Frequently Asked Questions

General Summit Questions

Where are Summit Treestands Made?

Since 1981, our main production facility has been in Decatur Alabama. Starting in 2012, all of our Aluminum treestands are designed, built and packaged in the USA with the exception of the included safety harness. 

Summit ladders, tripods and other steel items are designed in the USA but are imported from overseas.  All imported parts are spec'd to our very high standards and inspected thoroughly before use.

We have been building stands in Decatur since 1981.  Our main office including management, engineering, marketing, sales, customer service and shipping are also located in Decatur.

Do you sell stands direct?

Yes, starting in 2010 most complete Summit Treestands are available as a complete unit.  Stands purchased on our website will be subject to sales tax and shipping.  Stands may incur extra shipping or handling charges due to the large size and heavy weight.

Stands can also be purchased through our dealer networks. You can locate also locate a dealer using our Dealer Locator.

We also have replacement parts and accessories for sale.

Do you do any custom work?

No, we do not do any custom work.

Summit Tree Stand Questions

What are Summit Stands made of?

All of our climbing stands since 2000 have been aluminum. The one exception to this is the Viper Classic model – it continues to be made out of steel.

Our hang on stands are either steel or aluminum or a combination of both.

Our 2004-2005 MegaSampson ladder is all aluminum. All current ladders and tripods are made from powder-coated steel.

What is the difference between XL, XLS, X4, X5, Xtreme, SS, SD?

View the Summit Stand Comparison Chart.

The Suffixes attached to the stands mainly point to the year model the stands are. XL stands are 2000 model. XLS are 2001 – 2003. X4 are 2004 and X5 are 2005. The 2006 - 2010 designation for most stands was SS.

All 2011 climbing stands have the SD suffix which stands for sound deadening. 

Xtreme models have a seat that can be reversed to face toward the tree. We produced Xtreme models from 1998-2001.

What is the difference between a hand climber and a sit-stand climber?

A hand climber requires you to support your weight on your arms. You will use the climber to rest your weight on while you are working the platform up the tree. Sit and stand climbing is a little easier method. You sit on a built in bar that wraps around the front of the stand. You will be resting your weight on this bar instead of supporting it on your arms. With your weight rested, you then move the platform up the tree. The trade offs are a little more weight and possible clearance issues with the bar in the front.

Using your Summit Tree Stand

Can I leave my stand outside when I am not using it?

We do not recommend leaving stands outside for extended periods of time. If the stand tubing fills with water and freezes, it will split the tubing and damage the stand. Also, seats, ropes and straps are often destroyed by animals. This type of damage is not covered under our warranty.

How do I level my platform once I am up in the tree?

Never take the cable out of the stand once you are on the tree. For minor adjustments: pull the cable against the backside of the tree while you are supporting the platform with your weight. With the cable against the tree, reposition the back of the platform. Reengage the platform - this will put a slight bend in the cable and help to level the platform.

Summit Tree Stand Warranty / Troubleshooting Questions

What kind of warranty does my stand have?

Any stand produced from 2002 will carry a 5 year limited warranty. Stands produced prior to 2002 carried a 1 year limited warranty. For warranty questions or requests, please contact us.

The Summit Crush series of ladders and hang-ons released in 2012 have a 1 year limited warranty.

Accessories and Replacement Parts

What accessories and replacement parts are available from my Summit Treestand?

View Summit Accessory and Replacement parts.

Can I purchase an add-on climbing bar for my open front stand?

At this time we do not have an add on bar for the open front stand. Stands like the Cobra X4 and Razor have been custom engineered to accept a bar. Those bars cannot be retrofitted to other models.

Are all the tops and platforms interchangeable?

Yes, tops are interchangeable between most models. You can purchase an open front top to use with your closed front platform.

Harness and SOP

What type of harness comes with the stands?

The harness included with the stand is a standard 4 point design with a waist strap and two leg straps. It is made from a neutral color and can be worn over or under clothing. It also includes a tree safety strap to secure the tether to the tree.  It DOES NOT have camo webbing, an SOP safety rope or any storage pouches.