Below is an overview of what Summit Treestands are offering this season in the way of climbers. This is the first part of our annual Summit Stands overview. The second part will feature non-climbing stands and we will be posting it soon.
As always, we know Summit makes a great product, but we would love to hear from our readers on what they do or do not like about any of these stands, so please let us know what you think!
New for 2012, the Viper SDC Camo is another version of the Viper climbing treestand. It is very similar at 21lbs with a 300lb weight rating, and all of the other great features including the dead metal technology. This stand has one big difference, the paint includes camo on the platform which is something that I like, but I also want to check it out in person. Priced at $399.99, it is more than the standard Viper, but with a camo painted base, the amount of seclusion it could offer would be more than worth the extra money.
Summit The Viper Elite SD Climbing Treestand
New for 2012, the Viper Elite SD is a great climbing treestand all around. At just 16lbs which is 4lbs lighter than the Viper SD. It also boasts a different design in that it has a round perimeter tube which sets this design apart from the Viper SD. For the same size, a new design and shaving 4lbs off the weight at $329.99 the Viper Elite SD climbing treestand is a real bargain in my mind!
Also new for 2012, the Specialist SD is Summit's lightest treestand weighing in at just 14lbs. This stand is a bow hunters dream with an open front, full size platform, seat, and at such a light weight you could carry it for miles without slowing you down. Priced at $299.99, it is a great deal if your stand locations are further away or you do hunting in the back country. I also note this is my kind of treestand as I have always liked an open front stand because I like shooting sitting down sometimes and have practiced that shot for years.
Summit Ultimate Viper SD Climbing Treestand
The Ultimate Viper is an upgraded version of the Viper. Summit added a fully adjustable gun rest and camo comfort mat for the platform. The platform is filled with noise-reducing expanding foam which is their Dead Metal Technology; it also includes a drop-down camo blind, and an upgraded seat with storage pouches to hold gear, hand warmers and even your breakfast or evening snack. This is the fully loaded version of the Viper, if you are looking for comfort and features the Ultimate Viper is for you.
The 180 Max SD is made for those that are looking for a stand that can be set to face the tree, or face away from the tree. It also offers a little extra space for those who want a little more room with an extra 2 inches of room in the top section. It also offers an extra long platform for more maneuverability. It also uses the Dead Metal Technology, and offers a surround seat with a solid core backrest for comfort no matter which direction you are facing. A great stand if your hunting locations demand the ability to change your seat direction, as well as offers you great comfort.
Summit The Crush Series Viper SD Ultra Climbing Treestand
The Crush Series Viper SD Ultra is the standard Viper SD if we few add on's for comfort. An all around great stand with a few add ones to help you stay comfortable on those long hunts in the rut. A stand built to last and at the price you cannot beat it.
Summit Titan SD Climbing Treestand
The Titian SD key feature is the fact that it has some more room and is the biggest climber that Summit has ever offered. The top section is based off the Viper top, but with an additional 2 inch of width and length. The platform has an extra 2 inches of length and 1 inch of width, plus a weight limit of 350lbs. The Titian is a great all around treestand if you are looking for some more room or a higher weight limit but still want to keep all the great features and comfort that all the other stands on the market offer.
Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand
The Viper as been a bench mark for Summit for many years, and has to be one of the most popular selling climber treestands in my opinion. It offers all the great features of all the other Summit climbing stands and in fact, a lot of those features started out with the Viper. The Viper is quick to setup and take down, comfortable, and offers the Dead Metal Technology to reduce sound. All around a great stand for any type of hunting and will never let you down or leave you feeling uncomfortable while in the woods.
Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
The Goliath was created about 10 years ago, it was designed off of the Viper. The only difference between the two is that the Goliath offers more room up top and a higher weight rating. It offers a slightly wider top section and a 350lb weight limit. This stand has been very popular since they released it and like the Viper, it will not let you down or leave you feeling uncomfortable.
Summit Openshot SD Climbing Treestand
The OpenShot is just what the name says, open. It offers a single flat padded seat for optimum visibility and shooting area. The stand is lightweight and is great for long hikes into the back country or that “secret” hunting spot well off the beaten path. Being one of the cheapest climbers that Summit has to offer makes it very appealing to those not looking to spend a lot of money.
Summit Razor SD Climbing Treestand
The Razor gives you the best of both worlds if you are looking for a stand that offers a climbing bar to allow you sit while climbing and yet you can fold it out of the way to give you an open front treestand. This is the reason that I purchased the older version which is pretty much same other than it lacks the new Dead Metal Technology. Overall, a great stand for beginners or the avid bow hunter that wants to be able to sit while climbing.
Stay tuned for part two of this overview for the non-climbing stands!
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