Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand Review

First Impressions of Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand promises versatility and comfort, a siren song to any hunter who’s spent countless hours perched uncomfortably in the woods. Summit Treestands has a reputation for quality, but this model, with its adjustable front bar and dual-position seat, aims for something more – adaptability for both bow and rifle hunters. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype, or if it was just another gimmick.

My own treestand journey began with a simple, fixed-position stand that punished my back and legs after only a couple of hours. This led me to explore climbing stands, but I always struggled with finding one that truly accommodated both bow and rifle hunting effectively. Many claim to, but few deliver in practice. I needed a stand that would allow me to comfortably switch between weapons without sacrificing stability or visibility.

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand arrived in a surprisingly compact box, the Mossy Oak Bottomlands camo pattern immediately catching my eye. Lifting it, the weight felt manageable, though not featherlight. The build quality appeared solid, with sturdy welds and a seemingly durable finish. Compared to my older, cheaper climbing stand, this felt like an upgrade in both materials and construction. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; this might actually be the all-in-one solution I’d been searching for.

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand stood out from the other stands I was considering at the time, such as the Lone Wolf Hand Climber and the Ol’Man Drone, thanks to its unique adjustable front bar. I chose it over these competitors because I was specifically seeking a stand that could easily transition between bow and rifle setups without requiring modifications or additional accessories. This promised convenience was a major selling point. I was excited to take it into the field and see if it could truly perform as advertised.

Real-World Testing: Putting Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand during the early archery season on a managed hunting property in central Texas. The area was heavily wooded with a mix of oak and mesquite trees, offering a variety of tree sizes to test the stand’s adjustability. The weather was typically Texan – warm and humid, with temperatures in the low 80s.

Initially, I found the learning curve to be minimal; the RapidClimb Stirrups made ascending the tree relatively easy, even with my bulky hunting boots. The Dual Position Seat was a welcome change from my old stand, providing a comfortable perch from which to observe the surrounding area. The adjustable Dual Threat bar allowed me to quickly switch between a bow-friendly open front and a rifle-ready shooting rest, a feature that proved invaluable as I scouted different areas and hunting strategies. However, I did notice that the Dead Metal Sound-Deaden Technology wasn’t entirely silent; there were still some squeaks and creaks as I shifted my weight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand has held up remarkably well. There are a few minor scratches on the powder coat finish from rubbing against tree bark, but no signs of rust or structural damage. Cleaning the stand is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove mud and debris.

The seat remains comfortable even after hours of sitting, and the adjustable front bar continues to function flawlessly. Compared to my previous experiences with other climbing stands, the Dual Threat offers a superior level of comfort and versatility. The stand has exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of use and adaptability, but the noise level remains a minor concern.

Breaking Down the Features of Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand

Specifications

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand is designed for versatility, featuring the Dual Threat adjustable front bar for both bow and rifle use. In sit/stand mode, the stand weighs 22 lbs, while in hand climbing mode, it weighs 20 lbs, with a maximum weight capacity of 350 lbs. This robust construction ensures both stability and safety for a wide range of users.

The Dual Position Seat offers adjustable height settings, providing an unobstructed vantage point. Its platform size is 20″ W x 36″ D, while the seat frame measures 24″ W x 37.5″ D. The tree diameter range is 8″-20″, accommodating a variety of tree sizes. These dimensions are crucial for hunters seeking a comfortable and adaptable stand.

Performance & Functionality

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand excels in its primary function: providing a stable and versatile hunting platform. Its adjustable Dual Threat bar allows for quick transitions between bow and rifle hunting, while the Dual Position Seat ensures comfort for extended periods. The stand’s Quick Draw cable retention system makes setup and takedown a breeze, while the RapidClimb Stirrups facilitate easy climbing.

However, the Dead Metal Sound-Deaden (SD) Technology, while present, doesn’t completely eliminate noise. Some squeaking and creaking can still occur, particularly when shifting weight or adjusting position. Despite this minor drawback, the stand’s overall performance is excellent, meeting and often exceeding expectations for a climbing treestand.

Design & Ergonomics

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand is well-designed, prioritizing both functionality and user comfort. The Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camo pattern provides excellent concealment, while the padded seat and adjustable front bar enhance comfort during long sits. The stand’s weight is manageable, making it relatively easy to carry and set up in the field.

The learning curve is minimal, thanks to the intuitive design and easy-to-use features like the RapidClimb Stirrups and Quick Draw cable retention system. Overall, the stand is user-friendly and ergonomic, enhancing the overall hunting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand is built to last, constructed from high-quality materials and featuring a durable powder coat finish. With proper care and maintenance, the stand should provide years of reliable service. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove mud and debris.

Regular inspection of the cables and welds is recommended to ensure continued safety and performance. The SummitLokt structural enhancement adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring the stand can withstand the rigors of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand comes standard with a Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System, prioritizing hunter safety. Additional accessories, such as gear bags and bow holders, can be attached to the FasTrack accessory system. This allows hunters to customize their stand to suit their specific needs and preferences.

While the stand is primarily designed for use with Summit Treestands accessories, it is generally compatible with aftermarket accessories from other brands, such as additional padding or camouflage netting.

Pros and Cons of Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand

Who Should Buy Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand?

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand is perfect for serious hunters who utilize both bows and rifles. This is also ideal for those who value comfort and versatility in their treestand setup. This is also great for hunters who hunt on properties that require them to adapt to changes in terrain or game patterns.

Hunters on a tight budget or those who only use one type of weapon (bow or rifle) might find a more specialized, less expensive option better suited to their needs. This is great for hunters not planning on hunting from above. A must-have accessory would be a quality set of climbing sticks for navigating tricky terrain.

Conclusion on Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand

The Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand delivers on its promise of versatility and comfort, making it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. The adjustable Dual Threat bar and Dual Position Seat provide unparalleled adaptability, while the durable construction ensures years of reliable use. The Manufacturer, Summit Treestands, has really considered what a hunter needs.

While the price point is higher than basic climbing stands, the added features and enhanced comfort justify the cost for those who demand the best. Despite the minor noise issue, I would personally recommend the Summit Treestands Dual Threat Treestand to any hunter looking for a versatile, comfortable, and reliable climbing stand. It’s time to upgrade your hunting experience – get yours today!