Help with Picking out a Treestand

[Hoyt]

I guess it's individual preference because I see posts where people don't have a problem with bows up to 68" or so with stands that have rails. But I do and will not buy one that has them.

The only climbers I've got left that have rails are Equalizer and old Summit Cobra..it has short hand rails on each side and the Equalizer's go all the way around. Both have been locked to the base of trees for the last two seasons.

When I do break down and hunt out of either with my 64" recurve I end up setting the top section as far down as it will go (actually resting on the bottom section) and my chin resting on my knees..still worry about my bottom limbs hitting the rails.

I would get the top section of the Open Shot...$159 and bottom of any other Summit but Open Shot, bout $159..but first thing I would do is call Summit Customer Service which they tell you to do before buying individual sections.

[Roger Norris]

Please consider the Chippewa Wedge Loc (I don't sell them). With a few spare chains, you can move your stand around easily. Extremely safe, solid, quiet, and easy to hange.

[waknstak IL]

I was 6' and over 3oo and was looking for light weight and something that set up easily. I bought a lone wolf with a hand climber and I rigged a strap and added it to sit on while climbing. I tried the one with the nicer seat and it just didn't seem wide enough at that time. If money is an issue like it was for me,  watch **ay or c****list you can often find a used one at a pretty decent price. I bought one that didn't have a mark on it in the original box for around $200.00. You'd be surprised how many guys buy a high end stand for one trip or just don't like them and will sell them pretty cheap. No matter what stand you buy get a decent fall restraint and use it every time you leave the ground.

[RLA]

I'll x2 on what Mr. Norris said, I've sold off all the other stands collected over the years, Love all the Chippewa stuff.

[babs]

I have the summit goliath and I also have the cabelas summit model with the open front. Both are great stands and very comfortable. I use the open front stand with my recurves and it does pretty well, there may be a couple shots I cant make because of the side bars but I think every tree stand except for the lone wolf has the side bars. If I were u I would look at the titan model, the goliath is a little tight when I have on bulky clothes and I'm 5'11 and 220. You can always call summit and order the biggest platform and any top piece you want, thats what nice about summit treestands. Just my opinion

[roundbal]

Have been up in the air about which treestand to buy but I ran across a deal yesterday     .  Was talking to my uncle and treestands came up so I rode down to his house and he had a Loggy Bayou climber only used once by a friend of his (he had a whole shed full of stands) that he said that he would sell cheap just to free up some room.  After a few minutes of negotiating back and forth he goes in the house and comes out with a Bear Kodiak Hunter that he said he was not interested in selling, all in Grayling green.  So to make a long story short I got a climber and the Bear for $200!!! Not a bad deal in my book.  The only thing "wrong" with the bear is it had been drilled at one point for sights, but thats no biggy I just have another rainy day bow. I will just fill the holes (1/16 dia) with some epoxy or something.  Now I just need a tree to try hanging it up in   :D

[roundbal]

Forgot to add I also got a package of 100 right wing shield cut feathers in the deal to.  He didn't want them because they were pink. SCORE!

[Traditional-Archer]

I have a summit viper and use it at time but the bar does create some unnecessary challenges I usually leave it at home until rifle hunting and muzzle loader it’s a great rifle rest if needed. I have a lone wolf sit and climb and it is nice, I think a little over rated and the arm rest can get in the way even with my 58” bow. I’m 5’10 not a 6+footer so it may be better for taller hunters. I’m thinking of the Goliath you can call Summit and tell them what you need, that would be your best option I would think.  
Good luck

[RM81]

I had an Open Shot and used it for awhile.  Didn't like it in the colder weather with trying to climb with a bunch of layers on.  The Viper is easier to climb with, but I hated how the bar got in the way once you got settled in. So I sold the Open Shot and picked up a Summit Razor.  It's a sit and climb model with makes it easier to climb with, but when you get up in the tree, the bar folds down out of the way.  Hope to give it a thorough testing this fall.

[ChuckC]

Frankie, I am of the opinion that anything you can do with a climber you can do with a strap on.  I can go up and down any tree nearly as quickly, probably quieter, and can change trees no problem.  I can also use nearly any tree around, even those with limbs in the way.

Don't count them out only for the reason you gave.

I use the Chippewa stands.  They use a separate hanger that makes things quicker, easier and quieter.  They are also very stable and quiet.

Of course, a good ghillie and seat can work wonders as well.


ChuckC

[manitou1]

You might check out Cougar Claw treestands.  American made too.

[Steve Jr]

I have a lone wolf hand climber it's awesome and I will never have to buy another one. Good luck

[waiting4fall]

Guido's Web. Check out my video review, see what ya think.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7IAgwDkTc0&feature=plcp