I usually rifle hunt from fixed ladder stands, but since I've took up crossbow hunting, I'd like to purchase a climber; I'm considering the purchase of a Summit Viper SD; tipping the scales at 20 lbs. I'd like to keep the weight minimal due to the rugged terrain on a lease I'm going in on.

What would you recommend? As stated above, I'll use it for crossbow hunting and it will probably get used occasionally for rifle season.

That is the exact stand I use, and would not trade it for anything.. There are one's a little lighter on the market, but what you give up in weight you will loose many times over in comfort.
It's a very balanced stand in that sense. I have been using summit Vipers for two decades.

safety, sturdiness, comfort
weight should be the last consideration. you spend the
least amount of time carrying it. i never could handle a
shaky squeaky stand. i'd as soon hunt a brush blind.

fwiw i've had the most use out of a doc's recliner stand,
about 30 pounds

I've gone through quite a few stands over the years before settling on a Summit Viper as my go to stand. I think you'll like it, as someone else commented it's a nice combination of comfort, weight, and ease of setup.

I kinda like the Ole Man with the net seat and I don't have any of the lighter models.

Summit, can sit all day in them

I use the Summit Viper SD. I pack that climber anywhere from 1/2 to 2 miles over rough, steep, rocky Ozark big timber public land. First thing I did was attach a MOLLE II waist belt and shoulder straps. That's a must for comfortable packing. I replaced the bulky factory seat with a net sling seat and added a set of Third Hand Archery stabilizer straps. The Summit is easy climbing and very comfortable for all day sits. The stabilizer straps make it solid as the recliner at home. My son uses a Lone Wolf stand and loves it. The one thing I do like about the Lone Wolf is how flat it will nest together and pack up for carrying.

Can't beat Summit for safety and comfort. Adding padded shoulder straps is the way to go.

I appreciate all the feedback.

MOGC: Lone Wolf was the only other brand I was considering, but I'm leaning hard towards the Summit.

I agree with the others on the Summit Viper for bowhunting. As MOGC said get the Third Hand Archery stabilizer straps, when properly adjusted the stand will not move. I use three of the Summit's and sometimes pack one in early and hide it.

If you lived closer I would give you a heck of a deal on a Summit Viper

I've been using an API Grand Slam for about 20 years. I love it. Instead of having a cable, it has a plastic coated motorcycle chain which really grabs the tree well. It has a padded seat back that I found got in the way, so I cut it off. I don't sit down much anyway.

http://www.basspro.com/API-Outdoors...eme-Climbing-Treestand/product/10211849/

I have never used an API so can't comment on it but they do appear to be very well constructed. I have used Sumitt ,Ol'Man treestands in the past and Gorilla ladder stand. Summit was the easiest to pack out of those but the Ol'man was one quiet SOB going up a tree and that seat was very comfortable.

The summit is an awesome stand but it is definitely a Cadillac in size and weight.

The Lone Wolf is more ergonomic, lighter, packs down easier.... but is $$$

The only Lone Wolf that can rival the comfort of a Viper is the Lone Wolf Sit and Climb Wide Combo.

Ever heard of tree walkers?

I use two climbers, Summit Viper and Lone Wolf (hand climber). The Summit is light, easy to set up, and comfortable. The Lone Wolf is lighter, not as comfortable, but the big plus to it is how compact it folds down to. Almost everywhere I hunt is either up or down a mountain side. The Summit's cables catch on limbs and mountain sides, especially when walking down a steep slope. Because of how much easier it is to carry, especially over rough stuff, the Lone Wolf is about all I use now.

Reason I asked: I hear plenty of folks talk about switching from a summit, lone wolf, old man, Ali, etc to a TreeWalker, but don't know if I've ever heard of anyone ever switching back?. .. from a TreeWalker to something else.

Yep; looked at 'em and they do look nice.

Yeah too bad. I'm down your way once a year, but not coming that direction this year.

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Used an API (something) Slam hang-on stand and quick sticks for years. That thing was a mofo to hang, but it was a very well-built, comfortable stand. Sold it just because it was a bit$% to hang.

I've got a Gorilla two man ladder stand that I purchased in 2004 and still using it today. It has literally spent its life in the woods, I've taken it down once to wire brush and repaint; best ladder stand ever, but HEAVY.

It's not going anywhere , in its usual spot in the attic.

I've owned and hunted out Profane, Baker (Standard and Slim Jim), TSS, Loggy Bayou, API, and Summit tree stands, and the Summit Viper is, by far, my favorite. Wouldn't trade the two that I have for any stand made.

I like that Summit used a plastic break away foot stirrup. Never and I mean never use a stand with a nylon strap to lift the foot platform. Cut it off if you have one and replace with a bungee strap.

My top seat platform came off the tree a couple years ago. I was wearing a safety harness and line but the line never caught me. I was left hanging upside down my my ankles in web strap. I like to never got loose and it was a miracle I didn't break both ankles. I would have been fine and protected by my harness if I hadn't been caught by my ankles. A vine pulled the pin on the seat while I was descending is my best guess at to what happened.

I'll second the tree walker stands!

Turd.....................

I'm not climbing mountainsides but I have both and agree with everything above.

Not quite sure what exactly you are trying to say with that statement. If it is the stand then to each his own , I happen to like mine. Maybe you could elaborate for us .

Probably referring to this - term of endearment perhaps, like "you suck".
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What a hog! Saskatchewan buck?

I use and like my Summit Goliath. It's the same as the Summit Viper, but with a little larger top. It uses the same base, but the top is a little wider which is nice if you are a bigger guy or for if you're wearing bulky winter clothes. It adds about 1lb over the Viper.

http://www.summitstands.com/summit-goliath-sd-climbing-treestand-mossy-oakr-camo

For sure it is....

Ever watch a movie when someone comes home after a long sea voyage and kisses the ground? They never kiss trees, only the good ol' terra firma. If we were made to climb trees, we'd have big claws and bushy tails. I'm glad we just have mulies and elk here so I can keep my feet well planted where they belong. I've never fallen off the ground.

Dam, sounds rough. I'm a small frame kind of guy so I have the mini viper, love it.