A climbing tree stand allows hunters to travel from location quickly and easily to location, allowing them to hunt in the most up-to-the-minute locations. And when it comes to choosing the right tree stand for you during the hunt, the first thing to think about when using climbing tree stands are where you’ll be using it.
If the terrain is relatively easy to navigate, then a heavier model might be appropriate. But if you use it in the highlands or other inaccessible regions, the same stand will rapidly become burdensome.
A lot of things are to be considered when choosing your climbing tree stands, from specifics such as weight, size, ease of set up are all important aspects. So, whether it be between these summit tree stands, do not break a sweat for I am willing to break it all down and help you choose the best one for your needs during hunting.
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At a glance
The quick answer
I choose the Summit Tree Stand Viper since I prioritize portability over added space. However, this does not mean that the Goliath and Summit Titan are bad choices. It just is a matter of preference and body type. For small to average guys, the mini Viper with its 300 lbs carrying load should suffice. However, for bigger individuals, the Goliath and Titan are good choices.
Whatever you choose in these three treestands will be worth the extra money. After all, they come with Dead Metal features that hamper sound to a high degree. Add that with the cable retention system called Quick Draw and SummitLokt rigidity, then you get tree stands that would last for years to come. I will always recommend Summit Products as they give the best value for hunting style and equipment.
Product Overviews
Summit Viper Tree Stand
The Summit tree stands Viper that been used for more than seventeen years and more are designed with comfort in mind, and it allows you to remain undetected while being silent, comfy, and safe.
Because of the whole perimeter frame, the Viper SD may be used as a sit-down/stand-up climber, the reason why it is called such is that you can sit on top of the rail pulling up your standing platform and foot rest to make the process easier which makes it a simple tree stand to climb from and just work your way up on the tree.
- Features some of the best comfort in great stands.
- All parts do what they need to and are great at their task.
- Can be modded with different parts.
- Great in optimal condition.
- Paint peel and powder coat bubbles off the frame on the first few uses and needs to be repainted.
- Not the best model in terms of noise handling.
Summit Tree stand Goliath
The Summit Goliath SD is the original large man stand, and it has been a favorite among hunters ever since it was first introduced. The Summit Goliath SD has the same comfort-built design as the Viper SD, but the wider top allows for an extra room for hunters with larger frames making it one of the best treestands for big guys.
Having more space does not imply having to carry more weight and at 21 pounds, the Summit Goliath SD maintains its ultra-portability.
- Solid build and design
- Safe climbing and descent
- Arm Cushions are comfortable
- Straight-forward Assembly
- Problems in various tree sizes
- Missing Parts in Some Packages
Summit Tree stand Titan
The Summit Titan SD climbing tree stand has everything you could ever desire in climbing stands, plus an extra inch or two. Because of the larger top and longer platform, this is one of the biggest stand Summit makes.
The Summit Titan SD, which is designed for the largest of hunters, has the same exceptional design as all other Summit climbers, so you can anticipate the highest levels of comfort, concealment, and safety.
- Wide bare aluminum seat and climber frame on Titan Platform
- Easier to unbuckle your seat quickly
- Great Weight Capacity of 350 lbs
- All the great features in safety
- Limited Customer Support
- Hard to adjust the vest
Side by side comparison
Climbing Stand Portability
The Summit Viper SD model is designed to be lightweight and portable. When fully assembled it only weighs 20 pounds and is very easy to pack.
On the other hand, the Summit Goliath SD model has been intended to be lightweight and portable to maximize efficiency. When fully completed, it weighs only 21 pounds still making it quite portable.
At 25 pounds, the Titan is significantly heavier than the previous models, but it is still quite compact and portable, particularly for hunters who require extra space when hunting on the move.
Color and Sound
The color of the three products is very similar to each other. They feature a blended camouflage that is great in long hunts since the prey will struggle to spot movements from hunters.
Furthermore, the platform is made with sound suppression in mind.
Deadening Technology helps in filling in noisy and crucial parts of the unit so that no sound is made even while moving around the platform. This can make up for some stealthy hunts that are beneficial for your gains.
Durability and Safety
Both are made up of reinforced aluminum, allowing them to be lightweight while still packing durability that can last for years with proper care. Also, the stands are closed-front for better security and this clear every doubt that people ask, ”Are climbing tree stand safe?”.
The SummitLokt technology helps in locking the joints of the parts, making them sturdy and strong for use. All three are installed with full-body fall arrest as well as other safety measures.
Key Differences
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Viper comes with padded zippered armrests, a foam-padded comfortable seat that is suspended which is fully adjustable, providing all-day convenience.
On the other hand, the Goliath is equipped with padded zip ties armrests, a foam-padded seat that is suspended and is fully adjustable, as well as a backrest with a backrest. It also features a broader top at 21.75″, which provides more room for movement, which is especially beneficial for larger hunters.
Lastly, the Titan model might be the roomiest and comfiest of all other stands with an extra-large platform and top for even the largest build hunters but no room for two man ladder stand.
Capacity
The viper model has an 18” W x 12” D Foam Seat, 20” x 24.75” D Platform size. The closed-front aluminum climbing stand weighs only 18 pounds. It is sturdy and secure and can hold up to 300 pounds. There is also plenty of clearance for bows and rifles.
For the Titan, it has a platform size of 18″ W x 12″ D, a seat size of 21″W x 30.75″ D, and it comes with an integrated full-body fall arrest harness system and all necessary hardware.
Lastly, the Goliath’s lightweight aluminum climbing comfortable stand with a closed front weighs only 21 pounds. It also includes a seat frame that is 18″ W x 12″ D and a platform that is 21″ W x 30.75″ D. It is strong and safe, and it has a weight capacity and weight limit of 350 pounds. There is also plenty of room to maneuver.
Weight
The greatest difference between the models lies in the weight and capacity. For starters, the Summit Viper SD weights at only 20 lbs but can carry up to 350 lbs of load.
On the other hand, the Summit Goliath is 21 lbs and can also carry 300 lbs. The bulkiest one, which is the Summit Titan, is weighed at 25 lbs but can also carry 350 lbs of load. This makes it great for gun hunting.
FAQs
Are the tree stands hard to carry?
No, they are not hard to carry. These are some of the most lightweight yet durable products in the market. Even with their weight, they provide good comfort when sitting and waiting for prey.
What are the main differences between the three?
The three only differ slightly in platform size, as well as carrying capacity. Thus, you must choose the one that fits you perfectly.
Do they come with stirrups for fast climbing?
Yes! They are equipped with bungee, stirrups, as well as ratchets for faster climbing. You won’t have any issues setting this up alone.
Are the safety harnesses adjustable?
Yes! The safety harnesses can become smaller or slightly larger depending on your body type. Not only that, but they have adjustable backpack straps for comfort.
Does it come with a tether?
Yes, it is equipped with a tree strap, harness, and fall arrest.
Final thoughts
Choosing the perfect tree stands from the three might be a hard decision. After all, they come from the same company and have similar features. The only thing that sets them apart is platform size and capacity. With this in mind, I choose the Summit Treestands Viper since I don’t need the extra room area that the more expensive and bigger models will provide. If you are tall and bulkier, then I recommend you to get the Goliath or Titan Models. However, for those that are average in size, the mini Viper should suffice in many instances.