Tree Stand Help Please

My old climber is a mess. I never used it as a climber since it was so clunky. And using ladder sticks is very dangerous. I cant believe I havent had an accident after doing that for well over 10 years. Wife says that enough.
I’m just using for gun and ladder stand seems like the ticket however I am still drawn to climbers. Here’s what I need to know from you. Is it easy to climb up and down? Will I regret using it on a single location and going up and down the same tree morning, noon and night? I am looking at the Viper SD as that is the most comfortable looking stand at the local Gander. I also like the idea of NOT putting a highly visible ladder stand out just weeks/days before huntint a spot. Please let me know your experiences. Thank you.

I’ve never used a climber, mostly because we don’t have much for trees in SD. I know several guys who have went to the climbing sticks/hang on stand because it allows them to get into less than ideal trees. I gotta believe this method may work well for you for the overall short gun season, yet allows you to be mobile if need be.

However, if you do go climber, the Summit line are some very nice stands. I’ve almost pulled the trigger on a Viper many times, only to walk away knowing it will probably hang in my garage far too much.

Another option would be the Lone Wolf hang on stands with the Lone Wolf sticks. The sticks attach right to the stand with a couple straps, and the whole system is pretty lightweight for easy packing in.

This option allows you to get into less than perfect trees and I find that I can get my stand and sticks up in a tree in the same amount of time a climber takes, all with making much less noise.

Those are spendy!! But beautiful. I think their sticks would work with about any climbing stand. By work I mean you can install the stand around the sticks so you can climb all the way up and step into the stand.

I have done that before with my climber and it works pretty slick. The only tough part is carrying it all in.

Not far for me so carrying it in isnt an issue. I am hoping more chime in on this. Also is the Viper seat closed cell foam and water tight? I plan on leaving the whole rig out at least 3-4 weeks.

Mike,
For what it’s worth, I’m a huge fan of the API hang on stands. Specifically the Deluxe Baby Grandstand. They have a big T-screw that you put in the tree so when you climb up with the stand, or pull it up on a rope, you can easily hang it and be hands free for adjusting and tightening the strap. The climbing sticks or screw in tree steps allow you remove them from the tree to make it a little harder for someone to climb up and swipe your stand.
If I were just hunting for a week (or weekend) somewhere, it’s the way I would go.

Ladder stands are way nice, but for a seasonal in and out trip, not a favorite.

I second that agree 100%

Ladder stands are the most comfortable, and safest thing you can be in.

I own the lone wolf sit and climb. Love it…when i use it. i currently am using my muddy hanger and climbing sticks.

Ive owned a few stands and used every brand out there except the summit climber.

I think for hangers you cant beat muddys. They are by far the most comfortable. When i was looking at climbers the downfall of the summit was that they dont lay very flat.

Where can you buy Muddy Hanger stands?

Dick’s Sporting Goods carries them….

Muddy Tree stands

If you have sqirrels in your area and you leave it out you won’t have a seat in less than 3 or 4 weeks. Summit stands are awesome to use and are light enough that with good back pack straps its a pretty easy hall. The seats on them are the most comfortable I have used but they are not easy to take off so its best to take the whole stand with you.

Thanks for the help guys. I ended up getting a Summit Viper. Ordered the foot rest from Cabelas which is the only place I found them in stock. Even Summit couldnt help me find one. I’m sure I will get a ladder stand some day but this climber is versatile. I plan on putting it up this weekend and taking the seat out until opener (Wi). Also using climbing sticks rather than walking it up and down the same tree constantly. Thanks again.