2005, 10:00 PM

thats another thing you have to factor in, how big you are......... like due said you dont want to buy a small climber like the lone wolf for a big guy....... i am 6'3" and i weigh 230lb and the viper is perfect....... the lone wolf is 350 bucks!! i didnt even consider it, plus its not very big........

679

11-20-2005, 10:09 PM

After using a friends Summit and API I am very happy with my Lone Wolf. At 14.5 lbs. and a very slim it is worth the money. The seat is not a hammock like some others, but I use it for hunting not taking a nap.

Ack

11-20-2005, 11:40 PM

Lone Wolf Sit & Climb...worth every penny to me.

Grouse Hunter

11-20-2005, 11:42 PM

Lone Wolf Sit & Climb...worth every penny to me.

WORD!!!

SA ULTRA MAG

11-21-2005, 02:45 PM

Go to archerytalk.com and search for Equalizer. Guys are getting rid of their Lone Wolf and Summits and buying these.

Do a google search for their website, they have a video clip and will send you a DVD for free to promote their product.

Ask the guys on archerytalk about theirs.

They are cheaper than a Lone Wolf but heavier and wider.

Pat

Codye23

11-21-2005, 03:23 PM

I checked out the Equalizer and I am having the DVD sent to me. I like the adjusting crank idea, but it doesn't look as comfortable as the viper..

Its between these 2 ! opions needed

unclecbass

11-21-2005, 03:35 PM

summit viper best all around stand.:)

No doubt about it.

MIBIGHNTR

11-21-2005, 03:41 PM

I have owned a Summit Viper and a Lone Wolf Sit & Climb. I have checked out the Equalizer via their free DVD and if I get another climber, this will be it.

I am 6'1" and about 275lbs. and the LW is just too small for me. The summit was decent but after putting that much weight on the platform, I had a hard time pulling the teeth loose from the tree to climb with it. Says allot for the stands retention cababilites, but makes it a pain to climb with nontheless.

Hope this helps...

Mark

phensway

11-21-2005, 09:27 PM

i just looked at equalizer and im not impressed because your back is away from the tree instead of leaning up against it..... now i doubt every model is like that but why would you advertise that model?? does anyone know any pros to having to lean out and look around a tree? i like the fact that its made in michigan, but not impressed with the locking system either....... definitely summit for a larger person looking for a comfortable quite stand......

someone said earlier that they are not lookin for a stand to fall asleep in, well the longer you can stay out there the more deer you will see, and who wants to figet around every 20 mins just to be comfortable.......

phensway

11-21-2005, 09:29 PM

Grouse Hunter

11-21-2005, 11:30 PM

i just looked at equalizer and im not impressed because your back is away from the tree instead of leaning up against it..... ? i like the fact that its made in michigan, but not impressed with the locking system either....... .......

I actually prefer to use the tree as concelement and generall set up my lone wolf where the tree provides some cover for me. Shooting around it it usually not a problem.

I thought i saw that it was made in North Carolina

phensway

11-21-2005, 11:44 PM

Grouse Hunter

you are probably right about the north carolina part, i thought someone said it was made in hillsdale...... as for the part where you back is away from the tree, i guess i would have to try it, just hard to imagine my back not up against something...... but i can understand how it could conceal your movements...... but what about your safety strap, does that get in the way since you are so far away from the tree?? is there a greater chance of falling out??

Grouse Hunter

11-21-2005, 11:48 PM

Grouse Hunter
but what about your safety strap, does that get in the way since you are so far away from the tree?? is there a greater chance of falling out??

Good Question. The tag on my vest is up high and I secure the tree strap about 18" above my head. The strap is above me and I can move pretty freely. I feel more secure becuase leaning forward is lenaing towards the tree, you sort of have something to hold on to.

phensway

11-21-2005, 11:59 PM

definitely thinking outside the box, ill have to give it a try sometime..... although when i stand up to strech i tend to sit on my shooting rail and face the tree...... good discussion......

Codye23

11-22-2005, 07:06 AM

This is off there site..For the Equalizer

[QUOTE][A moveable seat cushion in Mossy Oak’s New Break-Up pattern allows you to hunt facing the tree or back to the tree. /QUOTE]

MIBIGHNTR

11-22-2005, 09:26 AM

MIBIGHUNTER: if you have problems pulling the teeth from the tree, the stand is doing its job...... i have the same problem but i consider it more pro than con....... if its biting, than its safe......

Hmmm, interesting... I would never have guessed that is how the stand works... :D

My brother and I are both in manufacturing, he is a Senior Mechanical Designer, and I am a Quality Engineer in the automotive field. Not saying that we are any more qualified than anyone else here to judge a stand, but we have both looked long and hard at the Equalizer and have been impressed with the design and structural integrity of the stand.

Couple this with the fact that between us we have owned and used the following climbers: the infamous Baker, API, Loggy Bayou, Summit, and Lone Wolf, so we have some experience with climbers you could say... ;)

Anyone who has spent any amount of time in a climber knows the frustration of trying to guess the taper of the tree while standing at the base of it only to find out that the guess was wrong when they get 15' or more in the air, and have to climb all the way back down. :bash: The Equalizer seems to have addressed that challenge with a simple, innovative design. Of course, the best way to say for sure is to buy one and give it a try for a season.

For what it's worth, our next climber will be an Equalizer. Once you get the FREE DVD, you will have a better idea of the stand and it's features.

Thanks

Mark

phensway

11-22-2005, 12:43 PM

SA ULTRA MAG

11-22-2005, 02:42 PM

well, the only thing i can state from experience is that the summit is very comfortable and the lone wolf is too small for a bigger person......

I also have problems with figuring out the correct angle to start at, but i put it at the steepest i can handle and just climb until its level....

So.....if it's level at 6 feet that is where you hunt ? :lol: Go for it ! :dizzy:

I would rather decide where I'm going to be (height wise) instead of letting the stand determine it.

Open your mind up and email them for a FREE DVD, it will explain the stand better.......remember it's FRRRREEEEEE ! :lol:

phensway

11-22-2005, 03:35 PM

its not me that is interested in buying a new stand.......

and i hunt over 25 feet, hence the reason why i said i put it on the steepest angle i can handle :dizzy:

Due51

11-22-2005, 03:55 PM

2 things:

1) The NORTHSTARR is made in Hillsdale MI

2) Northstarr has come out with a new design for their cable supports. They, too, will "close in" as the tree gets smaller in circumfrence as you climb higher. I'm telling you, chek out the NORTHSTARR with it's new innovations, comfort, and ease.

I swear I am NOT a paid spokesman for NORTHSTARR...........but Uncle Tedly is. And I'm pretty sure he hunts more than all of us. Except for maybe Thunderhead.......who by the way uses a NORTHSTARR if I read an earlier post correctly.

Robert Hoover

11-22-2005, 04:05 PM

i bought a summit and love it very comfortable be carfull of what you buy though the make a couple different versions they also make a metal and a alluiminum one go with the allum for the extra bucks you cant go wrong no rust lighter on your back and some what quiter

Sib

11-22-2005, 04:10 PM

Yup, North Starr is a good stand, I have the Arrow Starr and love it.

WalleyeTracker

11-22-2005, 08:13 PM

I sent for a free video and catolog on the Tree Lounge has anyone ever tried this 1 or know of anyone that has? It looks mighty comfy and also very safe as far as using it up above where most climbers will go they also did a test and suspended something like 1755 pounds from the bottom of it without bending or breaking:yikes:

buckwhacka

11-22-2005, 08:40 PM

summit viper best stand u can buy with a good price on it to

ghsthntr

11-23-2005, 07:35 AM

i let my friend who has owned and always swore he would never buy anything other than an api, well he borrowed my razor x5 last week and when we came out of the woods he was like man i gotta get me one of these, i think summit has always taken the extra steps in customer satisfaction there stands are light weight, and very user friendly and for me with my back and stuff its the only stand i have found that is comfortable easy to carry and doesnt hinder me in any way,,

brianroy6

11-23-2005, 10:05 AM

With the info posted , A summit vipers on my shopping list. But to be honest everyone loves something different. So the only way you'll really know is if you try them out. Goodluck,-Brian

ST.PATRICK

11-23-2005, 08:42 PM

TAKE a good LOOK AT TREE LOUNG I LOVE MINE MY WIFE LOVE HERS WE USE THEM THE PAST 10 YEARS SHE GOING ON HER 14 DEAR IN 10 YEARS TAKE A LOOK AT THEM THEY MAKE A GOOD PLACE TO NAP

TnRidge

11-24-2005, 08:03 PM

If you want a affordable , lightweight ,safe ,reliable ,comfortable stand you can sit in all day ,get a Summit Viper . They also have excellent customer service .

Andy K

11-24-2005, 10:46 PM

I read in one of the posts about trying to decide how much taper the tree had? I adjust my razor X5 half way up if necessary. If you have the rope between the two it cant go anywhere. I simply pull the bottom half up as close to the top as i can leave both my feet in the stirups then bend down and readjust. I've do it quite frequently its pretty simple. If your going 30 feet or even 20 its hard to setup properly on the ground and its very uncomfortable standing on a downslope. Make sure your harness is attached of course.

mqxlt

12-08-2005, 09:40 AM

I'm 6'00 260lbs and I think that my LoneWolf climber has plenty of room and is a far better stand than my Summit. Far more solid and a lot lighter. I watched the Equalizer DVD and I have to admit it is interesting! But I wont be trading in my Wolf! It's awesome!

sniper's mojo

12-08-2005, 12:20 PM

I have used a summit viper many times and it is nice. But for absolute set up speed, and weight, you cant beat the API grandslam bowhunter extreme. I got mine at bass pro on sale for $160. The chain system is easier to use than the cable lock, although both are fast and easy systems to use. It weighs 20 pounds. The only draw back would be is that there is no bar behind you when climbing, this also means no bar in your way when shooting a bow. I shoot sitting down normally so this was a huge plus for me. As long as you are in some kind of shape this should not be a problem to climb without the bar to sit on. I would recomend going to bass pro and seeing and trying all of them before you decide. Thats my 2 cents!

weatherby

12-08-2005, 12:27 PM

I really like the ole man climber. Not very light , but really comfortable

wyle_e_coyote

12-08-2005, 12:37 PM

I watched the Equalizer DVD and I have to admit it is interesting!

:yeahthat: Very interesting. I was impressed, but as you said about your Lone Wolf, I'm not going to trade my summit for it.
Now if some butt wipe :rant: steals my summit, then I'll look realy hard at an Equalizer.

grandblanc

12-08-2005, 12:50 PM

Ol' Man all the way.

bigbuckmiddaugh

12-08-2005, 01:05 PM

i have a summit viper XL. I just put in the classifieds, bought it new last year (almost 200.00)

Great climbing stand! Comfy too! I'm 6'4 210, could sit for many hours in it. The front bar is really great for the feel of added security when going up 30ft or so... :)

I have bought and used others...this was the best so far!