Treelounge vs Summit Bullet Backpacker -- Advice?

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nickE10mm

New member
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....
 
My vote is for summit. I'm about to buy my second. I hunted out of several stands before I decided on the summit, but there was nothing that really compared to it. They are easy to pack in and out, and they connect to the tree very easily. I have also heard very good things about their customer service.

Something to consider that you haven't mentioned is how the stand locks on the tree. This was what really sold me on the summit. After attaching several different stands on the tree in the dark on a cold morning I was tired of messing around, and knew I wanted a summit. They are quiet on the tree as well.

Let me put it to you this way. I have allot of friends who I would consider serious deer hunters (all of which hunt 90% of the time from a climber). None of them climb with a treelounge.
 
Summit Viper for 4 years. Comfort is everything!
I do not sit on it at camp. $5.00 folding chair.
My stand will not smell like camp when I go in the woods.
I am neurotic about scent control. I know this.
 
Good point, desertfox.... duh. I'm heavily leaning towards the Bullet right now. I can buy one locally at BPS or Cabelas, its quiet, lighter weight, only has a two bolts to mess with, I can stand up on it if need be (without additional "attachments"), and less expensive.
 
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.
Click to expand...

Wow, you just described the Tree Saddle to a 'T'.

http://www.trophylineusa.com/

http://www.trophylineusa.com/index_flash.htm

I don't think there's too terribly many cottonwoods & pines there, are there? You don't need a branchless-trunk tree to use the tree saddle. Sounds like exactly what you want. I just bought one but have never used it yet - I will this fall.
 
Firstfreedom....

I read their entire website and it does, in fact, sound really good. Very interesting. The ONLY issue I see is how to actually climb the tree in the first place. If I could find some way to do it without using screw in steps it would be a possibility. Hmmmm....
 
I'm planning on shimmy-ing - the same way I've been climbing trees since I was about 5 yrs. Only this time there's safety. Haven't gone through all the instructions and video yet - looks a bit complicated -so I'm not sure yet how hard/easy shimmy-ing will be. Certainly easier to pack in and out of the woods, and usable in more tree choices.

Look here:

http://www.trophylineusa.com/video.htm

I would think shimmy-ing easier than trying to pull the whole contraption up over each step as you go. I dunno - I will have more time to mess with it before the fall. But I'm sick of climbing stands - they make too much danged noise getting in and out.

My main concern is, is it as comfortable as it's supposed to be. Ideally, I want to be able to fall asleep in the thing if I feel like it, and not worry or be uncomfortable. Or, failing that, at least be more comfortable than sitting in a stand for hours on end.

Another problem might be how to take a whiz since your umm, lower-midsection is pre-occupied with the whole contraption there. We'll see....
 
I'm thinking maybe some nice (removable?) cleats to attach to boots to let one walk up the tree like spiderman.... then take them off when its time to hike back to camp.... just brainstorming. Let me know how the "learning" process goes for ya....
 
I own 2 tree lounges with no complaints. It is real exciting to wake up and see 4 or 5 deer standing under you. Extreme comfort.
 
I,ve owned a tree lounge for 8 years+. I love it. It is the old style and is a little heavy, but it is extremely comfortable. I sit all day sometimes. It is the only stand I'll ever own.
 
treelounger

I have one and once you are up it is the best.
I thought it was loud as all get out until I was climbing one morning and turned around to see two deer at about 40 yards. Seems it was quieter than I thought.
 
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