Best Summit Treestands [2024 Field Test]

As a deer hunter, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will own is your treestand. Instead of being confined to one tree with a traditional ladder type stand, we’re here to tell you about Summit's line of climbing tree stands.

For those of you who like to run and gun, or prefer to hunt on public land, where in most cases you are restricted from hanging a permanent stand in a tree, this is the perfect option for you. They are light in weight, making it easier to get in and out of the woods. There ease of setting up and breaking down, make it great for getting in and out of the tree. And they allow for you to get as high in the tree as you would like, making it more difficult for a deer to smell you.

All of the stands listed below are backed by Summit's limited 5-year warranty. Along with all of the industry leading design features that come standard on a Summit stand, all stands meet or exceed the standards set by the Treestands Manufacturer Association. They all have a closed front, and come with a Full Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware.

Summit's unique technology includes the following:

Dead Metal Sound-Deadening Technology: Keeps the noise down by filling in critical parts of your stand with custom-engineered expanding foam.

Quick Draw Cable Retention System: Securely locks the cable in place for fast, easy, and silent attachment to the tree.

SummitLokt Structural Enhancement: Applicable joints are “locked” into place before welding, and each joint is designed so the stress on the weld is minimized.

RapidClimb Climbing Stirrups: Comfort-engineered and designed to keep your boots securely attached to the platform.

Remember to check out our "FAQ" section before you make your next Summit treestand purchase!

	Viper SD	Goliath SD	Titan SD	Mini Viper SD
Brand	Summit	Summit	Summit	Summit
Image
Weight	20 lbs.	21 lbs.	25 lbs.	18 lbs.
Max Weight Limit	300 lbs.	350 lbs.	350 lbs.	300 lbs.
Platform Size	20"W x 36"D	20"W x 36"D	21"W x 38.5"D	20"W x 24.8"D
Price	Around $360	Around $430	Around $420	Around $340
Best Price	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!	CLICK HERE!

 

Best Overall Summit Treestand

Viper SD

The Viper is Summit’s most popular model of treestand. Weighing in at a total of 20 pounds, the Viper is a great choice for bow or gun hunting. With the design of its strong aluminum fame, the Viper SD is able to support up to 300 pounds.

Pro Tip: Use a climbing stand during peak rut as deer routinely change up their moving patterns.

Although it is small in size and weight, it comes packed with features to make those all-day sits much more comfortable. It comes equipped with an adjustable, suspended, foam padded back rest, seat, and arm rest. And its elastic backpack straps make it carrying in and out of the woods effortless.

 For additional reviews, and more information click here!

Best Big Man Summit Treestand

Goliath SD

The Goliath is the perfect stand for the bigger hunter, or someone who is just looking for more room while up in the tree. Only weighing in at 1 more pound than the Viper (at 21 total pounds) it has the ability to hold up to 350 pounds of total weight.

Fact: 23% of climbing treestand accidents occur while ascending.

It has all of the amazing features that come standard on Summit’s line of climbing stands. However, it does come with a slightly larger seat frame. It's something to consider if you plan to carry your stand deep into the back country. Just keep in mind, you are trading comfort for a slightly larger and heavier stand.

For latest prices, and more information click here!

Most Roomy Summit Treestand

Titan SD

The Titan is the most spacious and comfortable stand in the Summit line. This is thanks to the added length in the foot platform and a larger top seat frame.

The biggest and most obvious downfall of the Titan is its weight. Compared to the other climbers that Summit offers, the Titan is by far the heaviest. It comes in at a total weight of 25 pounds. While this does not sound like a huge amount of weight, it is surely something to consider when determining how far back in the woods you need to go.

For latest prices, and more information click here! 

Best Compact Summit Treestand

Mini Viper SD

The Mini Viper SD has all of the same features and designs as the Viper SD, except it comes with a smaller seat and foot rest. The Mini Viper is not going to be as roomy as the previous stands listed.

What you give up in comfortability, you are gaining back in mobility. This is one of Summits lightest stands, weighing in at only 18 pounds.

For latest prices, and more information click here! 

FAQs When Buying A Summit Treestand

Who Makes Summit Treestands?

Summit Treestands are a part of PRADCO Outdoors, which is a division of EBSCO Industries. Founded in 1981 by John Woller, Sr, it's been a part of the PRADCO brand since 2002.

How High Should I Climb In My Treestand?

There are two major things to consider when determining the height of you stand - comfortability and the deer line of sight. When you're in a tree, the number one priority is safety. If you are so high that you do not feel safe getting in and out of your stand, then you should consider not climbing so high. On the other hand, you want to be high enough to avoid sight and scent detection.

Pro Tip: During the offseason, try to dissasemble your treestand and check all bolts for wear and tear.

20 feet is often considered the standard height to set up in a stand. This can change depending on the terrain you are hunting or the tree that you chose to climb. In a dense wooded area with lots of ground and canopy cover, you can get away with being lower in the tree by having your surroundings break up your silhouette and any movement you might make. In more of an open forest, with a low canopy and sparse cover, it is helpful to get up high, sometimes in the 30 foot range, to really make sure you are out of the line of sight of any deer that might pass through. 

Other things to consider when it comes to your set up and your ability to get to your desired hanging height are the shape of the tree and any branches that might be in your pathway upwards. Keep this in mind!

What Is The Lightest Climbing Treestand?

Summits lightest climbing tree stand is their Openshot SD climber. Being the lightest stand that Summit offers, they had to make sacrifices in comfortability and overall use for a hunter.

Unlike the other stands listed above, the Openshot does not come with the adjustable suspended seat, foam padded arm rest, or the closed front. Weighing in at only 15 pounds, it is designed specifically for the bow hunter who is looking to get in and out of the woods with the least amount of weight as possible.

What Should I Look For In A Climbing Treestand?

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right climbing stand for you and your style of hunting.

Safety

Safety is the number one thing to consider when choosing the right treestand, and the right treestand brand. According to the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA), there were around 3,000 tree stand related accidents in 2018.

Always ensure your stand meets the requirements set forth by the Treestand Manufactures Association.

Comfort

The comfortability of your stand is crucial. It can mean the difference in those all day sits in November during the rut, or having to call off your hunt early due to the unbearable aches you might feel approaching.

Maneuverability

Depending on your hunting style, the ability to go long distances or get in and out of a tree with ease are huge when choosing your stand.

Noise Level

Deer are very skittish creatures, and the ability to get in and out the woods without being heard can mean the difference in a full freezer or not. With your treestand being the biggest, bulkiest item you will carry in the woods with you, it is imperative that you get in and out as quietly as possible. Some manufacturers take more steps than others to design their stands to be as quiet as possible. 

Design

The design of the treestand can be crucial to some hunters, especially depending on the type of hunting you plan to do from your stand. As a bow hunter you might want the ability to stand up and shoot with no obstructions in your way. Hunting with a rifle, one can look for something with a more comfortable seat and a front wrap around bar to rest the gun on when aiming.