Let’s Dive into Summit Treestands Cable Covers
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers offer a simple, yet vital solution for maintaining the safety and longevity of your climbing treestand. These 67-inch shrink tubes are designed to replace worn or damaged cable coatings, ensuring a secure and silent hunting experience. As someone who’s spent countless hours perched in treestands across varied terrains, I know firsthand the importance of gear maintenance, and the cables are often the most overlooked component.
For years, I ignored the frayed edges and exposed wires on my treestand cables. I was lucky nothing happened, but the increasing noise and the nagging worry finally pushed me to look for a solution. I considered replacing the entire cable, but the Summit Treestands Cable Covers seemed like a more economical and practical way to extend the life of my trusty Summit Viper SD.
Upon receiving the package, I was pleased with the straightforward design and apparent ease of installation. The black shrink tubing felt robust and flexible, suggesting good resistance to abrasion and weather. Comparing these to the generic heat shrink tubing I’ve used for electrical repairs, these are clearly designed for the specific demands of a treestand cable.
Several universal cable protectors exist, but I picked the Summit Treestands Cable Covers because they are specifically designed for Summit treestands, ensuring a perfect fit. Off-brand options can be cheaper, but I value the peace of mind that comes with using a product designed by the manufacturer. My initial excitement stemmed from the prospect of restoring my treestand to its former, quieter glory, and potentially saving money on a full replacement.
Real-World Testing: Putting Summit Treestands Cable Covers to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Summit Treestands Cable Covers in my backyard, simulating a tree installation before taking them into the field. Applying the tubing was straightforward: I cut away the old, cracked coating with a utility knife, slipped the new tube over the cable, and used a heat gun to shrink it tightly in place. The entire process took less than an hour, and I was impressed with how snugly the tubing conformed to the cable.
My first hunt after the installation was during a late-season deer hunt in the frigid, snow-dusted woods of northern Wisconsin. The temperature hovered around 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The Summit Treestands Cable Covers performed admirably.
The newly coated cables significantly reduced noise during setup and climbing, even in the brittle, frozen environment. There were no alarming creaks or scrapes, which boosted my confidence and kept the deer unaware of my presence. I was pleasantly surprised by how the smooth, new coating enhanced the overall climbing experience, providing a more secure and controlled ascent.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, including several hunts in rain, mud, and snow, the Summit Treestands Cable Covers have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or peeling, and the tubing remains firmly bonded to the cable. Abrasions from branches and bark are minimal, proving the durability of the material.
Cleaning the cables is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes any dirt or grime. This is a significant improvement over the exposed, sticky cables I dealt with previously. Compared to my experience with uncoated cables, the Summit Treestands Cable Covers have significantly extended the lifespan of my treestand cables.
Breaking Down the Features of Summit Treestands Cable Covers
Specifications
Manufacturer: Summit Treestands guarantees a product designed specifically for their treestands. This means a precise fit and peace of mind knowing it’s engineered for safety.
Color: Black offers a low-profile appearance that blends well with the natural environment. This is ideal for hunters who prioritize concealment.
Length: 67 inches provides ample coverage for most Summit climbing treestand cables. This ensures complete protection from end to end.
The shrink tubing is specifically designed to be heat-activated, providing a tight, secure fit. This creates a durable barrier against wear and tear.
The material is resistant to abrasion, protecting the cable from damage caused by friction against trees and branches. This enhances the longevity of the cables.
Performance & Functionality
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers perform their primary function exceptionally well: protecting the treestand cables. By preventing wear and tear, they ensure the structural integrity of the stand, keeping the hunter safe.
The noise reduction is a game-changer; the smooth coating eliminates squeaks and scrapes that could spook game. The ease of installation allows hunters to quickly and efficiently maintain their equipment. While the covers don’t magically transform a worn stand into a new one, they drastically improve its performance and lifespan.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple, black shrink tubing is unobtrusive and functional. The design prioritizes practicality over aesthetics, which is perfectly acceptable for a piece of safety equipment.
There is no real learning curve to installation; any hunter familiar with basic tools can apply the covers. The enhanced grip provided by the slightly textured surface of the tubing improves the climbing experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. They are made from a robust material that resists cracking, peeling, and abrasion.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. The durable construction suggests a lifespan of several seasons, making them a worthwhile investment.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers are a standalone product, and don’t require any additional accessories for installation, though a heat gun is highly recommended. While not directly customizable, they complement other treestand accessories like footrests and padded seats.
The covers are compatible with all Summit climbing treestands that use cables. Because these are fairly standard cables, they MAY work with other models, but fit is NOT guaranteed.
Pros and Cons of Summit Treestands Cable Covers
Pros
- Easy to install, requiring minimal tools and effort.
- Significantly reduces noise during climbing, enhancing stealth.
- Extends the life of treestand cables, saving money on replacements.
- Provides a more secure and comfortable climbing experience.
- Specifically designed for Summit treestands, ensuring a perfect fit.
Cons
- Requires a heat gun for proper installation, which some users may not have.
- Only available in black, limiting aesthetic customization.
Who Should Buy Summit Treestands Cable Covers?
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers are perfect for any hunter who owns a Summit climbing treestand and wants to maintain its safety and performance. If you’re experiencing excessive noise during climbing or notice wear and tear on your cables, these covers are a must-have.
Hunters who prioritize stealth and a quiet hunting experience will greatly benefit from the noise-reducing properties of these covers. Anyone looking to save money on treestand maintenance should consider these as a preventative measure. Those who should consider other options are hunters who are not using Summit treestands, or those who prefer to replace their cables entirely instead of repairing them.
Conclusion on Summit Treestands Cable Covers
The Summit Treestands Cable Covers are an excellent investment for any Summit climbing treestand owner. They provide a simple, effective, and affordable way to maintain the safety, performance, and longevity of your treestand.
At $33.59, the price is justified by the significant benefits they offer, especially considering the cost of replacing entire cables or treestands. I would personally recommend these to any hunter looking to enhance their climbing experience and protect their investment. Don’t let worn cables compromise your safety and stealth; invest in the Summit Treestands Cable Covers and enjoy a quieter, more secure hunt.