Looking to go back to try a climber. What do you guys like. I hear good things about Lone Wolf or Summit? Thanks. BILL
Hey Bill,
I've got an extra lone wolf you can borrow.
Tim
Borrow the lone wolf. They are great to carry but just fair in the way of comfort. They're not for everyone but I could not do without mine.
I prefer the Summit over my Lone Wolf for comfort, but prefer my Lone Wolf for being more compact when walking in and for short hunts. My Summit can be some what cumbersome when going through the thickets versus my Lone Wolf. Best of luck with your choice. Nice gesture Tim!! :thumbsup:
I agree with JMG if yu are going to be hiking a long ways you might want to invest in the long wolf. I have the summit open shot and love it it is comfortable for long sits. The only thing that I don't like is the way the cables hang down they tend to catch on things.
I don't know about the new design, but I love my API Bowhunter extreme. A little heavy compared to the lone wolf, but a very comfortable stand. This stand packs better than summits for me.
Take Tim up on his offer and borrow the lone wolf! Im willing to bet you'll be buying your own! I have the hand climber and it is about perfect!
I much prefer the Summit over all of the others. I did have a Lone Wolf for one season. I decided that I would rather carry a little more weight and be comfortable.
I'm in Finksburg, MD and just bought a used Lone Wolf hand climber so if you want to try it out contact me. I also have a LW hang on and sticks. You can try both.
Richard
If you move around a lot, the LW might be a better choice. But, if you're into long sits and comfort, get a Summit.
I also like Summit for comfort. Best thing I did to mine was add a footrest, Hazmore net seat and Thirdhand stabilizer straps. The straps work wonders locking the stand to the tree.
What summit do you guys like?
It is my experience with climbers that you can either have one that is comfortable, or one that packs easy, but not both. The summit openshot is my preferred climber these days, but for longer trips to the tree I use an old loggy bayou, it sits surprisingly well, and packs like a daypack, but be ready to lose some hide and chest hair on the way up. No experience with the lonewolf. If I could only have one, the summit easily gets the nod. Hope I could help.
Jake
I like my summit. I bought mine at cabelas it has a open front but it has sides on it. Kind of nice in away if you fall asleep u don't have to worry about falling out and its fairly lite I think it weighs 16 or 17 lbs. Its only sold through cabelas from summit. I took the seat off mine and put a hazmore net seat on way more comfortable and lighter and quiet. When u stand up to shoot the seat just pushes back against tree and u can kind of hide yourself behind tree more too. The seat only cost 20 dollars, best 20dollars I spent on any hunting item. I have the lone wolf too but its harder to climb with and not as comfortable but its lighter and packs flatter. So my summit gets used a lot more and I love the climbing stirups makes climbing a breeze.
For my tradbow hunting I use the summit clearshot...Sits like a hang on but is a climber.. No interference at all. Triangle style seat is not the most comfortable though..
I would rather have to switch up bows than give up my lone wolf alpha hand climber. I most appreciate the fact that it is dead silent at all times, regardless of temperature. When you have to stand or move "right now" to get in position for the shot you never have to worry about a pop or creak coming from your stand.
I've had mine for 15 years and other than tooth marks in the foam seat from a bear its as good as the day I got it.
I have had several version of Summits (since you can buy just the tops). The open shot is a hand climber, and my back won't let me do that any more. Very wide open for long bows. I mostly use the Cobra (now replaced by the Razor, I think) with the bar you sit on while climbing and then move out of the way. I like the open front, but it does not have complete clearance on the sides if you are sitting while shooting. I also have the Viper, which I have mostly only used when gun hunting. You CAN use the Viper if you set the top and bottom close together and stand up to shoot. The bar across the front does make it impossible to fall out. Summit seats are tops for comfort!
there is only .3 lbs difference between the two stands--I used both models this last season and they are both nice--BUT ...IMO the summit was a lot easier to climb with and the fold up seat suited me better
If you really want to be a tree climber, go with Lone Wolf Assault hand climber. I can't believe how much they cost now. I had one I bought for 75$, but that was years ago. I keep my feet on the ground now days.
I don't see my model at cabelas anymore but its basically the specialist sd now, just a different seat now. The lone wolf is a little quieter too once in awhile ill get a creak from my summit. But the lone wolf has limitations too if you wear size 12 shoes like I do I couldn't fit my feet in the climbing bar with my winter boots on. The one thing I forgot to mention is I have the goliath model too and I use the platform off of that treestand because its larger. You can order different tops and bottoms from summit that's what nice. So many options to choose everybody likes something different from the next guy.
I just got an "x" stand this year, and its pretty good and the lightest out there. I feel safe climbing with it but it does feel pretty "open" once I get up. It's light and great to climb with though.
I love my Summit Viper. I got a set of climber stabilizers like $19. from 3rd. Hand Archery. Best comb in climbers I think.
another nod for the Summit Razor, I modified mine by putting the older open shot seat on it, its still a sling seat but sits up higher w/o the back. For the gun I put on the one w/ the back. Mike
I've got locked to base of trees back in where I hunt, a Summit OpenShot, a Summit with open front..rails on sides, a Summit with rail all the way around, an Equalizer, a real old API Shoot n' Star and a real old Lone Wolf Handclimber.
I hunt almost every day and have used the Summit OpenShot 2 times (I did switch the short bottom platform with the longer Summit open front, all but the Lone Wolf Handclimber none and the Lone Wolf Handclimber all the rest of the time. I carry it a long ways sometimes and hunt right close to one of the others.
NBK gave most of the reasons why in his post.
I have a lonewolf and an API.
The API is the most comfortable stand I have ever used. Its a bit heavier and bulky. The lone wolf is great for long hikes to favorite spots. If I only plan to sit for 6 or less hours, I will take the Lone wolf.
I have a lone wolf hand climber and a summit viper. As others have mentioned, the lone wolf packs and carries second to none, but it is not comfortable for long sits. The viper is way more cumbersome to carry but the comfort is second to none. I have no problem shooting out of it unless the intended target is directly below. The trick with the viper, as i learned from someone who posted here, is to set the seat portion high. If that bar is set up at waist level, you can draw the bow and not have to worry about clearance of the lower limb. Unless I'm hiking in far, the viper is my stand of choice.
Isn't the Summit Cobra the same stand as the Viper minus the rail?
QuoteOriginally posted by TGbow:
Isn't the Summit Cobra the same stand as the Viper minus the rail?
yes.
the Cobra rail folds up over your head. I think they phased it out because you have to unhook your safety strap to fold the rail over your head. I have never seen that officially addressed, but I'm pretty sure that's the reason they phased it out. The Razor has the same setup, but the bar folds underneath the seat instead.
Why not look into an Ol'Man climber? I've got a multi vision that's super comfy (net seat), weighs 20 lbs and is much more portable than any summit you can find. The stand folds flat, allowing me to pack camo and cat quiver right in with no worries.
If you're worried about being able to shoot out of it, just take the belly bar off and you're good to go! Worth a look for sure
I use a very old, steel, Summit Cobra Climber that's open in the front. It weighs about 27# total and I've had it for several years. I bought it from a buddy of mine that upgraded to an aluminum Summit and he loves it. Actually, all of my hunting buds use Summits.
The best thing I did with mine was to buy a net seat to replace the bulky, fold-out, 3 piece cushion one. I also added Summit's foot stirrups and the adjustable shoulder straps they sell as well.
Yeah, it's kinda heavy but it sure is comfortable, quiet, and it's very solid when sitting and/or standing.
I have a Summit Razor, it has a seat climbing bar that folds down after you climb. The stand is very comfortable and it is easy to fall asleep. It is a great stand for bow hunting I have never used a long wolf climber.
Lone Wolf hand-climber for me, but then it's the only climber I've had. I'm happy with it and have had no reason to try another.
I've hunted Summit Goliaths and Vipers for the past 10+ years. I've tried Ol'Man and a few others. I just like how solid these are. I'm 6'0" and 260. It takes a good climber for me to feel comfortable.
Never had an issue with the rails, like how quiet they are, easy to set up, and they aren't too heavy. With a few adjustments I make to them they are even kind of comfortable to pack.
Are the Summits as well made/sturdy as the LW (USA version)? Peace
Lone wolf hand climber combo :thumbsup:
Bluemoonrising- Personally I think more so.
Plus it's the extra room for me that is important.
Is it still possible to stand too close to the tree and step through the summit? I managed that around ten years ago and never used one again. There was a big gap in mine between the first slat and the piece that sat against the tree.
Greg, I am guessing that the mfrs don't want you to stand close to the tree in a climber. The thing that keeps you up there is the cam action against the tree, and the closer you are to the tree the less you have. If you did that in the early climbers (remember the Bakers) you would be traveling down the tree very quickly.
Chuckc
I bought an Ol'Man Alumilite this year and I am completely satisfied. one of the better features is a removable/interchangeable front rail. you can use it with no rail, a straight rail, a rail that can be used as a foot rest/ or reversed for a gun rest.....
Short sits I used it with no rail, and longer sits I put the foot rail on it as its nice to be able to change foot/leg positioning....
weight wise its in the same range as other alum. climbers..
I like my Summit Open Shot but I have very limited experience.
When I was able to climb I had the Summit Razor. Like others have said the bar will fold under the seat. You get the benefit of being able to sit and climb and then fold the bar out of the way. It was a very quiet and comfortable stand.
GregD- Yeah number one don't stand next to the tree. In the old days I had an old Baker stand. That's the first thing you learned. It'd turn loose... And it was a bumpy ride to the bottom.
Summit Viper doesn't have enough room to stand back there but also unless you got a tiny foot... It doesn't fit in the opening there.
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii310/celticfisherman/20140102_094206_zpsiw3ldwby.jpg) (http://s267.photobucket.com/user/celticfisherman/media/20140102_094206_zpsiw3ldwby.jpg.html)
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii310/celticfisherman/20140102_094156_zpspfuiprro.jpg) (http://s267.photobucket.com/user/celticfisherman/media/20140102_094156_zpspfuiprro.jpg.html)
(http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii310/celticfisherman/20140102_094153_zpsq1excbzc.jpg) (http://s267.photobucket.com/user/celticfisherman/media/20140102_094153_zpsq1excbzc.jpg.html)
Here's a few pics of my favorite stand currently ( I have a number of ladders and hang ons and 2 other Goliaths) the Summit Viper SD. I've got mine rigged up to be a little more comfortable for me to pack.
I use a Treewalker.
I was standing sideways on mine with my left shoulder tight to the tree I moved my left foot closer to the tree put it down and went right through. I had an old loggy bayou that would drop if you shifted your weight toward the tree, in fact if the tree was wet it might drop no matter where you were standing. that one you always stayed alert in. I had a couple of trailhawks that I think were made in Wisconsin, once they were set they would not move no matter what you did. In fact they wanted you to put your foot tight to the tree and give a stomp. It really tore up the bark though. I've never had any slippage with my Lonewolf although sometime it doesn't seem to set properly and I need to move up or down a foot and reset it
I had a lone wolf sit and climb that I liked for my wheelie bow. But for the trad bow it seemed like the side pieces and front stabilizer bar got in the way. I've had a lone wolf alpha and 3 lone wolf sticks for about 10 years and its never let me down. I can do the same things a climber can (plus sit in a lot of trees that a climber can't) and feel like I'm better off. I've looked at other stands but I don't think I'd gain anything but going back to a climber.
I love my lone wolf. It is sturdy and easy to pack in. I can't speak to the other stand.
Been an Ol' Man Vision user for 30 years and today I recieved my Summit Specialist S D. I'll know tomorrow how comfortable it is. It should be shooter friendly with it's open front design and at 16 lbs. should pack in well on the long walks I make on public land (to get away from yuppies). I noticed these stands come rigged for carrying cables down but I'm about to go reverse it so I can hook my backpack straps over the stubs at the blade ends. I'll report back if it's worth sharing.
I just got a lone wolf sit and climb II for Christmas. I'm breaking it in tomorrow morning. It has a sling seat and a pad that goes against the tree that seems to be an improvement in comfort design over earlier models. I'm anxious to give it a go.
Ol-man has one that looks like it could be good, the Alumalite CTS
I have a summit open shot and like it it's very comfy, but wish I had a LW. Just cost to much more to justify buying one, I don't use a climber that much anyways.... just another tool in my bag for that special job.
If anyone has used an Ol-man climber with that swung down type foot rest can you answer a question I have.
My question is, can you put the top section extra low/close to bottom section and sit with your feet on the foot rest and then when you stand up on the bottom platform to shoot have plenty of bow clearence with the top section being down low?
The mesh seat and foot rest on they're stand looks real comfortable.
Thanks in advance
Ryan, I have hunted with the ol man for years and I set it exactly as you described while bowhunting with it and it works Ok, but I received a Lone Wolf Hand Climber for Christmas that I'm planning on using for bowhunting for the added clearance and easier carrying.
The net seat on the Ol man is the most comfortable I've ever used.
Jr.
The seat on the ol man is very comfortable that's why I got the mesh seat for my summit stands. Yes u can flip the bar around and use it for a foot rest or u can take it off. I sold my ol man stand because it didn't climb trees well. It would slip a lot I think it was because of the adjustable arm bars. It was easy to pack and carry but climbing was its down fall. The seat is awesome and I'm glad I tried it because it made my sits a lot more comfortable.
Bill,
I don't know where you live in MD but my offer still stands if you want to try a Lone Wolf climber or hang on. That way you could have tried one in person and not taken someone else's word for it.
I have 3 Chippewa wedge-loc stands 2-Chiefs & 1-Quest model, these are lock-on's that I love and have been my sole stands for years. But I've also been wanting to add a climber to the mix.
After a lot of web research and searches here on TG, to figure out what I want & don't want in a climber. I think I've come up with the one?
I'm looking real hard at a Cougar Claw, either the Cougar's Cub Sport 17# open front.
Or the Cougar's Super Sport 20# open front, it's just a little roomier than the Cub Sport and has a folding bar instead of a strap for climbing.
Does anyone have experience with these stands? They are made in the USA in Foley, AL
Not meaning to hijack Bullfrog 1s thread, I hope it doesn't come across that way. I'm just looking at climbers also & thought this would be a good place to ask questions.
Thanks