Treelounge vs Summit Bullet Backpacker -- Advice?

[nickE10mm]

Treelounge vs Summit Bullet Backpacker -- Advice?



Hi all...

I've been researching the market for a new climbing treestand to use for deer hunting. I've never owned OR used a climbing stand (but HAVE used a ladder stand a couple of times) and need advice. I've narrowed it down to two stands that I like. I'll mainly be hunting VERY hilly areas in the Ozarks/SW Missouri/Mark Twain National Forest area. I will be hunting with a handgun on most hunts. I'm looking for something with great stability, safety and comfort and something that I can pack into the deep woods with me, stay out all day and have lots of versatility as to what trees in can actually climb. I'm 27, about 200lbs and in excellent physical and cardiovascular shape. I'm not too concerned about the cost because I only plan on buying one stand and keeping it forever.

The stands I have in mind are:

Summit Bullet Backpacker (= 23lbs total)

Treelounge (18.5lbs + 7.5lb foot climber = 26lbs total)

I also like the idea of a stand that I can use when back at camp to sit on a tree (lower to the ground while there relaxin') and I've heard that the treelounge is good for that. Also, the treelounge seems like it might be a BIT more stable AND confortable, but at the cost of a heavier stand. I don't really see how the Summit sets up so I can't really compare potential noise of setup. The treelounge seems to have quite a few accessories (ie wheels, leveler, various holders) but all at additional cost to an already "more" expensive stand.

At this point I'm rambling and have read enough "reviews" to make my head spin and need to get some people who have experience with either one.

Thanks in advance....

 

[redneck2]

I got a Tree Lounge a few years ago. It sets up and climbs as advertised, but there is a definite learning curve. Do NOT try it the first time in the woods when it's dark. Also, a wrap of electric tape around the aluminum areas that join make it a lot quieter to set up. If you don't, the aluminum smacks together and makes a racket.

It is exceptionally stable and super comfortable. I'd get the bowhunter extension so you can stand up (I have it).

Get extras of the small parts (nuts and bolts). It'd be a real bummer to hike 5 miles in and not be able to hunt because you lost one wing nut in the leaves.

As for versatility...no. Climbers need straight trees that are 12-20". Make sure you have pocket shears and a folding pocket saw.

I have a friend that fell 25' out of a stand last year (no belt). You won't fall out of a Tree Lounge.

 

[buck460XVR]

nick....I have the Viper SS treestand which is very similar to the Bullet backpacker. Have used it for several years and like it. Like all climbing treestands, it takes some gettin' used to (have had several..all different) but it is reliable and safe. I also gave one to my oldest son this year for X-mas. I don't generally get very high in a tree whether gun or bow hunting.....I like the thick stuff where the only deer you see are close and getting higher only cuts down your visibility.

like Redneck said .....take some time and practice with it, so come hunting season you're well acquainted with it and how it works. There are no wingnuts or bolts to lose on the Viper (been there, done that) and it's very quiet setting up(how noisy you are climbing with it is up to you) and the light weight really makes a difference when you go a long ways in the woods.

BTW...bringin the Ol' Lady and the bike down to your neck of the woods the end of this week.

 

[nickE10mm]

Thanks for the reply.... i'm really leaning towards the Bullet right now. Lighter, can purchase locally, less expensive (READ: $ for more toys), can stand up in it (without additional "attachment$") etc....

My neck of the woods would be SW Missouri, Mark Twain Natl Forest.... where I live, St Louis.

 

[redneck2]

I think a lot has to do with how long you're going to be in the stand. A smaller, lighter stand is easier to carry, but lighter means smaller. I think there's some law of physics that makes the stand shrink as you get higher. Go up 25 feet and it reduces to the size of a postage stamp.

I'm at the point in life that sitting straight upright for hours just isn't the program. I'll carry the bigger stand and be super comfortable all day.

 

[Guyon]

I'd buy Summit again just for the warranty and customer service. I bought a Viper. Used it for a couple of years with no problem, but then I had a weld crack on one of the supporting brackets. The crack was probably my fault, though unintended on my part. While climbing, I inadvertently allowed a small limb stub to press into one of the vertical supports, creating a lateral pressure where there was not supposed to be any. The stand functioned with the crack well enough to get me down the tree, and next day, I called Summit about their warranty.

Summit had a replacement stand at my house within a couple of days. They paid to have the old stand returned to them for inspection.

I've used the newer stand for the past four years without incident. In fact, this thread reminds me that I need to do some basic maintenance on it while the weather is warm: visual inspection, replace plastic covering on cables, touch up paint in a few spots.