Wish I could help you but there’s not a climber that’s better than a Summit

Tree walker. I thought API ,or at least Paul Meeks , was back in business. I love my API and treewalker both.

Been using an API for as long as I can remember, but my current stand is aging and I feel like I should consider a new one. I don't like a Summit, so give me some names of other brands you like....

I figured you for a saddle hunter 😂😂

Not to change the subject, but I wish someone
would take an old Tomcat stand and do some
re-engineering structurally and comfort wise.

I figured you for a saddle hunter 😂😂

Thanks for the recs, y'all! I've heard a lot about the Cougar Claws, seems to be a popular choice. I really like a shooting rail on my climber (my API is the old "Shooting Star" version with the adjustable gun rest, I've become so used to it).

I bought a Summit Viper right before this season came in. By and large it "looked" most similar to my API, but oddly it didn't "fit" the same. Like they used different human average measurements when they designed it. I felt cramped in it (I'm only 5-11 and 185), and I bought the shooting rest along with the stand, and it was right up in your face (not a natural or comfortable shooting position). I also found it to be super awkward to climb with, even worse to descend down the tree. The foot position is weird. I didn't even use the stirrups, I was hooking my toes under the side rails. Also, the shooting rest on the Summit sits directly over the bar you sit on when climbing....I always hang my bag and tie my extra jackets to the shooting rail on my API, but I was having to tie a rope to my bag/clothes with the Summit and pull them up. The shooting rail on the API juts out in front of the stand somewhat, so you can hang your stuff on it when you climb and it's not in the way, plus it's a really natural position (sorta leaned forward and braced) when you prop your gun on it.
And I can adjust the chains on my API when I'm in the tree, but I couldn't do it in the Summit. Get 40' up a tree and need to level the foot platform??....forget about it LOL

I had an Ol Man Grand Vision probably back in the late 90's early 2000's, it was a good stand. The mesh seat was uncomfortable to me, and it would kill you on a slick tree

I know you said the APIs are getting age on them but what is the issue with age. I’ve got 2 shooting stars that are 20+ years old. I’ve changed the chains and chain cover once (the chains appeared fine)
I do use hazmore seats on them and have a summit surround seat I use sometimes. I also have a Treewalker and love it also but trying to find one at a good price is difficult.

The summit vipers are smaller now. I found an old summit steel viper on my club this year. Added a new seat and its good to go. Doesn't nest as well as my new Viper SD, and its alot heavier, but its about 2 inches wider and 4 longer.

What I hate about a summit is the way the cables hang behind your legs. There is no high stepping over anything without hitting them. I have mine all the way in too. And they are noisy to remove, and the SD doesn't help at all when a tree limb hits it. My XOP Climber is much nicer to pack, but it sucks for a long sit. If I could find someone to bend 1 in aluminum tubing, I think I could add about 3 inches a side to the frame, and it would make all the difference in the world. It's quiet to pack in and out, and climb in, and once you cinch the stabilizer straps, its rock solid.

I want to try a Tree Walker.
But, every time one gets posted in the classifieds on here it’s up north and sells quickly.