Climbing treestand

[j.galloway]

Had a great time hunting this year, saw lots of doe but no bucks 

Anyway, I was browsing through the regs and saw archery has any deer for a good portion of western Washington. I was looking into it and thought about getting a treestand. I wanted a treestand anyway for coyote when calling because I don't want a kitty/bear to surprise me, especially with a bow.

I am aiming for an economy priced climbing stand, since most trees (in the thick part of woods) are tall with few branches at low levels. They absolutely have to be tma certified, I also want to be as safe as possible.

I found this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Ameristep-9500-Grizzly-Climber/dp/B000BSWE6E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Which is an good price. A review said the harness was poor though, another said its comparable to the 250 viper.
It is 30 lbs though, but I think I can access pretty much any part of the woods by a 2 hour walk or less, but 30 lbs plus other gear might make it rough.

Then there this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Summit-Treestands-Viper-Climbing-Treestand/dp/B004V98T2W/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header


Have read a lot of good things about summit and its 10lbs lighter, but is it worth the extra $130?

[KFhunter]

I gonna hafta say yes, I've been doing a lot of research as well, and all of it points to spending that $130 more dollars.

Wish I had hands on to tell you though.

[Mudman]

Summit Bushmaster.  No bar in front to interfere with shots.  21lbs.  I have it and am very happy.  Cabelas on sale 180$ 2 years ago.  Comes with everything you need.  I can even carry it in my badlands pack which is more comfortable.

[j.galloway]

Looks like bushmaster isn't being made anymore,

they got this thing called openshot though
http://www.summitstands.com/climbing-treestands/openshot

Its only 15 lbs too

I can get it 50 cheaper too
http://www.amazon.com/Summit-Treestands-Openshot-Climbing-Treestand/dp/B004V9F5SS/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1358226166&sr=1-1&keywords=openshot

(oh and the only reason I'm linking to amazon is because for Christmas I got my parents the kindle fire, which gave me free trial prime so free 2 day shipping )

[Mudman]

Hmmmm, that is different as mine has arm rest and a hanging seat not a hard platform.  It is more adjustable and comfortable then a platform style.  Not sure if the new style is any good?  Weight of 15 is good! 

[Special T]

My cousin and i have summit vipers bought off craigslist for $150 ea a couple of years ago. They are comfortable and quiet and kick ass. Bought and left a couple of API stands One was the open front bowhunter the other was the enclosed front. We used them while bowhunting Kansas and left them down with our buddy for the next trip... ( It was about the same cost to ship ours down and back vs buy and leave.) We didn't like the API nearly as much as the Summit viper... The vipers we own have have the wrap around bar. They seem to be quieter, and easier to use... they also fit together for travel better. part of having a good climber is being able to be QUIET while walking to where you are going to hunt... Its possible we just didn't figure out the right way to travel with our API's  but it must have required some special trick... Our Vipers were silent from day one....    I would look around for used ones if possible, they work great but people seem to be impatient and only use them a season or 2.  hope that helps.