Summit Openshot SD Treestand

I am 69 years old, and not very strong. I was looking for the lightest, but safe, climber. I had used a friend's Summit Viper, but did not like it because it was much heavier. I hunt in a public area part of the time, and walk back in close to a mile, so weight is a factor. This stand is really easy to climb with, even though you do NOT sit in it when climbing. The seat folds out of the way, so you can get close to the tree, and because you are not sitting you can lengthen the strap that holds the top to the bottom to take longer steps. If I were using a Viper, I would have to move twice as many times, since I have short legs. The open shot has a smaller platform than the Viper, so I would assume that it works better for smaller hunters, than larger ones, but I really don't know. The safety strap that comes with the stand, is a heavy duty quality strap, and is easy to put on. Summit climbing stands are excellenttree climbing systems. I would recommend this stand to anyone that is concerned about the weight of a climber.Update....I have used this tree stand since 2011. I am now 74 years old, and I have to hunt on public ground every time I go. I love it. I have never had any kind of problem with it. As far as stability goes, it is A+. Several times I have had to unhook the seat climber to get around a branch, and one time I was able to unhook the bottom stand and go around a branch. I use the safety restraint 100% of the time. One tip I will include. I tied a three foot parachute cord to one side of the cable of the seat climber. I cinch that loosely to the other cable, on the seat side of the tree. That helps keep the seat from falling down when there is no weight on it. I always use it. I replaced the cables this year (quietness)

Took this out opening weekend. My buddies had their $100 steel stands that were at least 2x as heavy - struggling to walk them in to the woods. I mounted this to the back of my Eberlestock little brother pack (Skycrane was out for repairs) and it was comfy enough to carry. I imagine this will be perfect once tethered to the Skycrane. I'll know soon enough. I broke some rules and instead of hoisting my pack up after I was in the tree, I tied the pack to the base of the stand and just climbed up hoisting both the base and the pack up. I was tethered to the tree with mountaineering gear/harness/climbing rope so I was safe/just fine. The only problem is that the shrink wrapped rubber that covers the cables basically wears out/breaks up quickly at the support points, but I guess that's why they sell the replacements because the rubber takes abuse easily. I'm about 190 lb and the top section is deep/long enough so that I could lean back instead of being forced upright the entire time (my initial concern before I ordered). My back got sore here & there but that's what happens when you're in the stand for 8 hours. Every so often I'd rotate my torso, stand up, turn around, stretch this way & that way, and I was fine. It is what it is.Update: took this out this 2014 hunting season and this time mounted on the Skycrane. As suspected, it was even easier to carry. Second season out and the rubber on the cable itself is still holding up well even though it's showing a good bit of wear at the support points where you adjust for the tree diameter.

This stand is exactly what I was looking for. A very light, compact stand that is easy to walk-in a long ways to my hunting location with. It climbs well with the included quick climb stirrups, and bites into the tree well. The included harness isn't a top of the line one, however it is comfortable and quiet, I have decided to use a HSS rope with prusic knot instead of the strap included with stand. Much quicker and easier while climbing. Seat is comfortable and folds up allowing you to stand and shoot. I will say if your looking for something to lounge back in with a large platform look elsewhere. I'm 6'1 and there's just enough room on platform for me to sit down and comfortably have my feet on the platform but not much extra. Perfect stand for guys who are looking for something easy to move with, thats lightweight, and plan on hunting those deep in places that aren't hit by most. I have the SD model and to those with the worries about the noise of the non SD, they fixed it. This thing is super quiet when packed together and while climbing up/down the tree.

I cannot say enough good things about this treestand. I ordered it because of the light weight and I have to say I am impressed with how light it actually is. I hunt a lot of public land and I always go as far off the beaten path (1+ miles) as possible. This stand has made that task a whole lot easier. The straps are wide, well made, and have built in elastic for shock absorption. It is easy to attach to the tree and climbs extremely quietly. The seat pad is thick and has an egg carton topping that makes it extremely comfortable.The only minor issue I have is the climbing stirrups don't lock into place very well and tend to move around. I will have to figure a way to secure them better. Also worth noting, the seat and platform are not very large. This doesn't bother me because I'm not very large either. However, if you are a large person or aren't comfortable with heights then this stand may not be a good choice for you.This stand is well worth the money. I would definitely buy again and would have no problem recommending to a friend.

I've used tree stands in the past, but this is the first climber I have ever used. It's light, and if you package it correctly before trekking out it's quiet too. I have nothing to compare it to which is why I only gave 4 stars. You really have to be selective of your tree before you hunt. I've tried to pick trees that incline slightly away from the direction I want to hunt. If your incline towards the direction you are facing, you can feel like your going to drop out of it. However it's fine if it's at a slight angle forward. I find myself not using the seat at all, but as a backrest. I feel more alert this way, and the pad still helps to insulate you from the cold stand. I couldn't imagine having a cross bar and trying to hunt with a bow, which is why I really like this for bow hunting.

really nice so far , just tried it once and it works well. its good work out on the abs.

This was the best purchase ever! Everything was cheap and fast!!!! I couldn't ask for any better!!! Thank you all lots!!