more climbing tree stand questions

[huntinhick]

I was just about to order either the gorillia greyback climber or a summit  (they look almost the same) but I ran across a couple reviews saying not to use a climber on pines.  I hunt the olympics alot and well they are pine heavy, so are pine trees a no no for climbing stands or are they just fine?  also is the 7 lbs diff from the greyback (27LBS) to the summit (20lbs) worth the extra 100 dollars?  and if I go summit would you recommend the viper or up sizing to the titan for 40 bucks more to have a little more room?

thanks
carl

[lokidog]

I might be wrong, but I think the concern for climbers and pine trees is that pines, especially smaller ones, have fairly thin bark which could peel off and allow the climbing bar to slip.  I would just make sure to not use too small of a tree whether it is a fir, pine, or hemlock.

As to your other questions, the weight depends how far you are going to carry it and how often, once in to an area and leave it, 7 pounds might not make a difference.  If you are hiking around all day with it, then 7 pounds is a lot.

Are you archery hunting?  In my mind, more platform is better as it allows you more flexibility in making a shot but again it will add weight and cost so only you can make that choice.

Good luck, I like tree stands.

[wabow]

I have the Open Shot, its light as far as stand go I think 8 lbs. The 8lbs is to heavy for long treks unless its on your back. Usually I end up going without due to the gear already on my back. Ive never had a problem climbing pines. The bark can be slippery more when wet but never been a problem.

Wabow

[croix]

i have the summit ultimate viper ss and i've had no problems climbing pines (aside from the bark being noisy). i'm pretty cautious and make sure the teeth are set on every move. i've had more difficulty on the bigger trees because the bark has such deep set grooves the climber can catch on pieces and climbing is tough. by bigger trees i mean at the limits of what the climber can handle.

i cannot talk to the gorilla or the titan, but i can't imagine needing anything bigger than what i have. it's comfy (taken many mid-day naps in mine) and plenty of room on the platform. i haven't tried shooting my bow out of it yet (probably this week) but the shooting rail may get in the way - i hope not.

the weight of 20 lbs isn't too bad and depending on how far you hike in 27 lbs may not be bad either. the biggest issue for me is the bulk and awkwardness. 20 lbs seems like a lot more when you are a mile in and trying to get through dense brush.

i will be happy to answer any more questions you have about the summit. hope this helps.

[addicted]

never had a problem clibing pines, but i wasnt using a gorilla.....

did you look into a tree lounge, kicks the crap out of a gorilla. only problem is that its too comfortable andyou end up sleeping all day long.

[Special T]

Have a sumit viper and have had zero problems with pines, but got my foot platform stuck in a tree, bark was thick, lost my hold and dropped the platform coming out of a tree.  no problem just pull it back up with a leash right? damn thing got stuck and i had to call my cousin to climb the tree to rescue me! Make sure the teather isn't too long and make sure to place it in the middle on one side not in the front or back..

[huntinhick]

ok are the summit viper and the realtree summit viper the same stand?  I was thinking the gorilia would be a good option on the Navy budget however I know the summit is a tried and true stand and spending the money on the right stand first instead of a cheaper one then having to buy the summit later because it is better is the right way.  Also I do tend to hunt in BFE so the 7 lbs will make a differance on the way in and out.

[Special T]

I think the real tree is just a camo option.  I bought 2 used ones on craigs list for $125-150 Ea... been great, quiet, and comfortable...

[whacker1]

I can't speak either way, but I just ordered the summit goliath.  I was pushing the upper weight limits for most stands, and an experienced stand archer told me that he wished he would have gotten the bigger one to have a little more room and make it a little more comfortable.

[huntinhick]

I was looking at cabelas and they have the realtree viper for 10.00 less than the regular viper and they look the same except for color I think they are the same just maybe a special run for realtree?  by the way do you all use the bags that can clip to the rail? 

[croix]

i don't have the bags that clip to the rails but i've been thinking about getting the front one. right now i keep my harness and rope in an old fanny pack.

[WASHBCBOOK]

MAKE DARN SURE YOU BY A HUNTER SAFETY SYSTEM YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL COME INTO PLAY
GOOD LUCK

[seth30]

I have the screw in pegs and dont need them if any of you are close to whidbey and need them let me know.  I think I have 12 of them.

[Skyvalhunter]

Those are those small pines right?

[lokidog]

Pine trees in the Olympics? You might be confused with hemlock, fir, spruce. Pine trees are a eastern wa species.

Not quite.  Shore Pine are found along the Olympic coast and in the islands.  There may be a couple of others as well.

[Quackwhacker]

I hunt out of the Viper.  I have had no slipping problems on pine trees.  There is plenty of room and have no problem shooting my bow.  My buddy has the Summit 180 Max and I tried it out last weekend.  Very comfortable.  The only problem with the stands is the sleeping posion they put in the foam seats.  Good luck!

[Special T]

I second the good hunter safty system harness the cheep ones that come with are to eliminate liability... The summit is pretty safe... i've fallen asleep in it and was ok... that said i had a riveredge steel colapsing climber... fell asleeep and almost fell out of a tree 20' up... I was quite awake after that...

[Tommyw]

I bought the gorrilla tree climber set it up and took it bak to store and bout the summit the gorilla stand is poo poo