Need advise on climbing tree stand.

[yoyodoc]

I'm going to get a climbing tree stand. What should I look for? It needs to be light, as I have a bum ankle and I may have to carry it up to a half-mile. Has anybody had one performed badly, or or broke? Ideally, I'd like to get one that I can use in a tree that's not completely straight.

[JoeN]

I have had a warren&sweet climber for 10 years now. It is aluminum wich makes it nice and light. If I were to get another climber it would be the kind with cables to go around the tree. Remember to use a safty harness. Joe N

[bubba]

I like the summit viper, it has the cable thingy that goes around the tree. reasonably lite too. I think that I had the viper model.

Many many years ago. I had a baker climber - that dam thing just about killed me - they didnt last long as I recall.

-bubba

[mike3132]

ive had 3 back operations and needed a light weight stand. i bought one of the timber talls, brute light stand. its super light weight. it needed a different seat and a cinch strap for going around the tree on the seat part for me to be satisfied. ive owned this stand for 4 years now and its been great for packing in where i hunt. they need a little modifying to be comfortable but are a dream compared to other stands i own. mike


www.timbertalloutdoors.com/

[Pocampo]

YoYodoc,
IMO i would buy a climber made by Summit. I have owned or tried all the major brands and Summit has the most features that most hunters are looking for, light wt., easy to use,easy up and down, safe, quality made, very comfortable and most important, VERY QUIET to use. Depending on your size i would suggest the Bushmaster $200,@17#, Viper $240@20# or the Goliath $270@21#. I personally choose the Goliath for the xtra room and comfort. The design of this stand enables it to clamp and hold on a tree like an aligator and it easily adjusts for a tree that is leaning once you get in position. Hunting out of the Summit Goliath is a pure joy in itself. I can't think of a better way to hunt than from a GOOD climbing treestand. If you are comfortable and feel safe you can set still for long periods of time and movement is second only to scent as a nemesis when hunting whitetail deer.
Pocampo

[Douglas Blair]

Well folks I will have to say go with the Tree Lounge. They are safe, can shoot in any direction using the stand as a rest and are really comfortable.

The ONLY drawback is they are a little on the heavy side. But due to their comfort you can stay in it all day long.

I have tried other stands and the Tree Lounge wins hands down.

[ourway77]

YoYoDoc, Just bought an Equalizer tree stand, It is the only adjustable tree stand that can be adjust to make it level a full 12 inches while up the tree. They have a Web sight (Equalizer treestands.com) Lou

[IndianaHunter]

I have 2 Summit climbers, one open front for bow hunting and one standup/sit-down climber for gun hunting. I also have an API Grand Slam Supreme…All are light and meet my needs as I’m a bigger guy weighting in at 235… However, my banged up shoulders make using the bow climber more and more difficult to use. My next stand will most likely be the Summit Goliath X5. Stability and confidence factor are everything for me.

[jjw]

I personally never liked climbers. What a hassel when you have to crap!

[bubba]

indianahunter said:

I have 2 Summit climbers, one open front for bow hunting and one standup/sit-down climber for gun hunting. I also have an API Grand Slam Supreme…All are light and meet my needs as I’m a bigger guy weighting in at 235… However, my banged up shoulders make using the bow climber more and more difficult to use. My next stand will most likely be the Summit Goliath X5. Stability and confidence factor are everything for me.

IH

just bought the goliath X4 (different camo pattern and free foot rest and $50 cheaper than X5).

Cuz I am larger than you ! Havent received it yet, but I had a regular sized viper, it was okay, but almost too small for me.

-bubba

[joe21a]

I have a Summit , viper (has open front) (17 lb.) love it rock solid on a tree. I don't think they make it any more. They call it the open shot and it only weighs 14lb. but has no back rest on the seat. I also have the Amerstep Non-Typical lite (19lb) I also like this one very steady. The third stand is a API Grand Slam (20lb)very comfortable to sit in but it is also very tippy untill you put the ratchet arround the tree to lock the stand to the tree, and the chains are a constant problem I was not very happy with this and do not use it very often. Getting to old for that kind of excitment 25 feet up.

[Chas062]

I believe summit is the way to go, My friend has a 71 year old father and he uses the goliath and has very little problem, in fact its almost embarresing when the "old" guy goes up a tree better than you can.

[bugzy]

I have used several different stands out there and I think it comes down to kind of tree you will be climbing ,hardwoods I like the api it has great teeth for bark adapts well to large or small trees ,summit is great for thin barked trees and doesnt work as well on large trees. The only thing that I hate about api is that you cant keep that stuff on the chain. I also have a northstarr its alright but if you put it in a small tree the belt will make noise when you shift your wieght.My wife says 1st step is realizing I have a tree stand buying problem.

[bubba]

well, I have used my goliath now, it works great, with a good safety system and a large bladder, one can stay up there all day.

I fell alseep in mine a couple of times, very nice, snoring brings in the bucks much better than any old grunt tube anyways

-bubba