SummitTreestands OpenShot SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak

Good bow climber.PROS: Lightweight, easy to set up, no bar in the way, sturdy, thick cushion seat. I like to refer to it as my “Climbing Hang-On” Stand.CONS: Alittle awkward to climb with if you’re used to cinching down the teeth by sitting on the bar, not a ton of room for bigger guys (I’m 6’2, 220). Alittle noisy during set up but that’s metal for ya.Overall, good climber. Would recommend for “Sticks and Strings”

Contradictory to the other reviews about big guys being able to utilize this stand, I rolled the dice on it in an effort to keep my load lighter and I’m content with my decision. I’m 5’ 9” 260 I lift a lot and like to eat I’m far from the most ideal size. I will say if you’re not comfortable or confident in your climbing gear or skills this is not the stand for you, not having the bars can be nerve racking, I climb telephone poles for a living and even then until I tested the limits and stability of the platform I was initially hesitant. My first attempt at climbing I was concerned and was ready to pack it up when attempting to fit between seat posts I was too wide (57” chest) to get my lats in and forearms over the bars. I realized after some trial and error, the only efficient way to climb was to fold the seat down, keep it below your bottom ribs grab hold of the cables and rest your torso on the seat after that I was up the tree in 3 minutes. It was not the most comfortable nor the most efficient way to climb but it got me up the tree and I didn’t have to bear the weight on my triceps. The seat itself is more comfortable than expected, but the cushion has a habit of rolling to the back and exposing the front bar, I’ve yet to find a solution for that but I eventually will find a way to tether it to the front end of the seat to keep it from sliding back or cover it with a foam insulator. The base was plenty stable, I felt comfortable connected to my bridge and shooting behind the stand as well essentially using it as a saddle stand. Without the bars like a traditional climber you will definitely need a hys strap to hang your gear and will most likely have to stand up and spin around to access it efficiently enough to not drop your things. Overall it gets me up in the tree, it’s light weight so I can cover more distance and it’s stable even for my big ass. I’ll run it for a season or 2 and make a decision on its fate as I am not in love with it but nor do I dislike it at the moment but I am hoping with time it grows on me.

I've read some of the reviews and kinda chuckle. It's a great and safe stand for the well experienced climber. Super light weight and high quality as you can expect from Summit. There's no rail to sit and rest mid climb so if you are out of shape and large around the waist area take note that it's tight. You don't have to be a skinny fella but if you're a 38" or larger waistline look elsewhere. You will be using upper arm muscles. Tricept dips (pre season training)... Grips the tree perfectly as long as you understand the mechanics and can use one of these things you'll be just fine. Perfect for getting in and out of tight places. I love it. Buy new cables every 2-3 years cuz the rubber coating eventually wears off oround the locking lugs from normal use. And finally, don't be a dumb. USE a SAFETY HARNESS and LINEMAN'S ROPE when climbing with any stand.

I was hesitant to buy this stand after reading some of the reviews, but I am glad that I purchased it. I had an old loggy bayou stand that was similar to this, but I finally wore it out. It had a similar design with no rail. Most stands today have a rail which is great for a gun rest, but a poor choice for a vertical bow hunter because you have to stand. The less movement you can make when a mature buck comes in the better your odds are that you will get a shot. There are 4 Pope and Young public hunting bucks on my wall that could tell you that tale.The nicest feature of this stand is that it is light weight. It makes packing the stand carrying your bow a breeze. I found the stand had enough room for climbing and the seat was okay for a 4 hour sit. I would not sit all day in this stand without extra seat padding. That is the only downside to this stand. If you are an extra large person you will probably feel crowded. I am 5’7/180 and it was comfortable for me. I also purchased a foot rest for the stand that make things a heck of a lot more comfortable for a long sit. You don’t need it but it is nice to stretch out. All in all this stand is a good choice if you need take long walks and like the open shot/sitting position.

This stand is not for the old and out of shape. It is a workout climbing up. But if your hiking as far as i am its worth the money just for the weight. Its 15 pounds as it said in the description. The seat has a nice thick pad which is nice. Everything was as advertised and came in great condition. I must say theres not a lot of platform room to lift the seat to stand but its a enough. Definitely use a harness using this stand. I always where one anyway. Also i would suggest buying a hanger of some sort to hang your bow ,gun or gear on. I would also suggest putting on the platform some grip tape or no slip tape. I did on my stand and im glad i did. I would also add another tether to connect the top and the bottom as a just incase fail safe. They do send one with the stand. But it has a plastic clip holding the one end. I just think in really cold temps it could snap off. The last thing i want is to watch the platform for of this stand fall to the bottom of the tree. That would not be a good day for anoyone lol. Oh also the this stand is quite if you strap it together correctly and i found it best to carry with the tree straps down not up.