maytom Posted October 26, 2005 Report Share Posted October 26, 2005 After using the search feature here, I didn't see any questions similar to the one I want to ask. So..... After using a Hang-on type of stand for years with screw in steps, I'm now leaning with getting a climber since now turning 51. I'm not looking forward anymore to screwing in 18+ steps and getting sore arms and working up one heck of a sweat in the process!!! The Summit line of treestands has always caught my eye, and I'm trying to decide between the Viper or Goliath X5, or their Bushmaster models. Is that front bar really a hinderance or does it give you an extra feeling of safety while high up in a tree? Any insight would be most appreciated...thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeNRA Posted October 26, 2005 Report Share Posted October 26, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? I have the Goliath X5, I am only 5' 10", 190 pounds, and 42 years old. I like the Goliath because its 2-3 inches wider at the top section than the Viper X5, and its rated for 350 pounds. The extra added security of holding more weight! LOL! The Goliath is just like the Viper only slightly bigger at the top. Plus the Viper and Goliath have no moving parts, not sure about the Bushmaster. But no moving parts I feel is better, no chance of noise, and less hassel of set-up. Last week when the wind started picking up, I was very glad to have the bar going around me! Gave me something to hold onto! LOL! I knew I wasnt going anywhere, I had the top section locked down with a rachet strap! Anyways good luck deciding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted October 26, 2005 Report Share Posted October 26, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? Maytom, I have the bushmaster and love it. It weighs 16 pounds and has no moving parts. When I first used it I was a little nervous because of nothing out front but I quickly got used to it. It is the most comfortable stand I have ever sat in. I can't really answer your question about the bar because I have never really used one. Not sure if it would be in the way or not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bow Hunter Derek Posted October 27, 2005 Report Share Posted October 27, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? I've got the Cobra, very similar to the Bushmaster. I'm 36 and not in the shape I was 10 years ago. I can get up and down a tree very quickly with this stand. I kind of like not having a bar out in front of me. I've hunted out of a buddy's Viper and I always feel like my lower limb might smack the bar, but this has not ever happened. I just feel more mobile without the bar. The only dissadvantage of no bar out front is that in some types of trees, the top piece can be hard to get the teeth set into the tree when you go to sit down. The bar would give you some leverage to get a good hold on the tree. Personally, if I were to get one with the bar, I'd go with the Goliath. I like the idea of the extra room. I think that would be a plus over the weight savings of the Viper. Any one of their stands is a good choice though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longislandhunter Posted October 27, 2005 Report Share Posted October 27, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? I have been using the "Bushmaster" for quite a few years now and I love it. It's light, easy to use, sturdy, and I feel extremely safe in it. I don't mind not having a bar in front of me, matter of fact I personally would rather not have one, but that's just personal preference. I have a couple of hernitated discs in my back that I have to deal with on a day to day basis, but my Bushmaster is so easy to use that I can be up a tree in a matter of minutes and down again just as easily and there's no great excertion required, matter of fact it's an easy climbing process. Good luck with whatever you choose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted October 27, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? Thanks for your replys guys. I'll have to make a decision this week....paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted October 28, 2005 Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? Have the summit python model from cabelas. Has an adjustable front bar that can be used as a foot rest or can be swung up into place and used as a rifle rest for the rifle season. The bar does not really add any security when it is lowered to a foot rest position, and you are supposed to climb with it in the lowered position. So long as you are using the tether and harness properly you will feel pretty secure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maytom Posted October 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Re: Summit Viper or Bushmaster? [ QUOTE ] I have the Goliath X5, I am only 5' 10", 190 pounds, and 42 years old. I like the Goliath because its 2-3 inches wider at the top section than the Viper X5, and its rated for 350 pounds. The extra added security of holding more weight! LOL! The Goliath is just like the Viper only slightly bigger at the top. Plus the Viper and Goliath have no moving parts, not sure about the Bushmaster. But no moving parts I feel is better, no chance of noise, and less hassel of set-up. [/ QUOTE ] I finally ordered the Goliath from Cabela's today. I like the idea of the front bar and the fact that the Goliath is two inches wider on the top section, besides being more heavy duty for us big guys!! At 6'-0" and almost 255 lbs, I wanted the more room on top!! Should be here in less than 1 week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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