Summit Viper SD advice

[fnshtr]

Anyone here use one successfully? I love the comfy seat, but thinking I should have purchased the open shot model. The bar is very difficult to get over/around to shoot. Anyone find a "cure"?

Thanks!

[Bowguy67]

I use a lone wolf as it's easier. I've used a viper but to me it seems lots of shots must be passed. Some fellows say bring seat higher so bow goes under it. They must be using short bows cause it doesn't work for me

[Lee Lobbestael]

I shoot over the bar. I used to move the top half around to the back of the tree and stand the whole time. But last year I discovered that if the bar is waist high and im bending at the waist to shoot downwards like im supposed to be doing, my bow is on the outside of the bar. When shooting, try moving away from the tree slightly and let the bar touch your body.

[59Alaskan]

I think you can still buy just the open shot seat directly from Summit.  You could use it on your Viper base.  I own an open shot, and used to have a Viper.   I miss the larger base of the Viper.  I am considering buying a viper for use with other weapons.  If I did that, I’d likely use the base with the open shot for Trad.  I did not like the bar for traditional archery hunting

[Jerry Russell]

I had a couple and found that it blocks a certain percentage of your shots.   I put my top sections on a couple forums for trade for open shot tops and they went fast.  The gun guys love them.

[SC Bowhunter]

I have used a Viper for the last 15 years.
My experience is the same as Lee above.
Lean into the bar at waist height and bend at the waist to shoot over it.
No clearance problems.

[J. Cook]

I have used one, and have no trouble shooting out of it.  The key is you have to lean your hips/thighs against the rail.  If you have it adjusted to where the rail is about waist high, then this allows you to bend at the waist and shoot with zero issues.  I've never seen it get in the way when trying it this way.  

However, if you try to remain close to the tree for a shot, then yes, it will almost always be in your way...  

My favorite stand is the Summit Cobra (that exact model is no longer made) but is has the full arm rests for comfort, but is an open front.  Even still, if you remain close to the tree those arm rest risers will be in your way as well unless the animal is directly in front of you.  

I like the viper - like I said, you have to set is "high" and you have to be against the rail when you shoot.

[fnshtr]

Thanks for the responses. I've only hunted ifrom it a few sits, no shots taken at game. Practice shots required a horizontal bow position. I also found a harness with a longer tether that should help me get further from the tree.

I'll try it this evening.

Thanks!!!!

[J. Cook]

It's not perfect...but you just have to decide what you want in a treestand.  In terms of shooting options - a wide-open loc-on style is the best but takes set up time obviously and some would dispute it's less mobile.  I thought the Lone Wolf was a very uncomfortable stand to be honest.  Summit is the most comfy for me, and the Viper adds the comfort of a shooting rail to lean on/rest on, and is super easy to climb with.  

I think if you practice leaning over the railing, you'll see what I mean.  Good luck!

[bamboo]

use a ratchet strap and lock it down tight up at waist level--then lean right on the bar and a lot of shots will become easier

[no]

I use a hazmore seat on my summit, it will sit you up higher & the bar is no issue. Mike

[Mark Normand]

Hazmore net seat here too, and set the seat portion a bit lower than usual. Gets rid of bulky cushion, saves some weight, gets rid of potential buckle noise issues, net is super quiet and pushes backward if needed when you stand.

[8upbowhunter]

Same as above on the Hazmore seat, love mine and works great. When you install it to put it tight because it will stretch a little after sitting in it.

[hnt2mch]

I have 2 vipers and the open both tops for each ,yard sale finds lol, i hunt a lot from lok-ons and ladders but use the vipers to move into "hotspots" as they appear and disappear with conditions.

[Tradcat]

Hazemore net seat all the way

[Gator1]

Look into 3rd hand archery’s stabilizer straps their the bomb.

[TRAP]

I agree with Mitch.  With the Third Hand Archery stabilizer straps, you can lean into the top bar on the front and sides.  As long as you are standing on the platform the top bar is solid as a rock.  They make a great stand even better.

[KodaChuck]

Have both....Lone Wolf and Summit. The LW is not an all day sit stand but it's lightweight, secure attachment and non squeak design is hard to be beat. You can work around a bar but I like to shoot from the sitting position at times with little movement and you will never do that with a bar. I put a 2 inch foam pad on my LW climber seat and it's more comfortable plus it's easier to climb with since I can rest my chest on the thick pad going up. Either Summit or LW without a bar give more shooting options in my view.

[Shadowhnter]

Have used the viper for several years now by leaning on the front bar as described earlier. I seen someone say lean on the sides....dont do it unless you ratchet strap that top tight and secure or it will spin on the tree and you will be dangling.
This year I purchased the Summit Razor SD top, which has the removable front bar to get the best of both worlds.

[fnshtr]

Thanks again guys. Lots of good advice. I'm in the stand now. Have a rachet strap on the seat part. Have come to full draw on left side and front. I'm not leaning against the side, just getting up close. Longer tether was also needed.

Thanks again, you've been a big help.