Best Climber for youth and me!

[beer and nuts]

Looking for suggestions on best climber for a 12 year old. He is going to be carry it in as well and ease of climbing is key too. I'm looking at climber too, big and wide but like a cat when climbing:D Did a search and summit/loggy bayou/api/lone wolf(might be too pricey ) top the lists.

[bigrackmack]

I have a ol'man and a Viper both are good climbers.....but if it was me I wouldn't even think of letting my 12yr old climb in one.....I have some close calls in mine......(falling).......just my opinion.......Mack

[erodrig4]

not sure what might be best for a 12 year old...but for you, if you want "big and wide" i would suggest the Summit goliath i bought one a couple years ago, and it is ver comfortable, i am a pretty big guy, and am not a big fan of heights, but feel safe in the goliath and don't wrroy about how high i am in it

[IceDaddy]

The best possible thing you could do is buy the lightest and most comfortable
stand you can afford. (the slogen you get what you pay for really comes into play on tree stands)
A 20lb stand gets VERY heavy after a quarter mile hike,
especially for a twelve year old. Sure the price seems steep on a lone wolf
but if you average it out over several seasons and the fact that where ever
you go hunting you have an elevated stand. The price isn't all that bad.
As far as safety goes, since I started using a climber I have never felt safer,
I am always connected to the tree from the ground up, and then back down.

[theredmission]

I would have to agree with bigrackmack on this one, that unless he's one hog of a kid I would be having serious doubts about him using a climber. Granted I'm think he should be physically able to get up in the tree, it is still a physical task that takes some practice getting down pat. Plus, depending on how far you're going to be walking you might end up really pushing him. Even with a light climber you're still looking at 20#'s, plus a bow w/ quiver, and other gear. Overall my main concern would be his overall physical ability to carry it and set it up properly and secondly to make sure you're not overburdening him in the hunt. This especially true w/ it being his first season in that you want to make it as easy and enjoyable on him to start and work him into it. I would hate to hear that your son got out of hunting simply due to the fact that he had to lug equipment around all season, but didn't get anything to show for it. Maybe see if it would be possible to set up a fixed stand(s) and hide some sticks nearby so all he has to worry about is his bow and gear. Whatever you decide, I wish you both best of luck this season.

[Rico]

Practice makes perfect. If your set on climbers I would have him practicing with one; now. There are 2 light weight models on the market lone wolf & summit weighing in at 14lbs. I have a summit 4-sale ;). To small for me.

[Plato]

i would take a look a lone wolf products, they are a little expensive, but they are light about 14 lbs and climb very good.

[beer and nuts]

Thanks. Lone wolf and the 14 lb stand is an open stand. Looking at a bar for secure safety. Son is athletic enough to do the climber with alot of practice and him caring 20-25 pounds should not be a problem, if he gets tired than you rest--makes him tough too!:) Hunting Shiawassee is the reason for looking at climbers, biking in too. Summit ViperSS is in the lead..so far..still looking...