Hunted out of a summit climber for as many years as I can recall, loved that stand. It got stolen out of my truck this year, so thought id get a new one. Nope!!! The move to China ends my owning any Summit brand item!
Great review, I noticed no cable keepers to keep them from coming out. My old USA summit had them. You are more gracious than I. Bent tubing, thin rubber coating, no keepers, and China.....that's a thumbs down for me. Never again Summit, NEVER!!!!
Well I definitely struggled with my decision to 👍 or 👎. The cable keepers are not really an issue, I know what you mean though, the old ones had a top that would slide over, the ones they make now have a spring that forces the cable up so it can't really come out. But yes, the whole China thing is such bullshit.
I wish I had seem your review eariler. I just returned the one I purchased. These are the reasons: 1. The stand weighed 20.4 lbs instead of the 18lbs advertised (this included the included seat and armrests, but nothing else, only the original Summit provided equipment). 2. The stand was very noisy and difficult to setup/takedown because the rubber coating was creating too much friction inside the aluminum channels, i.e., it was too thick or the channel too thin. 3. The rubber coating was coming off after only one use. Summit must have dropped their quality control standards a lot. There is no way this stand would have received all of the postive reviews Summit has been know for, thanks for you honest assessment.
Yes I definitely like the mini and my regular viper, and you're right, super comfortable for all day sits but like I said in the video, just really disgusted they moved their manufacturing over to china.
I just sold my summit viper sd that had from 2011. It was still in perfect condition basically. I chose to go with the lone wolf hand climber assault 2 this year to save weight and knowing they were made in the USA. My lone wolf weighs 14lbs and actually fits on your back instead you looking like and accessory for it when you’re carrying it through the woods, like the summit. Damn thing used to always catch my legs or get stuck on brush because it was huuuuge…. Was comfortable though.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 not anymore - out of business and cannot buy them or parts for them. There are 2 lonewolf spin-offs and the US made company, Novix, only makes hang-on stands. XOP does not appear to be making any climbers right now either. I’ll bet there is a patent dispute over the cables but that’s just a guess… I too don’t like made in China and prefer US made. At the very least, not made in China but a more deserving country.
That sucks. I was thinking of running over to the summit facility in Decatur and picking up a stand. I went several years ago and it was a cool experience.
I liked the video and appreciate all your honesty, but being that passive is part of the problem. Don't talk about trying to make a difference and then casually give it a thumbs up and keep it anyway. That's the reason things won't change
I’ve got three Vipers already, and having given serious thought to purchasing the mini, I’m glad I came across your video since I’m also 5’9”. I’ve got the Hazemore seats on two of my three Vipers (none of which I paid more than $75 for). I don’t recommend the Hazemore back pad. I wrapped the seat frame behind my back with pipe insulation under duct tape, more for when the metal is cold than for comfort.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 yeah, just any kind of padding to keep your jacket off that cold metal. You don’t want anything thick. I also use the third hand archery bow holders and stabilizing straps. Again, thanks for the recommendation.
I can give you a tip when it comes to the creaking, take some sandpaper or a file and try to get a lot of the paint off on the teeth that contact to the tree. But also when you are at the height you want to hunt and you are sort of seating the stand with your backside, and then you stand up and it creaks right? We'll just move the stand or the seat up or down an inch or two and try it again usually if I do that I can find a spot that it doesn't creak.👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I've actually switched more to saddle hunting and my summit is just basically a stationary stand out in my rut spot. I have the same feelings you did in this video, it just pisses me off these companies sell out to China. So when they do I don't support them. The saddle I bought is made right here in my home state. There's other great companies out there that make great us made products but unless people get out from under Googles bubble they'll never see this stuff. I've found great companies that make awesome hunting clothing made in usa. Good luck in the woods!
Look at all of us typing about our outrage at the country of origin on our phones that were made in the same country as we drive to our hunting spots in our trucks made in Mexico. Lol
I was actually contemplating another summit purchase because I gave my original viper to a friend a few years back (super comfortable). Glad I came across this review. You saved me $280 and disappointment. I won’t be supporting summit going forward. Bad move for what used to be one of the leaders in the industry.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I shoot traditional and a lot of them are . Bear traditional stuff is made in Gainesville. Others than that you have to buy a custom mostly
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I just ordered a mini viper because my viper steel was just too heavy for the hike in. Saw your video for mods. Thanks for the reply
Well the camera mount is something I made and no I don't have a link for the seat just type in hazmore replacement seat and it will show you. Something else I highly recommend if you've never tried them are the stabilizing straps, have you used them or do you know what I mean? You can find them at Third hand archery, it's a great product that will make your climber feel way way more stable. You should check em out, only like 18 $
Summits have always been junk I bought one years ago used it once took it it back got a lone wolf. The cable system is a horrible design. My rubber wore off immediately on one I had 10 years ago. Also they give you very limited adjustment.
I'm a welder bud and no way in hell did they xray the welds. No company does that makes stands. Yeah, you got a bad break on yours with the bend in it, but its still a quality stand man as far as structurally. But yeah the rubber coating coming off sucks to. And yeah, fuck China
@@757outdoorsman That's exactly right, these poor Chinese kids will work all day for an egg roll, and Rich American company owners are fine with that and figure the hell with the American worker! I guess thats the thought process I don't know. Complete disgrace
I kept the stand knowing it was made in China you are correct. However I did not buy the stand knowing it was made in China. That's my point, if I would have known that summit had moved their manufacturing to China I would have bought lone wolf or another American made product.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 My point is you still had the chance to return it after finding out it was made it China. You even had the out when you found the damage (even if it was easy to fix). I've been changing over anything hunting wise that I have over to American made, so I know how you feel about American companies giving in to the manufacturing in China. It's up to us Americans to start saying no to Chinese made products and start doing our research and buy American made goods. Just my $0.02 and it's just that, an opinion lol.
@@matt76cmich64 👍Glad to hear you are behind the American worker!! Yes you're right I could have tried to send it back, but I figured they would most likely want me to pay for the shipping so I didn't even check into it. I would have never dreamed summit would have done that.
My viper has the same exact bend in the cable holder. Summit is junk anymore like every other stand maker not made in the USA. Outsourcing production to countries to make everything cheap and turn a big profit. That’s the world we live in unfortunately
Hunted out of a summit climber for as many years as I can recall, loved that stand. It got stolen out of my truck this year, so thought id get a new one. Nope!!! The move to China ends my owning any Summit brand item!
I just order one the other day and I didn’t know they was being made in China. Very surprising. I agree you totally
I mean its still a great tree stand dont get me wrong. I just dont think the quality is quite what it was and really disgusted about the china b.s.
Great review, I noticed no cable keepers to keep them from coming out. My old USA summit had them. You are more gracious than I. Bent tubing, thin rubber coating, no keepers, and China.....that's a thumbs down for me. Never again Summit, NEVER!!!!
Well I definitely struggled with my decision to 👍 or 👎. The cable keepers are not really an issue, I know what you mean though, the old ones had a top that would slide over, the ones they make now have a spring that forces the cable up so it can't really come out. But yes, the whole China thing is such bullshit.
I wish I had seem your review eariler. I just returned the one I purchased. These are the reasons:
1. The stand weighed 20.4 lbs instead of the 18lbs advertised (this included the included seat and armrests, but nothing else, only the original Summit provided equipment).
2. The stand was very noisy and difficult to setup/takedown because the rubber coating was creating too much friction inside the aluminum channels, i.e., it was too thick or the channel too thin.
3. The rubber coating was coming off after only one use.
Summit must have dropped their quality control standards a lot. There is no way this stand would have received all of the postive reviews Summit has been know for, thanks for you honest assessment.
Your welcome. Yep, its a shame what these companies are doing just for a little more profit.
Great stand I’ve spent all day sits in it, easy and comfortable but I’m 6ft and 240 and it’s just a little to small for me!
Yes I definitely like the mini and my regular viper, and you're right, super comfortable for all day sits but like I said in the video, just really disgusted they moved their manufacturing over to china.
I just sold my summit viper sd that had from 2011. It was still in perfect condition basically. I chose to go with the lone wolf hand climber assault 2 this year to save weight and knowing they were made in the USA. My lone wolf weighs 14lbs and actually fits on your back instead you looking like and accessory for it when you’re carrying it through the woods, like the summit. Damn thing used to always catch my legs or get stuck on brush because it was huuuuge…. Was comfortable though.
Lone wolf is hard to beat👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 not anymore - out of business and cannot buy them or parts for them. There are 2 lonewolf spin-offs and the US made company, Novix, only makes hang-on stands. XOP does not appear to be making any climbers right now either. I’ll bet there is a patent dispute over the cables but that’s just a guess…
I too don’t like made in China and prefer US made. At the very least, not made in China but a more deserving country.
That sucks. I was thinking of running over to the summit facility in Decatur and picking up a stand. I went several years ago and it was a cool experience.
Yep, damn shame
Glad i watched this. Thanks for the heads up. Looks like I’ll be looking elsewhere for my climber.
You bet! Good luck this year, shoot a good one👍
I liked the video and appreciate all your honesty, but being that passive is part of the problem. Don't talk about trying to make a difference and then casually give it a thumbs up and keep it anyway. That's the reason things won't change
Thank you for your comment.
Damn Right! I'm there with ya. Great video
Thanks bud👍
I’ve got three Vipers already, and having given serious thought to purchasing the mini, I’m glad I came across your video since I’m also 5’9”. I’ve got the Hazemore seats on two of my three Vipers (none of which I paid more than $75 for). I don’t recommend the Hazemore back pad. I wrapped the seat frame behind my back with pipe insulation under duct tape, more for when the metal is cold than for comfort.
Yeah the pipe insulation sounds like a great idea ! I'm gonna try it.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 yeah, just any kind of padding to keep your jacket off that cold metal. You don’t want anything thick. I also use the third hand archery bow holders and stabilizing straps. Again, thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks for the heads up. Screw Summit for doing this.
Yep that's kinda how I feel about it too !
It’s pretty simple, you could have easily have sent it back, especially since it was damaged….but you didn’t. That pretty much says it all.
Not really sure what your point is but thanks for your comment.
Also pal, what are you using for the camera arm mount on the treestand rail?
It's just a little aluminum block I drilled out to fit the stem on the muddy arm. Works pretty good 👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I'd buy it!! Looks like you need a patent
Well some other company makes pretty much the same thing or I would for sure.
The box itself could be made in China, the bend could from shipping ect
I’ve used Summits since they started making them out of aluminum, but the made in China ends my dealings with Summit.
Yes sir, its absolute B.S. !
Mine creeks with any movement. I can't pin point it either. I weigh 160. cant beat the Comfortability
I can give you a tip when it comes to the creaking, take some sandpaper or a file and try to get a lot of the paint off on the teeth that contact to the tree. But also when you are at the height you want to hunt and you are sort of seating the stand with your backside, and then you stand up and it creaks right? We'll just move the stand or the seat up or down an inch or two and try it again usually if I do that I can find a spot that it doesn't creak.👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I appreciate your reply and I already did do the teeth, it's a weld that's creaking.
Oh geeze, ok well that stinks. I guess you could call summit and see what they say ?
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I've actually switched more to saddle hunting and my summit is just basically a stationary stand out in my rut spot. I have the same feelings you did in this video, it just pisses me off these companies sell out to China. So when they do I don't support them. The saddle I bought is made right here in my home state. There's other great companies out there that make great us made products but unless people get out from under Googles bubble they'll never see this stuff. I've found great companies that make awesome hunting clothing made in usa. Good luck in the woods!
I completely agree! Good luck to you too when you get out👍
Its sad but if you want something a good price you have to have it built in china i think they did this to be abke to keep there prices competitive
I went to lone wolf because of this...
You can't go wrong with lone Wolf stands in my opinion 👍
Look at all of us typing about our outrage at the country of origin on our phones that were made in the same country as we drive to our hunting spots in our trucks made in Mexico. Lol
Yep thats about right
I was actually contemplating another summit purchase because I gave my original viper to a friend a few years back (super comfortable). Glad I came across this review. You saved me $280 and disappointment. I won’t be supporting summit going forward. Bad move for what used to be one of the leaders in the industry.
Yep, I never would have thought summit would go China... Hopefully are bow manufacturers aren't next☹️
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I shoot traditional and a lot of them are . Bear traditional stuff is made in Gainesville. Others than that you have to buy a custom mostly
@@shanedarden5238 it's a shame
@@deadxbowhunting3835 Going to get worse unless we get a new president
Oh my God, dont get me started, worst most worthless POS of a president in history!!
What is the mount on the front rail
Hey mosh, it's a homemade mount for the muddy arm, basically aluminum block drilled out with a nylon bushing👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 I just ordered a mini viper because my viper steel was just too heavy for the hike in. Saw your video for mods. Thanks for the reply
You bet, good stand you will like it, I'm just pissed its made in China now. Check out the hazmore seat, that will drop 2 more pounds👍
@@deadxbowhunting3835 do you have a link for those 2 things?
Well the camera mount is something I made and no I don't have a link for the seat just type in hazmore replacement seat and it will show you. Something else I highly recommend if you've never tried them are the stabilizing straps, have you used them or do you know what I mean? You can find them at
Third hand archery, it's a great product that will make your climber feel way way more stable. You should check em out, only like 18 $
That v in the back of the stand on mine is bent just noticed it! CHINA
Yep!! Bunch of b.s.
I just ordered one from Bass Pro, and I really don't like the fact that it's made in China.
Agreed, but I think you will ultimately like the stand, nice and light, it's just a shame they moved manufacturing overseas.
Summits have always been junk I bought one years ago used it once took it it back got a lone wolf. The cable system is a horrible design. My rubber wore off immediately on one I had 10 years ago. Also they give you very limited adjustment.
Send it back, get a refund...buy 🇺🇸
Yep
I'm a welder bud and no way in hell did they xray the welds. No company does that makes stands. Yeah, you got a bad break on yours with the bend in it, but its still a quality stand man as far as structurally. But yeah the rubber coating coming off sucks to. And yeah, fuck China
Dang it
I agree
Lone Wolf 🏹🦃🦌🇺🇸
Xop is China made too
Omg! I didn't know that, never bought anything xop. Well sadly it seems like it's unavoidable.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 almost unavoidable these days unless you drop some big coin
@@757outdoorsman That's exactly right, these poor Chinese kids will work all day for an egg roll, and Rich American company owners are fine with that and figure the hell with the American worker! I guess thats the thought process I don't know. Complete disgrace
You still bought the stand and kept it knowing it was made in China.
I kept the stand knowing it was made in China you are correct. However I did not buy the stand knowing it was made in China. That's my point, if I would have known that summit had moved their manufacturing to China I would have bought lone wolf or another American made product.
@@deadxbowhunting3835 My point is you still had the chance to return it after finding out it was made it China. You even had the out when you found the damage (even if it was easy to fix). I've been changing over anything hunting wise that I have over to American made, so I know how you feel about American companies giving in to the manufacturing in China. It's up to us Americans to start saying no to Chinese made products and start doing our research and buy American made goods. Just my $0.02 and it's just that, an opinion lol.
@@matt76cmich64 👍Glad to hear you are behind the American worker!! Yes you're right I could have tried to send it back, but I figured they would most likely want me to pay for the shipping so I didn't even check into it. I would have never dreamed summit would have done that.
Look into cougar claw stand made in American! Way better than Summit!
Look into Cougar Claw made in America and way better than Summit.
Mine was bent just like that, Summit can suck it!
Yes sir, if they can't make it in the U.S. f'em
2:41 what if I'm 6'0 and 250? fuck man i need to lose weight
No way, lol
My viper has the same exact bend in the cable holder. Summit is junk anymore like every other stand maker not made in the USA. Outsourcing production to countries to make everything cheap and turn a big profit. That’s the world we live in unfortunately
Amen brother!!
Come on summit? China? I won’t buy your products anymore
It's a damn shame, greedy ownership should re-think it and bring manufacturing back home👍