Aluminum vs. Steel Climbers

[BigRed323]

Besides weight, what are the pros vs. cons between the two?

Looking at either the:

Summit Viper Classic Infinity Climber Treestand
or
Summit Viper Infinity SD Climbing Treestand

Price difference is about $100 bucks. What do ya'll think?

[krisw]

Not sure besides weight and $100.

[cuttingedge]

I've used both many times over the years. If your walk is short, or you can leave it hanging, steel is fine. If you're gonna be toting it a lot or a long distance, or carrying it in and out very hunt, the $100 extra is money well spent.

[cdobbka08]

I have the steel one and wish I had bought the aluminum one on long hikes the lighter the better If I were u i would go ahead and get the aluminum one I'll be selling mine soon and getting an aluminum one

[TallTexan]

I have the steel one and wish I had bought the aluminum one on long hikes the lighter the better If I were u i would go ahead and get the aluminum one I'll be selling mine soon and getting an aluminum one

What kind are you selling?

[BigRed323]

I have the steel one and wish I had bought the aluminum one on long hikes the lighter the better If I were u i would go ahead and get the aluminum one I'll be selling mine soon and getting an aluminum one

Think I'll do that. Actually only about 80 dollar difference between the two and the aluminum one has a foot rest

[AJMag]

My back says $100 difference in weight makes a big difference. Just bought a SD and sold my classic. Very happy I did. Not much else different, primarily weight. But the aluminum has advantages against noise I believe. I know it has the sound deadening material, not sure if the newer classics have that.

[krisw]

Think I'll do that. Actually only about 80 dollar difference between the two and the aluminum one has a foot rest

I have a foot rest on mine, and that thing will make you sorry.

[BigRed323]

I have a foot rest on mine, and that thing will make you sorry.

Please explain?

[TMiddleton]

If your on a deer lease and do not intend on hiking far with it, I would go with the steel version. If your like me and hike 1-2 miles in, the aluminum version is worth every penny!

[BigRed323]

If your on a deer lease and do not intend on hiking far with it, I would go with the steel version. If your like me and hike 1-2 miles in, the aluminum version is worth every penny!

I'll be using it on our property up here but that's about 3 hours away and I don't get to make it up there too much so i'll be mostly using on public ground around here and seems i always hike at least a mile every time i go

[budrow]

aluminum

[bowhuntntxn]

About eleven pounds lighter, aluminum doesn't creak as bad as steel under load, aluminum won't rust out.

You don't tink eleven pounds is much weight until you have to carry it, your pack, your bow/arrows/quiver all at once for about half a mile. Then every pound you shed is worth every penny extra you might pay. Also the lighter stand is easier to climb with whenyou have tired legs from carrying all that weight around.

If you have the $$ the lighter stand should be the one you choose IMO. Personally I think the SD model vipers is a waste of money because you can accomplish the same thing with a small drill bit and a can of spray foam.

[krisw]

About eleven pounds lighter, aluminum doesn't creak as bad as steel under load, aluminum won't rust out.

If you have the $$ the lighter stand should be the one you choose IMO. Personally I think the SD model vipers is a waste of money because you can accomplish the same thing with a small drill bit and a can of spray foam.

How so? Do they have deadening stuff in them?

Please explain?

On mine, the seat is really comfortable. Any time I flip the footrest out and stretch out, it's all I can do to stay awake.

[duckmanep]

wish I would have bought aluminum. but i have noticed the paint chips away on the aluminum ones faster.