summit treestand

[frankwright]

I have used both a Summit Viper and an API Grand Slam, both with bars, and never really had any problems.

The bar makes it so much easier for climbing than hanging like a monkey on a stand without the bar. I set the stand up with the top and bottom as close as I can get them and still sit comfortably. Then when I stand, the bar is down pretty low and does not cause anymore problems than the tree itself does.
The last two years I have gone to Ol man Multi-Vision stands.
You climb sitting in the mesh seat and then step over it to get ready to hunt. The bar, down low makes a very comfortable foot rest and is out of the way for shooting.

 http://www.olmanoutdoors.com/stands/climbers/Multivision

[varmint101]

I must've had it backwards.  I can never remember if I have the top higher or lower when I'm explaining it for some reason.  You'd think I'd remember after 7yrs of using the thing.  

I know I have the top part just high enough so my knees don't hit the bottom of the railing.     I never have had any problems from less than 10yds to much more.

[LA Trapper]

Bushmaster open shot.  Buy some  Molle straps military straps off the big auction site (this site will not let me say ****) and there is NO strain on you.  Daylight and dark.

Billy

[njloco]

I have the Old Old man, composite bottom and regular tube type top, It is very good for shooting  forward, but if you have a side shot the bar will still interfere somewhat. I also have the Equalizer climber, very good stand and the leveling system works great.