climbing tree stands

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panhed

New member
I have been thinking of buying a new climbing tree stand, my old one being a baker, probably about 25 years old and very noisy. Anyhow, looking for something quiet to use, comfortable to sit in, and able to fold flat for packing in. Most of the pics I see in catalogs, they look to not fold down flat. Anyone care to share experience or recomendations for stands based on their experience? Thanks
Barry
 
i've been thinking of getting a climber, too. i've been thinking lone wolf. i have their hang-on stand, and i really like it. the base is good and grippy, and the way the lines on the floor are set up, it doesn't make any noise when i move around. the pad is small, but is made really well - not too soft, not too hard. the only downside is the size. i only weigh 170lbs, but don't find it too roomy. prior to getting that stand, i never really bothered with a safety harness, but i won't get into that stand without one.

i think if i end up getting a climber - and they're not real cheap - i'm going to replace the carrying straps. i think straps from a government issue ruck would be perfect.
 
I have a Summit that I dearly love. Mine is the Cobra (Viper without the front bar) which does not fold flat. Their Broadhead is a folding version of the Cobra, while the Bullet is the folding version of the Viper.

You won't be sorry you got one.


Broadhead
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Bullet:

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http://www.summitstands.com/
 
I use a Rivers Edge Tiger Claw climber and like it very much. It's as quiet as any thing else I have tried and not too heavy to carry in a ways.
 
I also have the Summit Viper. Mine also doesn't fold flat. These can be a little noisy to set up, BUT with a little practice, you can do it easily and pretty quietly, even in the dark. Very comfortable.
Climbing stands have a learning curve to them, meaning that it takes a little practice to set up the stand at the base of a tree, and have it end up level once you're up the tree. Obviously, most trees are larger dia. at the base, and get smaller as you climb, so you have to set the climber up so that is is angled upward/toward the tree so that as you climb, it levels off.
Once you use a climber some, it gets easier and easier to set up, climb, and take down.
 
If you want comfort check Tree Lounge. Personally though I'm buying an API Grand Slam Star Extreme. I just dont have the cash right now. Anyone use any of the cheaper Gorilla stands?
 
The Loggy Bayou is my favorite but I did have a Grzzly cant remember the model but it folds flat. Gander mountai sells it. Actuall I just remembered I saw one just like it at Wal Mart but they had a different name on it.The two sides that angle up and towards the tree fold down flat against the platform. Thats the bottom part but the seat handclmber piece does the same thig. Its 19 lb.
Daryl P.
 
For gun hunting, you can't beat a Tree Lounge. A little bulky though, but it really is like hunting from your favorite recliner. I've spent full days in the Lounge in complete comfort.
For lightweight alternative or shorter hunts, gun or bow I'd go with an Ol' Man Vision. Under 20lbs with a net seat that is soooo comfy. And you can attach the seat part of the climber to the tree in either direction...up gives you a gun rest, down gives you a foot rest. It doesn't fold flat like some others, but more than makes up for it in the comfort dept.
 
I use the Summit Bullet Backpacker. It does fold flat and weights about 23 lbs. I'm very comfortable in it and have fallen asleep in it. Though it does make some noise setting up. I don't see how anyone can be completely silent setting up any climber.
 
I like the and have the Api grand stand its a very nice stand comfy and light weight.
But i have heard that summit viper is a nice climber also.
 
I have two summits both are razors with the open fronts, a lone wolf alpha hang on and also the LW climber.

The summit by far is the easiest to sit in for an all day hunt, but the LW climber is the quietest to get up and in the trees with.

ANy of the mention in the thread are great, but for the best of the best I would go with the LW climber.

Mike
 
Thanks for all the replies, so far, I like the looks of the summit bullet or viper, not sure how big a difference it makes for packing folding flat, the pics on their website don't look too bad on either one. The woods here in Pa are kind of thick in my area and just about anything hangs up and makes alot of noise.
Barry
 
i have an api bowhunter and an api grand slam star extreme.. and the star extreme is a heavy climber weighing in at 28lbs.. i have tried the summit stands and for ease of use the api and summit to me are about the same but for packing around and field use i would go with the summit hands down.. my next stand will be a summit no questions asked..
 
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