climber gear check/help

Why a different stand? No experience and have read great reviews, looking for some help from guys that hunt this way before I make the order.

I'm just not a Summit fan since the only stand I've ever had slip with me on a tree was a Summit. Some folks swear by them though. I'm a huge Treewalker fan because you won't find a more comfortable stand, made in the US, and they're just plain built better and not heavy

Oak tree. Twice. Definitely not trolling. You are seriously the only person I've ever heard say they prefer a Summit over a TReewalker that's actually had firsthand experience with both. A buddy of mine let me borrow his Treewalker and I was sold on them from the first time I climbed with it. You will not find a stand that bites a tree like they do. Most of all our hunting buddies now have swapped over to them. I will add my 2nd favorite is the Original Ol Man stands

I own a Summit and love it. I think the Summit is better for pine trees, since it has less biting teeth that allows for easier and quieter climbing. They also spray foam the inside of the frame so there is no noise if pieces bump together. Other stands with sharper teeth/nail grips, like the Old Man etc are better for slick/hard trees such as gum and oaks. I always look for a pine first though, because the stand sticks like glue. I've never had an issue and I pack mine in and out most times I hunt. As far as harnesses go, the one's you get with the stands will suffice, but they aren't as intuitive as some others you can get. I have one of the old seat-o-the pants harnesses and really like it now that I'm used to it. I get mine on before I leave the camp, but it only take me two minutes tops to put on anyway. I'd also look into a lifeline for climbing.

ETA:

Also, I assume you tied off the two sections. Big part of it. Summit has a bungee strap that comes with it to do this.

Another benefit to the Summit (I have the 180 Max) is that I can reverse the seat so that the tree is in front of me. I do this if I'm more in the open for additional concealment. The stand is so comfortable that I fight falling asleep a lot of times. Your back right quadrant will be a tough shot for a right handed shooter, so be prepared to stand up in those situations.

Things I've added to my Summit Viper:
Thirdhand stabilizer straps
Thirdhand footrest
Hazmore mesh seat
Gun holder
Hazmore back rest

The stabilizer straps are the best of the add ons. The footrest is nice for long sits and works great as a drag. The mesh seat is something I changed after growing frustrated with the regular seat when climbing. However, I believe the regular seat is more comfy. The Hazmore seat makes climbing easier as it doesn't get in the way.
Added the gun holder this year. I love this mod but you have to remove the one closest to the front of the stand for packing. The backrest makes it more comfy but can be an issue climbing. I've also put adhesive grip strips on the platform slats. This is a cheap mod that pays off especially when leaving the stand in the woods over night.

Since this was about your HSS hybrid harness, I've added a beal dynaclip that gives me a little extra length from my HSS tree strap to my harness.

I’ve had Summit, Loggy Bayou, Ol Man, and Treewalker. Treewalker is my favorite. Not sure if it’s legal on public cause it digs into the trees hard.

Good call. I need to try that.

quote:

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Go to Harbor Freight and buy a 25' dog leash... they are normally $5 but you can find them on sale for $1 in that coupon paper.
Ty-Wrap it to your stand.
Hook the leash on your bow or gun and it will stay on the ground as you climb.
When you get in the tree, pull it up.
It will retract automatically.

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what if your sweet spot is 26-33 ft in air?

Get the Thirdhand Archery stabilizer straps for sure.