RidgeFACTOR

Buy a SUMMIT VIPER, you can't go wrong. Other than my Mathews Switchback XT, my SUMMIT VIPER is the probably the best investment I have ever made in my 30+ years of hunting.

Cougar Mag

Its very easy and silent to adjust the traction belts. Each side has a camlock device. The cam is made to fit inside the "teeth" of the traction belts. You simply open up the cam, slide the belt for adjustment, lock the cam down(push it in), and you are set. The cams each have a small rope for opening the cam up if its very cold or you have gloves on. Older stands they made had cams that were very hard to open when it was cold, but they fixed it. Each belt has a non-removable arrow on it as a reminder showing the maximum length the belt should be safely used at. Longer traction belts are available, but I've never needed them myself. Greg/Mo told me he can adjust the traction belt for leveling if needed, while he is up the tree. I've never really tried it and not sure I am agile enough to do it.

I hope you can try one out first to be honest before spending that kind of coin. Thats what I did several years ago before Lone Wolf became as popular as they are now. I went to the only shop I knew carrying them and the shopowners's wife showed me how to use her handclimbing model. I figured if this 120 lb. lady hunter could use one I could too.[8D]

Someone mentioned the Equalizer......its a great stand for people wanting a permanent bar in the front. I owned one of these as well, but sold it in an idiot moment[&:] because I found out it was built in Taiwan........it is a great stand and the leveling feature really does work! But like you I prefer a stand with an open front.

buckeye

I just got home from Gander Mtn, I ended up buying a Lone Wolf Sit and Climb.... I would like to thank everyone who took time to post their thoughts and experiences....

All of the first hand experiences really helps one narrow down a bunch of choices into what they feel will be right for them....

Again thanks to all.

hammerman

Good choice! I'm thinking about buying that new seat, looks a lot more comfortable than tha old one. Let us know how you like it.

buckeye

Mine doesn't have the new seat either.... I guess it won't hit the shops until after May 1st.... If I find this seat uncomfortable I will modify thestand one way or another with a new seat.

GR8atta2d

Scott I said it before but when I bought my sit and climb at that same Gander Mtn.. They rang it up as a hang-on. She said "$169 please"..I said "excuse me"..she said "that'll be $169".. I said are "you sure?" she said "yep"..I said "ok here ya go." That was a few years ago now..but still makes me smile. I think they were $330-ish even then.

peakrut

Morning Bob

GR8atta2d

Hiya Tony...nice avatar

peakrut

Honestly I have never seen the movies.

Someone was working on my avatar a week or two ago.