Originally posted by Eric Krewson:
I have used an API Bowhunter for the last 20 years. As I got older I would get what I called "treestand shoulders" every year after using it, pretty sore shoulders from supporting my weight while I climbed.
I remedied this problem by putting a 3" strap with loops on each end over the handles and turned my climber into a sit and climb by sitting on the strap as I climbed.
Eric, I bet we're close to same age, and I've done exactly the same thing over time, with my old trusty API bowhunter.
The last few years I finally gave in to the sit/climb methods rather than arm grab hang method, I find it's much easier/safer/soreshoulderfree, etc.
Using a Summit Viper lately, and just keep the top section a bit lower than usual, no issues with tradbows.