In the world of hunting and outdoor adventure enthusiasts, the names Summit Goliath and Viper are not foreign. These two are top of the line climbing tree stands designed to provide an elevated and safe platform for hunting from heights, typically a tree. Both designed by Summit Treestands, a respected brand in the hunting industry, they strive to combine comfort, portability, and security, yet they do have some differences that can guide a user’s choice between the two.
Summit Goliath
Overview
The Summit Goliath is a robust and spacious climbing tree stand designed for comfort with the larger hunter in mind. Built to accommodate up to 350 pounds, it provides a sizable space to move around with a broader top for increased legroom.
Features
The Goliath Series includes an adjustable foam-padded seat and backrest both covered in camouflage for concealment from prey. Its design employs a one-piece frame that uses Summit’s Rapid Climb stirrups allowing the user to climb to the preferred hunting height quickly and safely.
Construction
Constructed from aluminum, the Goliath delivers a robust and sturdy stand that is also lightweight and rust-resistant.
Summit Viper
Overview
The Summit Viper is a versatile all-rounder stand designed for both bow and rifle hunting. A popular favorite among hunters, it offers a blend of comfort, silence, and safety.
Features
The Viper series features an adjustable seat that, like the Goliath, can be raised for bow hunting and lowered for hunting with a gun. The Viper also boasts utility in its QuickDraw cable retention system that allows for fast and easy securing.
Construction
Constructed with the same material as the Goliath, the Viper is durable yet lightweight and resistant to varying weather conditions.
The Comparison: Summit Goliath vs Viper
While Summit Goliath and Viper both provide excellent performance, their differences lie in the targeted user, weight capacity, and overall dimensions.
Weight Capacity
The Goliath has a weight capacity of 350 lbs, making it suitable for bulkier hunters or those with more substantial equipment. On the other hand, the Viper can accommodate up to 300 lbs, making it still both robust and adaptable.
| Specifications | Summit Goliath | Summit Viper |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs | 300 lbs |
Comfort and Space
When it comes to comfort, both stands shine with adjustable padded seats and backrests. The Goliath has slightly larger dimensions, providing more space and comfort for bigger hunters or for those who prefer extra room.
| Specifications | Summit Goliath | Summit Viper |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | High | High |
| Space | More spacious | Standard |
Weight And Portability
The Goliath weighs 21 lbs and the Viper weighs 20 lbs, making them both lightweight for their durability and capacity. Still, if every pound matters to you and you need the lightest stand, the Viper is the way to go.
| Specifications | Summit Goliath | Summit Viper |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 21 lbs | 20 lbs |
The User
Deciding on the appropriate choice eventually comes back to the hunter’s requirements. If you are a larger hunter or just appreciate additional space, the Goliath will be an excellent match. Conversely, if you are looking for a versatile stand that will provide sufficient comfort and support, the Viper should be your go-to choice.
Conclusion
Throughout the post, we delved into a detailed comparison between the Summit Goliath and the Summit Viper. Both tree stands deliver excellent performance, comfort, durability, and safety. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and individual hunting requirements. Evaluate the features of both, and make the right choice for your hunting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much weight is a Summit Goliath rated for?
The Summit Goliath is rated for a weight limit of 350 pounds. This weight capacity includes the weight of your hunting gear, so it is important to adhere to this limit to ensure your safety when using the tree stand.
2. What’s the weight limit of a Summit Viper?
The weight limit of a Summit Viper tree saddle is also 350 pounds. Similar to the Summit Goliath, this weight capacity takes into account both your body weight and the weight of your hunting gear.
3. How much weight can the Summit Viper SD hold?
The Summit Viper SD has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. This capacity ensures stability and safety during your hunting experience. Always make sure to stay within this limit to prevent any accidents or damage to the tree stand.
4. When did the Summit Viper come out?
The Summit Viper was originally released in 2005. Over the years, it has gained popularity among hunters for its comfort and reliability, making it one of the go-to options for tree stands.
5. Is the Summit Goliath suitable for tall hunters?
Yes, the Summit Goliath is designed to accommodate taller hunters. It offers a generous standing platform and ample room for flexibility, ensuring comfort for individuals with longer legs. Additionally, the platform can be adjusted to adapt to varying tree sizes.
6. Can the Summit Viper be used with both climbing sticks and ladder sections?
Yes, the Summit Viper is compatible with both climbing sticks and ladder sections, giving hunters the flexibility to choose their preferred method of ascent. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios and tree configurations.
7. Does the Summit Goliath tree stand come with a safety harness?
Yes, the Summit Goliath tree stand comes with a full-body safety harness, ensuring your protection while hunting at an elevated position. It is crucial to wear and properly secure the safety harness at all times for your own safety.
8. Is the Summit Viper SD suitable for bow hunting?
Yes, the Summit Viper SD is well-suited for bow hunting. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver, allowing archers to take aim and shoot with ease. The stand’s Viper Series seat design also provides ample space for drawing and shooting a bow comfortably.
9. Can the seat on the Summit Goliath be adjusted for enhanced comfort?
Yes, the Summit Goliath features a customizable seat that can be adjusted to your desired height and angle. This allows you to find the most comfortable position for those long hours of waiting for your prey. The seat can also be removed for extra space during standing shots.
10. Are the Summit Goliath and Summit Viper suitable for all tree sizes?
Both the Summit Goliath and Summit Viper are designed to work with a wide range of tree sizes. The stands feature adjustable cables and straps that allow for a secure fit on trees of various diameters. This adaptability ensures versatility and compatibility in different hunting environments.
I've learned a lot along the way and I'm always eager to share my experiences with others. I firmly believe in the importance of ethical hunting practices and and sustainable use of our natural resources, and I do my best to promote these principles in all of my adventures. Hunting is more than just a hobby for me, it's a way of life.
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