Summit Openshot SD Treestand

Summit Open Shot Climbing 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 excellent
tree climbing systems. I would recommend this stand to...
Summit Openshot
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...
Summit open shot sd
First of all this is very light weight and easy to handle and set up. I don't care for the seat, it is big and comfortable but it seems too big for the base. When I stand up I am at the edge of the platform. I think it should be a little smaller. Also, the arm bases for climbing could be a little longer. I am 5'08" and 160lb. so it isnt too bad for me to use but If you are a bigger guy I would think you might find it difficult. I would go for the viper ss or other summit. The other problem is that the screws to the stirrups came out after the 5th time I used it. Make sure you double check and make sure the nuts are tight before climbing. I was lucky that they came off at the bottom of my climb instead of the top. I do recommend the summit brand but the openshot is probably for smaller guys and girls.

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