New to the climber world and put it to use this hunting season. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxlQ7TDIrnnSXXbRgFFaxqwullRJJIuYAs I felt safe while climbing up and down a tree. It did take some time getting used to climbing and descending the tree. Once I figured it out I was comfortable going in climbing a tree knowing I was going to be up a tree quickly and most importantly quite not scaring every deer out of my area. I am 6’2” and 240 lbs, fit and comfort were great. I bow hunt and found no issues hunting from it. It is a little bulky to carry in and out of the woods vs some of the smaller open front climbers but I thought it was worth the bulk/weight due to ease of climbing (using the rail to sit on) and comfort for long sits.
Here is a tip that I used for my summit climber. Get a DA sander or a wire wheel on a drill and sand the paint off the teeth. They have a tendency to squeak when they dig into soft bark. Makes it MUCH quieter. It's in the owners manual if you dont already know. I have the 3rd hand straps as well and the gear bag for the front. Has a nice cup holder and alot of storage for us bow hunters and all our gear. Happy Hunting Man.
I have 6 Goliaths and a viper. Love them. Super quiet, safe, and comfortable. I take pipe insulation and camo duct tape and replace the factory pads. I just like it better. I get the black traction tape at Home Depot or Lowe’s that comes in a 2 inch wide roll. I split down the middle with razor knife and it fits perfectly in the center of the foot grating. Really helps when it has rained on your stand. Put it on the top of the side bars also. Keeps you from slipping when entering the stand from the ground.
Just purchased a Mini Viper, and found your video. It does not look like they have changed much, if anything. Thanks for sharing you tips. I agree with all of your positive comments, my only concerns with the 2021 model are that the zipper latches are noisy (hitting the metal of the stand when backpacking and need to be taped), and the rubber coating on the cables has started to peal off some spots after only being used a couple of times. The stand is very quiet, comfortable, easy to climb with, and feels very safe and secure in the tree.
I bought the bags from summit website ( both side arm and front ) and let me tell you they are awesome. no more carrying a backpack with me or worrying about space. don't even have to stand up to reach for anything. it is all right there. im thinking about making a video about them.
Good mods bud, and thanks for taking the time to do the video and show them to us. I really appreciate it. Even if I am a few years late they've helped me with my stand! Whats great is there good mods, not just your viper, but us big boys can take advantage of them also! Just got a new Goliath, and I love everything about the stand, and Summit stands in general...BUT the damn cables! Sorry, but Summit "HAS TO" come up with a better cabling system! I read all about how quite they are, and don't get me wrong they stands are...BUT these damn cables ARE NOT and they are a B---H! One time in the tree to try her out, and the coating is already falling off! I cannot see "ANYONE" setting these damn cables in quietly in the dark at 5-6 a.m. going in for a morning hunt unless you absolutely are some kind of magician with these things, or your some kind of major contortionisting with your hands and fingers! The stands are the most comfortable and safest made imo. And the only downfall is the damn cables, and getting them in and out quietly, and the big issue of them slipping some, because they absolutely do slip sometimes, and I found that out also on the very first try out. Anyone who says different, or if anyone has found a better way...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share your knowledge with me! I already know about the mole skin, and yes that does help a little to quiet the cables down going in and out of the platform. But for the money we spend for our stands, and our time in the woods we deserve a better cabling system from Summit...PERIOD! They make millions, and it's been talked about and discussed among hunters and the big wigs at Summit long enough that it should not be ignored anymore! Every single hunter who stand hunts should be demanding a better cabling system from the worlds leading company who we all hold so high an opinion of! Because its time... And please don't think I'm downing Summit at all because I'm not. I'm still going to go out and use my new Goliath, because the fact of the matter is, is that it is the most comfortable and safest stand I've ever been in. And the hunters who are smaller framed with their Vipers will say the same thing. You can overlook the trouble with the cables because of all the other advantages any Summit stand has over all the competition. However I really think it's time for Summit to address the issue, and handle it, because they surely can! And I'm very obviously not the only one who knows this! From all the years of hearing about the cables, and the very first complaint from 99% of all hunters being how the rubber on the cables IMMEDIATELY starts to come off and fall apart, and how they are not quiet, and the little bit of the slipping issue with them, it seems everyone is aware of it, and everyone has always been aware of it! Now it really needs to be addressed by Summit...PERIOD! I honestly love Summit stands. I really do! But I'm sorry, the BS with these cables has gone on far enough for me. I will still use it because my season starts this Saturday and I have no other options. My old Comfort Zone stand has seen it's last days. It has the pinion cabling system, and I love that stand also, I've used it for 20 years! But I'm getting old now, and I can't take the weight anymore. But best believe I'm going to be going with another climbing system as soon as I can if I cannot find a way to make these cables on my Summit work for me...the way they should work for me, and everyone other one of us as well!! Time to get the word out to Summit. Instead of it just being an okay thing we can overlook! And once again if you've found a way with yours that can help me...PLEASE...share the knowledge!!
great video and thanks for the advice on the bars in the back when you're sitting back. keep the videos coming! I'm trying to figure out how to attach my chair correctly along with packing it together correctly
Thank you! I'll hopefully have some duck hunting and archery hunting videos coming soon! I'll probably also be doing an update video on this stand since I made some other significant and useful changes to it!
Love all sumitt products...i carry my summit in with stabilizer strap attached to rear of stand to front having padded seat against my body...summits dig in very safe
I like the footrest, my only change would be the execution. Rather than wrapping the cordage around the stand, roll the foot rest up in the cordage so you can deploy it with minimal motion.
UPDATE: I put the Third hand archery treestand treads on my platform. I am also taking off the stock shoulder straps and installing the MOLLE II shoulder straps and waist belt. Both can be found on amazon.com
Definitely agree with the stability straps and the bow holder. The other stuff not so much. Just buy the viper ultra from BP it comes when a nice aluminum footrest.
I own the large original vipers 44 lbs, but they’re like carrying a ( sack of hog feed!) this mini at about 18lbs is Awasome. I go back to wooden climbers with wingnutts to loose in the dark. However, 10 pt and 9pt cane from that old sqeeky wooded seet and foot rest, with boot covers. But, there were those plankity plankity plankity.....down the tree. I now use an extra strap down, from many other stands, to attach seat to lower unit, safety added to bungee. Either way, Buy the Viper Mini!! Its the best I have used in 40 yrs of hunting. And, always your Oh Shit Body Harness!!
If you have hunted as long as I. You Have experiences that “oh shit” “ your stomach’s in your throat” moments. That stabilizer strap is No joke guys and ladies. It can save cussing, time, and ofter, bones and life!
Question as to why you made a video and a bunch of mods after only using it once. I have a buddy who has bought a few of these from people who don't like them. Reason the don't like them, they're not using them right. Great stands! Take the time to use them right people!!!
They are nice stands. Check out the marketplace on facebook, there are some good deals on there from time to time. I had my summit viper stolen last season, so had to buy another but didn't want to spend the $300 bucks again. So I checked the marketplace and Craigslist and came across a lady selling 2 barely used Summit stands for $80! A Viper XL and a Razor SD model... needless to say I took them both! haha. Good luck this season
I like it! It holds my bow secure and is tension adjustable. I had to tighten mine a hair so my bow didn't roll down but now it's set and I love it. I climb a tree with my bow in that so it's always with me. Thanks for watching!
Is there any why water can get down inside that and freeze and break deer stand.. people telling me they've had it happened to them don't know if it was on a different model or not
Not sure what the piece of pvc is that you called a stabilizer strap. What does it do? Here's a product you might find interesting. th-cam.com/video/qFF-mGAV3z0/w-d-xo.html
+Terri Newman Some people go higher but my personal opinion is that higher than 25 is just unnecessary. Sure, the higher you are the harder it is for deer to see you but generally the tree will be moving more the higher you go and if you see an animal your shot angle increases alot the higher you are. I have a ladder stand that is 16 ft high and as long as I didn't move I never had a deer see me.
+Terri Newman but yes I wouldn't go much lower than 15 unless you're hidden really well, and I wouldn't go much higher than 25ish. It's all personal preference mainly.
New to the climber world and put it to use this hunting season. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxlQ7TDIrnnSXXbRgFFaxqwullRJJIuYAs I felt safe while climbing up and down a tree. It did take some time getting used to climbing and descending the tree. Once I figured it out I was comfortable going in climbing a tree knowing I was going to be up a tree quickly and most importantly quite not scaring every deer out of my area. I am 6’2” and 240 lbs, fit and comfort were great. I bow hunt and found no issues hunting from it. It is a little bulky to carry in and out of the woods vs some of the smaller open front climbers but I thought it was worth the bulk/weight due to ease of climbing (using the rail to sit on) and comfort for long sits.
Here is a tip that I used for my summit climber. Get a DA sander or a wire wheel on a drill and sand the paint off the teeth. They have a tendency to squeak when they dig into soft bark. Makes it MUCH quieter. It's in the owners manual if you dont already know. I have the 3rd hand straps as well and the gear bag for the front. Has a nice cup holder and alot of storage for us bow hunters and all our gear. Happy Hunting Man.
I have 6 Goliaths and a viper. Love them. Super quiet, safe, and comfortable. I take pipe insulation and camo duct tape and replace the factory pads. I just like it better.
I get the black traction tape at Home Depot or Lowe’s that comes in a 2 inch wide roll. I split down the middle with razor knife and it fits perfectly in the center of the foot grating. Really helps when it has rained on your stand. Put it on the top of the side bars also. Keeps you from slipping when entering the stand from the ground.
Be careful my brother, best regards from Hunters in Indonesia
Just purchased a Mini Viper, and found your video. It does not look like they have changed much, if anything. Thanks for sharing you tips.
I agree with all of your positive comments, my only concerns with the 2021 model are that the zipper latches are noisy (hitting the metal of the stand when backpacking and need to be taped), and the rubber coating on the cables has started to peal off some spots after only being used a couple of times.
The stand is very quiet, comfortable, easy to climb with, and feels very safe and secure in the tree.
I bought the bags from summit website ( both side arm and front ) and let me tell you they are awesome. no more carrying a backpack with me or worrying about space. don't even have to stand up to reach for anything. it is all right there. im thinking about making a video about them.
Awesome, go for it! I thought about that too but I just like everything organized in my pack.
Good mods bud, and thanks for taking the time to do the video and show them to us. I really appreciate it. Even if I am a few years late they've helped me with my stand! Whats great is there good mods, not just your viper, but us big boys can take advantage of them also! Just got a new Goliath, and I love everything about the stand, and Summit stands in general...BUT the damn cables! Sorry, but Summit "HAS TO" come up with a better cabling system! I read all about how quite they are, and don't get me wrong they stands are...BUT these damn cables ARE NOT and they are a B---H! One time in the tree to try her out, and the coating is already falling off! I cannot see "ANYONE" setting these damn cables in quietly in the dark at 5-6 a.m. going in for a morning hunt unless you absolutely are some kind of magician with these things, or your some kind of major contortionisting with your hands and fingers! The stands are the most comfortable and safest made imo. And the only downfall is the damn cables, and getting them in and out quietly, and the big issue of them slipping some, because they absolutely do slip sometimes, and I found that out also on the very first try out. Anyone who says different, or if anyone has found a better way...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE share your knowledge with me! I already know about the mole skin, and yes that does help a little to quiet the cables down going in and out of the platform. But for the money we spend for our stands, and our time in the woods we deserve a better cabling system from Summit...PERIOD! They make millions, and it's been talked about and discussed among hunters and the big wigs at Summit long enough that it should not be ignored anymore! Every single hunter who stand hunts should be demanding a better cabling system from the worlds leading company who we all hold so high an opinion of! Because its time...
And please don't think I'm downing Summit at all because I'm not. I'm still going to go out and use my new Goliath, because the fact of the matter is, is that it is the most comfortable and safest stand I've ever been in. And the hunters who are smaller framed with their Vipers will say the same thing. You can overlook the trouble with the cables because of all the other advantages any Summit stand has over all the competition. However I really think it's time for Summit to address the issue, and handle it, because they surely can! And I'm very obviously not the only one who knows this! From all the years of hearing about the cables, and the very first complaint from 99% of all hunters being how the rubber on the cables IMMEDIATELY starts to come off and fall apart, and how they are not quiet, and the little bit of the slipping issue with them, it seems everyone is aware of it, and everyone has always been aware of it! Now it really needs to be addressed by Summit...PERIOD! I honestly love Summit stands. I really do! But I'm sorry, the BS with these cables has gone on far enough for me. I will still use it because my season starts this Saturday and I have no other options. My old Comfort Zone stand has seen it's last days. It has the pinion cabling system, and I love that stand also, I've used it for 20 years! But I'm getting old now, and I can't take the weight anymore. But best believe I'm going to be going with another climbing system as soon as I can if I cannot find a way to make these cables on my Summit work for me...the way they should work for me, and everyone other one of us as well!! Time to get the word out to Summit. Instead of it just being an okay thing we can overlook! And once again if you've found a way with yours that can help me...PLEASE...share the knowledge!!
great video and thanks for the advice on the bars in the back when you're sitting back. keep the videos coming! I'm trying to figure out how to attach my chair correctly along with packing it together correctly
Thank you! I'll hopefully have some duck hunting and archery hunting videos coming soon! I'll probably also be doing an update video on this stand since I made some other significant and useful changes to it!
Love all sumitt products...i carry my summit in with stabilizer strap attached to rear of stand to front having padded seat against my body...summits dig in very safe
I do the same with my summit stands and works great
The Third Hand mods make the climber for sure. Also add the Hazmore silent seat and you are using the best setup available.
I like the footrest, my only change would be the execution. Rather than wrapping the cordage around the stand, roll the foot rest up in the cordage so you can deploy it with minimal motion.
UPDATE: I put the Third hand archery treestand treads on my platform. I am also taking off the stock shoulder straps and installing the MOLLE II shoulder straps and waist belt. Both can be found on amazon.com
NEPA Outdoors any pics of the new straps and how you attached them? Did you use the plastic frame with the shoulder straps or no?
Definitely agree with the stability straps and the bow holder. The other stuff not so much. Just buy the viper ultra from BP it comes when a nice aluminum footrest.
Agreed, just upgraded today!
My 2013 Viper SD has the bungy backpack straps as well. Wish my 2010 Goliath SD did. Nice vid!
Thanks for watching!
I own the large original vipers 44 lbs, but they’re like carrying a ( sack of hog feed!) this mini at about 18lbs is Awasome. I go back to wooden climbers with wingnutts to loose in the dark. However, 10 pt and 9pt cane from that old sqeeky wooded seet and foot rest, with boot covers. But, there were those plankity plankity plankity.....down the tree. I now use an extra strap down, from many other stands, to attach seat to lower unit, safety added to bungee. Either way, Buy the Viper Mini!! Its the best I have used in 40 yrs of hunting. And, always your Oh Shit Body Harness!!
That foot rest is bad ass
If you have hunted as long as I. You Have experiences that “oh shit” “ your stomach’s in your throat” moments. That stabilizer strap is No joke guys and ladies. It can save cussing, time, and ofter, bones and life!
Dr. Covfefe I couldn't agree more!! It's a game changer!
Question as to why you made a video and a bunch of mods after only using it once. I have a buddy who has bought a few of these from people who don't like them. Reason the don't like them, they're not using them right. Great stands! Take the time to use them right people!!!
Been using the stand for years now and haven't taken any thing off since I made the video. Actually added more stuff on and love all of it
I am looking at that stand at cabbalas. they are 330
They are nice stands. Check out the marketplace on facebook, there are some good deals on there from time to time. I had my summit viper stolen last season, so had to buy another but didn't want to spend the $300 bucks again. So I checked the marketplace and Craigslist and came across a lady selling 2 barely used Summit stands for $80! A Viper XL and a Razor SD model... needless to say I took them both! haha. Good luck this season
oh how do you like the bow holder? I was a little hesitant on getting it
I like it! It holds my bow secure and is tension adjustable. I had to tighten mine a hair so my bow didn't roll down but now it's set and I love it. I climb a tree with my bow in that so it's always with me. Thanks for watching!
where in Puerto rico I buy that climbing tree
Audberto Diaz I don't really know... Google or get it online I suppose. Summit probably has a dealer locator on their website.
Is there any why water can get down inside that and freeze and break deer stand.. people telling me they've had it happened to them don't know if it was on a different model or not
I mean yeah but that's with anything. If you leave it in the woods it might happen, I pack mine in and out when I use it.
Where did you get the stablizer straps from. I just got my stand like that.
Trevor Schlise right on! I think I got them from amazon, they are made by Third Hand Archery
Ok cool thanks. Do you still is your stand
Yep I use it when I hunt public land
Nice.. are you from Wisconsin?
Trevor Schlise nope, Pennsylvania!
is the pvc paracord thing...is that a foot rest????
Yessir! Quite handy and comfortable
That is too cool! I bought a viper today and I am going to definitely put one of those on it! How long is the paracord?
Awesome! And hmmm... Don't quite know I kinda guesstimated and did trial and error. Probably about 5ish feet if I had to guess
Where did you get the stabilizer straps
cmack003 bk outdoors
Cool thanks
Just hunt with it! You used it 1 time and decided to add 50 mods!
That’s what I was thinking... 🤣
I was going to make the same comment.
Not sure what the piece of pvc is that you called a stabilizer strap. What does it do? Here's a product you might find interesting. th-cam.com/video/qFF-mGAV3z0/w-d-xo.html
what height is about right for a tree stand?
How ever high you want to go and feel safe. I'd generally say between 15ft and 25ft. Just be safe. Good luck hunting!
NEPA Outdoors Thanks for the reply so the average is is about 20 ft.
+Terri Newman Some people go higher but my personal opinion is that higher than 25 is just unnecessary. Sure, the higher you are the harder it is for deer to see you but generally the tree will be moving more the higher you go and if you see an animal your shot angle increases alot the higher you are. I have a ladder stand that is 16 ft high and as long as I didn't move I never had a deer see me.
+Terri Newman but yes I wouldn't go much lower than 15 unless you're hidden really well, and I wouldn't go much higher than 25ish. It's all personal preference mainly.
thanks
Thanks!