My first experience with my new stand

[kentucky_redneck]

Last year I bought a new summit viper climbing stand. Well being as hard headed as i am, it stayed on the back porch all summer. Last weekend was muzzle loader season in Ky. I took my stand out Saturday afternoon and TRIED to climb a tree. Well after 30 min and only about a foot off the ground, I figured i stunk up the place bad enough I moved to the other side of the farm cause i was soaking wet from sweat.

I went back today to get it out off the tree but before I took it down i moved my rapid climb sturrips back tward the outside edge of the stand. After that i zipped right up the tree and back down 2 or 3 times. So the only think i can think of is that my sturrips was too close to the tree.
Todd I know you have a summit stand maybe you can give me qa few pointers as this is my first time useing a climber. Or anyone else that has one. I looked at yours Todd and my sturrips are still farther bacn then yours, but i did have my tennis shoes on instead of my boots.

Thanks in advance

[ncboman]

I'm not Todd but perhaps I can help.

Stand up on the floor section and position the seat section so when you lean back, your butt is on the bar. Ease back and sit on the bar. Raise the floor section by tilting it toward the tree, breaking it loose, and once loose raise your legs and return the section back against the tree so you can stand up again.

Slowly shift your weight to the floor and stand up. Reposition seat section and repeat.

Depending on my clothing I usually get from 16 to 20 inches of gain per 'bite'.

I only climb fast on perfect trees for it. Otherwise, I take my time and go for a quiet climb and setup.

If you do make noise, be alert. Several times I've had deer investigate the source, even before I could get the bow pulled up.

Before you go high, it's a good idea in the beginning with any new stand to sit and 'play' with the floor section on your feet, just to get a feel for what you can do with it. I don't like tieing the sections together, so dropping the floor section off my feet would be a definate nono. ;D

To that end I dislike the stirups without even ever seeing any in person. I like a heelstrap, and my feet closer together, for total control on any kind of burly, twisted, leaning tree I encounter.

oh yeah, be very careful coming down icey trees.

[freedomrules3]

Its something that gets easier with time. I have to start all over to some extent with my new one. I will get a few feet off the ground and set it up just like it will be . I'll move around in it at ground level and get used to it first. I'll then go maybe 10 feet up and do the same. it shouldn't be much different than my other one so i should get used to it perty easy. just work with it till you get comfortable with it. I'll be wearing a safety harness for the first time in a long time from now on , it just makes sense. I unlike bowman like my sections tied together just in case

[eshoremd]

i really dont know how to help ya. just practice and you'll get better. r u using the bungee cord thingy against your heels? i can tell ya i dont sit on the bar. i lift my weight off the bottom section with my arms and pull the lower section up in one motion. kinda like doing dips. i do connect the top and bottom with the rope, not sure why you wouldnt. BOMAN! make sure you strap the top section to the tree with the pull tight strap when you at desired hight. you wouldnt even want to see me come down. i kinda drop the bottom section and let my weight make it grip instead of letting it grip then putting my weight on it. ITS FUN! maybe i can get someone to video my speed climbing and descending. try to stay away from really barky trees. they will bind you up and on occasion ive even got it stuck. icy trees....no problem!

[kentucky_redneck]

Thanks for th info guys.I took it out today and practiced again. I really need to have my hunting clothes on for the added weight when im practice.
Thanks Boman for the step by step detals.

[freedomrules3]

"To that end I dislike the stirups without even ever seeing any in person. I like a heelstrap, and my feet closer together, for total control on any kind of burly, twisted, leaning tree I encounter. "


I messed with mine a little tonight for the first time. it also has a similar setup that the stirrups does...feet real wide along the edge of the platform. I can tell you i dont see how you guys get any control over the platform. I'll be modifying mine with my old strap systemm the other stand has even if i gotta reuse the one on it . i like my feet in a triangle right in the middle of the platform, i get much better control of the platform that way .


Todd,
Keep playing with fire and you'll get burned , climbing isnt something to be played with .

[eshoremd]

I KNOW DAAAAAAD!