I had an API Bowhunter for a few years and hated it. I recently sold that and bought a used Summit Viper. Haven't used it yet so we'll see in a week or 2.
Couple of Summits for me - have been using them for 8 or 9 years and really like them.
They are safe and quiet. Both of mine are the facing away from the tree style.
I have the sit and climb but 95% of the time I use a hang-on/climbing sticks (also Lone Wolf). I can get up in a tree just a fast with the sticks and have a lot more options using sticks - no branches to trim or any of that BS. The other reason I like the hang on is that I don't have any shooting rails or seat frame to get in the way when bow hunting - it's wide open. I hang my bow at shooting height, and stand there and wait...
"Sportsmans Guide" sells a climber that runs 71.00... I've used one of those for the past 5 years and it's been GREAT... I realize I put a lot of stress on it being close to 300 but it's very comfortable and I always feel safe... Just ordered a new one last week...
I have a couple ol Man climbers and like them however my all time favorite is the Loggy. I have two of them (old style with metal band) and love them. I use climbing steps or screw in steps in most all the areas I hunt and I find the Loggy very comfortable and quiet. I did fortify a sissy rail around the Loggy stands so I would have a little more support and security. However if I have to climb, it is usually the Ol Man.
Land Locked in Tennessee!
I dont use them anymore. Some years back I was good and high over looking a duck pond dam that was a major travel way between two stands of timber. Took my feet off the lower climber part and down it went. Dummy me had not tied it off to the top part of the climber! I sat there danglin before decidin to hug the tree and slide down. After slowly comin down and skinnin up everything from my ankles to my face! My mom thought a bear had attacked me!
Anything SUMMIT...but this is going to be my new gadget..I like the fact of being able to hunt any tree that will hold my weight..I have a buddy who has back problems and he even sleeps in this thing some time while hunting!!