climbing tree stands

[mooshkat]

Hi all, i am interested in buying a climbing tree stand, i shoot a longbow, and i am 57 years old, and only used a climber a couple time years ago. It appears that the summit stands are popular, like the Viper SD, but will the front bar be in the way to shoot traditional? I seen today on the web they make one called the specialist, with a open front, would that be harder to climb with,and maybe not as comfortable?  Opinions please.   Thanks  Dave

[robtattoo]

I have the Summit Titan & while you do need to put s little more thought into your stand's orientation, shooting a longbow out of one isn't that much trouble. I shoot 62"+ bows & the only shots i absolutely cannot make are anything past 2 o'clock on my right & straight down. Anything to my front or left is ok, but i do have to cant my bow quite a bit.
That said, i spend aa lot more time sitting in my stand than i do shooting from it, do the difficulty involved in shooting is far outweighed by the luxurious comfort it affords me!

[Rustic]

Originally posted by mooshkat:
Hi all, i am interested in buying a climbing tree stand, i shoot a longbow, and i am 57 years old, and only used a climber a couple time years ago. It appears that the summit stands are popular, like the Viper SD, but will the front bar be in the way to shoot traditional? I seen today on the web they make one called the specialist, with a open front, would that be harder to climb with,and maybe not as comfortable?  Opinions please.   Thanks  Dave

Hi Dave,
I'm 57 yrs old, too. I used a Summit "COBRA" for many years. It had an open front and I had no problem climbing with this product. It just depends on your level of fitness and sense of safety. Take care...

[Joshua Polland]

My first year with a longbow I hunted out of a Summit Viper. I found the front bar really got in the way. I went ahead and cut it off.....I know that you aren't supposed to but two years later and it has shown no ill effect. The Viper is very comfortable, as far as climbing I've always used it like a hand climber. That being said, I know there are some models that have a folding front bar. Good luck.

[RodL]

You could look into the summit Razor climbing treestand. It has an adjustable front bar that you sit on while you are climbing the tree, when you get to your desired height the front bar can be moved down towards you feet. I have a Viper stand right now, I can shoot my 60" recurve out of it if I'm paying attention to what I'm doing, but we all know what happens when a deer steps out in front of you. You can check the stand out on Summits website

Rodney

[T-D]

I use the Ol'Man multi vision. Its very comfortable, light and compact. With this stand you can choose what bar is in front of you. I use the bent bar down so its not in my way, but it makes a great foot rest almost like sitting in a recliner. The price isn't bad either. Good Luck!

[Nathan Killen]

I use a Lone Wolf Asassin climber and it works great with trad equipment. Lightest climber on the market that I know of and also packs down to a small profile.

[kwc]

i have an older summit simular to the open shot im 58 and have no problem with it i use to shoot a 66 inch logbow with no problem from this stand only wish i had the new open shot top so i could lift up the seat when i stand up, i like to lean right agaisnt the tree. ive even been lucky enough to shot a deer sitting from the stand good luck with whatever you decide

[SheltonCreeker]

I don't like any thing in front of me with traditional equipment. My main advice would be if possible try out different models and see which best suits you. The thing about a climber is all the different variables; how much it weighs, how easily it fits together, how does it climb, how comfortable is it, etc. Like I said if you can id try and use some before you make a decision! Good luck!

[AMB]

Lone wolf sit and climb when I use one.

[D.Ellis]

Originally posted by Joshua Polland:
My first year with a longbow I hunted out of a Summit Viper. I found the front bar really got in the way. I went ahead and cut it off.....I know that you aren't supposed to but two years later and it has shown no ill effect. The Viper is very comfortable, as far as climbing I've always used it like a hand climber. That being said, I know there are some models that have a folding front bar. Good luck.

I did the same to mine.......that bar drove me nuts.
Darcy  

[wtpops]

I haven't used a tree stand yet but on pure research im am looking at the X Stand sit and climb real close. It weighs less than 12 lbs.

If any one has used it let mooshkat and I know what you think.

[TRT]

I have a Summit Bushmaster (I think) that is several years old.  It is very similar to the open shot now.  I like it a lot with my 62" recurves.  I would not hesitate to use a 66" longbow out of it either.  The stand is very stable for me and I am a relatively big guy (6'2" and 250 lbs.)

[ddauler]

I have a summit clearshot and a cobra ditto on the seat not folding back on the cobra. The clearshot is the best I have ever had as far as shooting the seat folds back it is seperate from the hand climber. Gotta get it set just right in the tree and it's comfy. Not as comfy as the new sling seats but close. The cobra is very comfy. I would love to try the Viper and put bar high so bottom limb can go under I do all my practice from a ladder stand with a waist high bar and shoot 66inch longbow every angle no issues. Anyone tried a viper with seat high? Looks like you could put bar high lower the sling seat to proper hight and it would work?

[Gooserbat]

I'm a big fan of Treewalker stands.

[refugerambler]

I've been using the summit openshot for years now and I love it.

[gringol]

X2 for the summit openshot.  It's easy to shoot from, and it is also one of the lightest stands available.

[jax]

Summit razor.

[STICKBENDER98]

I have a summit viper that i bought 5 or 6 years ago, and have used my 64" recurve out of it.  You just have to be aware of how you position it, and when you manuver for a shot, but it is doable.

[manitou1]

You might take a peek at the Cougar Claw climbing stands also.  I really like mine.  Light and user friendly.  Very comfy.