Rick James

My Ameristep Non Typical Lite fits that description exactly. It has a folding drop away bar that you have to sit on when climbing, and can fold up over your lap (I do when I nap), or can fold under you where it stays put and out of the way as if it wasn't there. If you really don't want it there at all (I can't see why anyone would since it folds out of the way) you can simply unbolt it.

It's as comfortable as the Summit's I've hunted out of, I think has at least as good of a cable system (maybe a bit quieter?), and the locking straps on the top piece that you cinch down when in place make that top section feel like it's lagged to the tree. And it only weights 20.5 lbs.

Ameristep now sells this same stand under the name of the Non Typical Hitman. It's the same exact thing, and sells for roughly $200-$225. I've got a 14lb Warren and Sweat that's about 10 years old and still in good shape that I use for the really long hikes, but other than this the Ameristep is what I use when not in a fixed stand or blind.

GMMAT

If you decide to go with the LW Scott.....that's cool. But I was wondering which "moving parts" you were worried about. I have the bullet backpacker and it has no more moving parts than my viper. It CAN be folded down flat....but it isn't a requirement. In reality......the bullet and the viper are the same.

Cougar Mag

Buckeye, I've owned 3 Lone Wolf Sitnclimbs over the years. Loved them all. Sold my last one during the season to justify buying a LW Assault hangon with sticks. I will be adding a
Lone Wolf climber before season I hope. The only bugaboo I have with their traction belt is I have a tendancy to start out at a steep angle so that I can go as high as possible. Sometimes that makes getting started up the tree a little tough, but that is also what makes those traction belts so great............they are extremely quiet, strong, and grip the tree better than any climber I ever tried. Greg/Mo told me he he has developed a way to adjust the belt on the platform of his LW hand climber, for climbing while on the way up. I've not been able to do that. The sitnclimb is easy to use and that front bar for climbing can be folded down while on stand making it an open front.

buckeye

The pivot arms and where you lock it in place.... Just seem like they would be probable locations for unwanted noise. I have no experience with that stand however.

GMMAT

YEah...I can understand that......but I've never moved mine. It's been locked since I got it. Like I said.....it CAN be folded down.....but doesn't need to be.

Good luck.

I bought the LW alpha.....and sold it after hunting from it, twice. I found it terribly uncomfortable (comparatively). Lots love it, though....

Germ

Jeff does the Bullet still have the pin that needs to be put in place when you unfold it?

MOmightymite

I've had my Summit Cobra Xl for 8 years now, and the pain is just starting to come off, but only at the teeth. I love mine, and wouldnt go another route as far as comfort. I agree with Mobow on this one. If I were to get another stand I would get the broadhead backpacker. I know you said it might add extra noise but I really doubt it. Plus I wish my summit was more packable, even tho it's only 17lbs.

bloodcrick

Scott, i have two neighbors with the same climber as you, they love the open face also, good luck with your decision, but like you sain it can always be sand blasted and re painted, i think it takes a special paint for aluminum, regular camo spray paint dosent bond to aluminum very well.

GMMAT

Nope. There's a threaded bolt that locks it into place.

Germ

That is what I meant, sorry.

The bullet is a nice stand, only thing I do not like is that bolt. I hate climbers that have parts that are not attached.

As for comfort the summits are top dog, and I have used them.