A Thumbs-Up for Summit Customer Service. . . but. . .

[Guyon]

Let me start by saying my uncle has used a Summit tree stand for years without any problems.

However, a weld on my Summit Viper XLS popped at the end of this season. The stand held up; that is, it didn't collapse or fall off the tree. But I was disappointed that it broke during a hunt and that I had to borrow another climber to finish out the weekend.

The stand was still under warranty, and within a few days after I reported the incident, Summit had a new stand at my door. Unfortunately, UPS had damaged the replacement, and after I called to report the damage to Summit, they got ANOTHER stand to me next day. They also took care of the return shipping on both damaged stands. Now, that's pretty good service.

I do have ambivalent feelings here. My original stand did break. But because of Summit's outstanding customer service and quick response, I plan to give this new stand a chance. Fewer and fewer companies these days have such excellent customer service.

Anybody else out there use Summit stands? Any reports as to durability?

 

[ENC]

Sounds like the Co. has their priorities in order. Customers #1

Haven't ever used a stand because I usually don't find a place to go until the last minute and prefer still hunting anyway. However, when I decide to settle down I'll look into them

 

[Kcustom45]

I have a Summit Cobra stand that has been very good to me through out the season. The only thing that could improve the stand is a little built in heater. I would look at it like this. Every company has some defective products, its how they take of them that makes them a good or bad company.

 

[Guyon]

Well, ENC, I will say that, prior to the breakage, I was totally satisfied with the function of the stand. The Viper XLS is lightweight and easy to pack at 19 pounds, and it is a quiet, quick setup. It climbs well, and it handles trees from 8" to 20". I read a lot of good reviews online before I bought it.

The climber that I borrowed was a decent stand, but the top half of the climber had a tendency to slip off if you bumped it the least bit. I had to make sure I strapped it tight to the tree once I was in position. My Summit, on the other hand, gripped much more securely

KCustom45: You know, if you could figure out how to strap a small propane tank onto the bottom of your stand, you might install a propane heater.

 

[PALongbow]

I only buy from those companies that back their products. Good to hear that Summit backs their products and you received a replacement in such a short time period. Welds on treestands shouldn't give way but anything man made can and will break. Your chances of breaking a weld on a treestand is probably very slim.

Ron

 

[Guyon]

Ron: That's what my uncle said... a good weld ought to be as strong or stronger than the material.

At any rate, I didn't put any undue pressure on the stand. I never "bounced" on the bottom portion to "set" it. Must've been a weak weld.

I noticed that, with the new stand, they've made even more improvements to the seat. And the shoulder/carry straps on the new one were longer--enabling me to leave them on the bottom portion constantly. A big plus.

The customer service rep told me to keep the old 4-point harness and safety rope, so I have two now. Another bonus. I might hunt with a friend who needs a good harness.

All in all, I think Summit is a good company, and I conveyed that in the letter I returned with the broken stand. Still, I'll climb carefully until I'm sure of this new stand. And then I'll still climb carefully...

 

[PALongbow]

Guyon,

Wish I could afford buying all my buddies that hunt out of a treestand a full body harness. Best investment I every made. I climb up the tree with the harness tied to the tree and come down with it on just in case something like a weld would break while climbing.

Ron