I am looking into getting a new climber for this year. I pretty well have it narrowed down to the Summit Goliath SS and the Lonewolf Alpha Sit and Climb. I am a big guy, (6'3'', 300lbs) so I need domething with atleast a 300 pound rating. I am also looking for something that gets a real good grip on the tree. My old stand, the Grand Ol' Man, folds down very nice but does not grip thy way I would like. Does anyone have any experience with either of these stands or have any other advice?

Tom

Full Draw-

I have hunted from the Goliath SS for about 4 seasons now. I am 5' 10" and pushing 300lbs. Always had plenty of room in the Goliath SS and it is ROCK solid on the tree. I have never had an uncomfortable moment in that stand and I am somewhat afraid of heights. The seat is very comfortable as well. It is easy to climb with too.

There are 2 things that I do not like about the Goliath: One, it is on the heavy side and bulky...it does not fold flat. It is tough packing on long walks and up large hills. Two, it is noisy when walking through thick stuff because limbs catch on the parts that stick out. The hollow aluminum frame seems to resonate sound.

All in all, if you don't have to pack it very far or through a thicket, the Goliath is very comfortable and extremely sturdy...it is a great treestand.

I have no experience with Lone Wolf but am looking very hard at the Alpha Sit and Climb. I like the idea that it folds flat for packing and that it has a solid die cast aluminum frame. I really think this stand is probably more quiet than the Goliath. I have heard nothing but good about Lone Wolf. I heard they are very sturdy as well. I also like that the bar on the climber folds out of the way. It is only 18lbs and folds flat got to be better packing on long walks. The only thing holding me back from buying it is the price! STEEP!

Joe

Great tip on the foam HC.

I've hunted out of my bro's Summit. I forget the exact model. VERY light. I thought the seat could have used a redesign, but I coulda packed that miles. I think his only weighed 15 lbs. It grabbed the tree quite well.

I have no experience with the Lone Wolf, but have heard a lot of good things about them as well.

Man I wish I would have know you were looking for one, I just traded a guy in KS for one of my Goliaths. I have another but its a stand I have for my cousin when he comes down to hunt. Very nice stands but since I am only 6' 160# I prefer the open shot or a open front climber. I would have let you have it cheap. I had it in a yard sale a month ago for $90. Sorry wish I could have helped you out with this seeing they are near $250+ for one.

~Jeff

Good tip on the foam, however, on the Summit Goliath, don't shoot it into the openings where the cables go! I guess you could do it on the bottom frame though which might help the noise some.

Thanks guys, I think I am leaning toward they Goliath. I still have a few weeks till I head to Sprigfield MO to the BPS Headquarters to get it. I do like the foam idea, sounds like it would work well.

I too am looking for a new stand I I've had my eye on the Summit Goliath to. I have compared lots of stands and for long hunts I think I'm going to purchase the Golaith also....You might want to check out the new Summit Viper ss 2007 model it has the new style seat with pockets on it. Thats going to be my choice...

Good Luck

Received my new one yesterday.

box was upside down so I flipped the picture for you. :D

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a231/silbowhunter/LoneWolf.jpg


If you use that foam stuff in a stand that is left out for any length of time be careful when you pull it you might get wet.
If you use that trick you'll know what I mean. LOL