What kind of climbing stand do you hunt from? I am shooting either a 60" Hoyt Dorado or a homemade 66" r/d longbow. I am wondering if anyone hunts with an enclosed climber.
pictures would be great,
Thanks,
Daniel
Summit Open Shot or Lone Wolf hand climber. Setup is still critical though. Setup such that most probable shot is from 10 to 2 o'clock position for maximum clearance
Timely topic for me. I'm in the market for a new climber myself. I want to face away from the tree without a bar in front of me. I also want a BIG bottom section. What are some recommendations based on that criteria?
I hunt from an enclosed climber. I generally lower the top portion as far as it will go or even turn it around backwards once I reach my desired height. This year though I'm thinking about chopping that bar off though and turning it into an open shot
I use a Summit Bushmaster. I would recommend a Summit open shot. The lone Wolf sit and climb is nice just out of my price range.RC
I use the summit, I think it is a razor, it is sit and climb. It has a front bar that folds down after you climb the tree. This is the best climbing stand that I have ever used.
I use the summit, I think it is a razor, it is sit and climb. It has a front bar that folds down after you climb the tree. This is the best climbing stand that I have ever used.
The only climbing stand I've ever had is a Lone Wolf hand climber. I like the fold-flat ability for packing (get a molle harness) and that it doesn't have a rail in the way of shooting. I also like the way I can silently fold the seat up against the tree giving me the whole platform for standing. The seat also comes back down silently although I don't sit much. The Lone Wolf hand climber has one weakness...no good for naps.
QuoteOriginally posted by Easykeeper:
The only climbing stand I've ever had is a Lone Wolf hand climber. I like the fold-flat ability for packing (get a molle harness) and that it doesn't have a rail in the way of shooting. I also like the way I can silently fold the seat up against the tree giving me the whole platform for standing. The seat also comes back down silently although I don't sit much. The Lone Wolf hand climber has one weakness...no good for naps.
X2. LW hand climber is money well spent. Brother shoots a recurve and had an API sit-n-climb with a front bar. "It's sooo comfortable" he told me. I said "shoot out of it".
"Well, that's not so easy..."
QuoteOriginally posted by T-Bowhunter:
I use the summit, I think it is a razor, it is sit and climb. It has a front bar that folds down after you climb the tree. This is the best climbing stand that I have ever used.
Same stand here. Better combo would probably be an open shot top, with a razor bottom. Razor bottom is longer than the open shot bottom.
Can't afford what I really want...lone wolf.
I have the LW hand climber as well but also have the extra wide sit and climb seat for longer days not as easy to shoot but alot more comfortable. The hand climber is just like being in a lock on.
Get the lone wolf. The bar folds under the seat and out of the way + now they have the seat that looks like a hang on. Got that one last year - awesome!! Expensive but well worth the money.
I prefer the Lone wolf sit and climb
I prefer the Lone wolf sit and climb
My next tree stand purchase(one of these days)will be a guido's web. My buddy has one and it's awesome. Super comfortable and easy to shoot from.
I use open shot (seat folds back) and Viper bottom (already had the bottom). It is 4" longer and a little more comfortable. If you are tall (I am not) that Open Shot platform is short! It is solid and pretty quiet once situated.
Looking hard at that Lone Wolf Flip Top climber - its a good bit of $$$, so maybe next year.
I marry the bottom of a TimberTall with the top of the Lone Wolf sit & climb. The TimberTall is so much lighter than the LW that it makes carrying very easy. The fact that the TT has a self leveling feature and you never have to worry about the bottom [portion not being level because you misjudged the taper of the tree.
Interesting combo Stinger. I have both stands and may try this out.
I always stick to my ol man multi-vision. Never have problems shooting from most angles and a great stand in my opinion.
I use a Summit Viper. It is closed in with the bar, but I keep the back rest which is supposed to go against the tree, folded down to set on, so it raises me up slightly when I am seated. I shoot a 56" recurve when I am in that stand, and I have no trouble at all.
I have the Lone Wolf hand climber top with the loggy base (cable model).It's a nice combo.
Lone wolf hand climb combo for.me easy to shoot out of easy to pack nice and flat. quietest stand I ever used especially when the temp drops below zero.
i am torn between getting two different climbers(unfortunately i can't because of $$). And i like both of them for different reasons.
I like the Summit open shot.
- from what i can see, it looks like it is basically a lock on(which would be my #1 option if i owned my own land, but hunting public land, a climber is way more convenient). My worries are that the seat would not be very comfortable, i am used to the strap type seat that is basically like a chair and i love that, which is why my second choice for a stand would be the Summit Cobra SD. It has the open front, and the seat i am already in love with.
Any comments? I have never used either of these stands, so someone who has, please fill me in.
Daniel
I had a Summit Razor SS. You could sit on the bar to climb and then fold it under and out of the way. It was very comfortable and quiet. I sold it because of knee problems. They are around $300.00
Summit open shot for me. Its a very good stand but i do like the idea of a slightly larger platform
I don't like any rails when using my recurves..so use Lone Wolf Hand Climber and Summit Open Shot with an older Summit Open Front bottom.
The only climber I use is the Summit Viper. I have had a couple Lone Wolf climbers. I have used the Treesuit and the Guidos Web. I prefer the bar and with a little adjustment it becomes an advantage.
I bought a web seat to replace the seat that came with the Viper.
http://hazmore.net/cart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=2
I also bought a set of these straps. http://www.thirdhandarchery.com/product.asp?PRODID=13
These will lock the top of the Viper down enabling me to lean into the bar to make a shot. I can sit on it or lean without it moving.
I have an Ol' Man. Extremely comfortable but it is not ideal. I had a Summit Razor and it was very comfortable as well but still not ideal. I think the open front Summits, excluding the Razor, will be your best bet for a good mix of functionality and comfort.
For climbers, SUMMIT is THE BOMB! I have 2 Vipers (current version) I recently retired the original I bought way back when it first came out. That one was made of STEEL!!! Heavy, but safe and super comfy.
I couldnt imagine a better climbing tree stand. I had an open shot but unfortunately that one was stolen. The open shot was very nice. Not quite the security of the Viper...but still way comfy. You couldnt go wrong with a Summit....customer service is top notch as well.
Timely thread
First off hats off to hey deer an I don't know where you find this stuff but I'm gonna get my summit Goliath upgraded
I have had my Goliath for a few years sit and climb I'm not the most nimble fella but the sit and climb is great does it pose some challenges shooting out of YES however it is safe and secure I love it it is quiet and very easy to climb with
The dual strap is an amazing upgrade looking forward to that and the mesh seat
The Goliath is slightly oversized seat and platform if I recall
QuoteOriginally posted by VictoryHunter:
I hunt from an enclosed climber. I generally lower the top portion as far as it will go or even turn it around backwards once I reach my desired height. This year though I'm thinking about chopping that bar off though and turning it into an open shot
Not sure I'd go about that....those stands are specifically engineered as each model and undergo stringet testing as designed. Even something as simple as drilling a hole anywhere in that sucker could be chance of compromised integrity of the structure. At the very least, call the good people at Summit and see what they say or if they could possibly help. Just be careful, please! I hate to hear about our brothers and sisters falling from trees..... :scared:
QuoteOriginally posted by LookMomNoSights:
QuoteOriginally posted by VictoryHunter:
I hunt from an enclosed climber. I generally lower the top portion as far as it will go or even turn it around backwards once I reach my desired height. This year though I'm thinking about chopping that bar off though and turning it into an open shot
Not sure I'd go about that....those stands are specifically engineered as each model and undergo stringet testing as designed. Even something as simple as drilling a hole anywhere in that sucker could be chance of compromised integrity of the structure. At the very least, call the good people at Summit and see what they say or if they could possibly help. Just be careful, please! I hate to hear about our brothers and sisters falling from trees..... :scared: [/b]
I totally agree. It would not be wise to cut something that was designed a certain way and then trust your life 20 feet in the air way back in the woods. Not a good idea. I would just get a new stand.
You can order separate tops or bottoms from summit to mix match what you want. I had the bushmaster gave it to son and got a open shot .we are both happy
This will be my 10th season using my Summit Viper and love the thing. Think it's the xls model if that sounds right. I upgraded to the plastic stirrups. They work well.
QuoteOriginally posted by hogless:
You can order separate tops or bottoms from summit to mix match what you want. I had the bushmaster gave it to son and got a open shot .we are both happy
That is good to know. I like a longer base than the open shot has.
API Grand Slam
I suppose it is what you called "enclosed?" It has a wrap around upper section. I prefer it rather than the open type just for my safety sakes. With my HSS I lean out ON the wraparound part when I stand up.
Also makes for a good bow holder while you're waiting for something to come along.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/PowDuck/ARROW%202011/IMG_0775-1.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/PowDuck/media/ARROW%202011/IMG_0775-1.jpg.html)
Summit Viper, I have used a 64" recurve out of it, very comfy and good for all day sits...if I can makes myself do it. I usually position the top half with the seat and rail just a little below my waist line and haven't had any problems, you just have to get used to it and be aware of your surroundings. If you have a place where you can use it in your yard to practice from helps too, along with kids willing to pull arrows and send them up in a back quiver so you don't wear yourself out going up and down.
I have a Lone wolf hand climber and it just tears me apart when I try to climb with it, if it wasn't a gift I'd of sold it by now but I'll keep trying to figure it out.
the best stand I ever sat in was a ole man multi-vision that you could use as a hand climber with plenty of room for your arms to lift, a sit and climb, you can sit and face the tree or face away, the foot rest spins around for a gun rest or to lay your head on as a knap bar last time out I sat for 11hrs in that baby with no probs,,,heavy though at 26lbs! then I got the next best thing and that was gorillas version of the same stand but a little lighter.
I use the Summit Viper SS. I agree with the previous advice to lower upper bar or turn stand to face away from expected shooting lanes. The Lone Wolf Assault Hand Climber is what I'm hoping to receive for my birthday this year! :pray:
Hey Tajue17. Lone Wold now makes a strap to convert your hand climber to a sit and climb stand. Check it out. I hope this helps. It's called the Sit Strap.http://www.lonewolfhuntingproducts.com/shopping/Products/Hand-Climber-Sit-Strap__LWHCS.aspx
I have a new enclosed climber that I got a while back that I've only climbed and practiced from, like the OP I too would like suggestions from guys who hunt/kill from these type of stands.
I was leaning way out while standing to shoot and couldn't imagine shooting sitting in one. Still bought the thing and I'd like to kill a deer from it before I get rid of it, being a ground pounder 99% of the time now...
I have a Summit Titan (enclosed) and was shooting a 68" LB. I changed the seat to one of those volleyball nets and stitched it really tight. This allows me to sit so my knees aren't up by my ears, and I can stand pretty easily out of a seated position. Fortunate enough to take a doe with this setup last October.
I have since purchased a 64" bow just to give a little extra room.
I have owned several climbers and have decided on a different set-up and I can be up a tree as quick if not quicker than a climber and can hunt trees with limbs on them for cover. Get yourself a set of LW climbing sticks 4 is best, than buy a Chippewa wedge-loc stand( I make my own brackets for less than $7). Attach sticks as you climb with stand on your back or better leave it on the ground tied to a pull rope with your bow. When you get to the right height hang a bracket takes about 1 minute to hang bracket, pull up stand put in bracket and climb in!! I will never use a climber again! Shawn
Daniel, last year someone posted a thread about using an enclosed version, I think a Summit Viper, and they mentioned how they leaned over the front bar by setting the tension just right on their harness. Might be something to consider. Last week I went in Bass Pro and looked real close at Summit's Dagger with its open front design and a seat that looks pretty comfortable it might be my next choice. I currently use an Ole Man Vision which is much quieter than Summits but a bit heavier too.
I use a lone wolf
Shawn, that sounds pretty awesome! I was thinking about trying the lock on set up as well. The only reason i haven't yet is because of the price of the aluminum sticks and lock ons.
I like the muddy sticks a lot. wish i could find me a set of them at a decent price.
thank you for all the posts/ replies!
Daniel
No one has mentioned the API bowhunter, I like it so much I sold my Lone Wolf.
I have a LW hand climber , had the extra cash so I went for it and I am glad I did. It's easy to shoot out of and quiet. Can't go wrong with a Lone Wolf. What ever you decide good luck this season.
I have an API shooting star, it has arm rests so I need to keep the platform up high to get the clearance that i like for my bow.
LW handclimber here.
LW hand climber as well. Worth every penny!
If I'm hunting out of state and flying, I'll pack my LW hand climber seat. That way I can use any climbing platform & not be concerned about the seat getting in my way. LW hand climber all the way for me. I have two LW stands one in MA & one in SC plus an extra hand climb seat.