Has or does anyone have experience using this stand? I have a summit viper but have been eyeballing this stand due to it's similarity minus 5lbs.

You already have one of if not the best stand on the market!!! If you want lighter... go with the new Viper Elite that weighs 16#

http://www.summitstands.com/climbing-treestands/viper-elite-sd/viper-elite-sd-climbing-treestand

The API looks like a copy of an Ole Man treestand that they have been making for years... or later Gorilla climbers... also I believe APIs are made over seas... & Summit is still made in USA...

Also read that the actual weight of the API is a little over 17# vs. the advertised weight...

You could lighten your viper by switching to the Hazmore netting seat similar the API/Ole Man/Gorilla/Viper Elite... but this would sacrifice one of the best attributes of the Viper... the comfort!!!

This year I added the Summit saddle bags to my stand... and left behind the heavy pack that I had been lashing to my stand... and this lightened my total load quite a bit!!!

I usually stand when I'm hunting so the net seat caught my eye because while the summit seat is comfy, it doesn't like to get out of the way. I'm not saying I don't like my summit, I love it, I just thought I'd try something new. Then again I didn't see that they made a universal net seat either. Just a to, for seven dollars you can pick up a Molle kidney strap that makes the stand seem lighter. So I'll probably give that net seat a try before buying another stand. Thanks for the info!

pretty sure the new api`s are made in china.. i have one of the old ones and still in use today, just saying to check it out well first.

+1 on what Ken said.

I tried some other climbers including old man, and lone wolf and went back to my summit viper. The hazmore is great if you want to cut some weight, I tried one and missed the more comfortable seat the viper comes with.

The Viper is simply the best stand for how I deer hunt and made in the USA.

I'm getting the vibe that I should just keep the viper. I am going to try that seat though. At least for bow hunting. I did put mille waist strap on it and it makes a world of difference. Will probably work better with the hazmore seat. I highly recommend putting it on any stand you have.

I usually stand when I'm hunting so the net seat caught my eye because while the summit seat is comfy, it doesn't like to get out of the way. I'm not saying I don't like my summit, I love it, I just thought I'd try something new. Then again I didn't see that they made a universal net seat either. Just a to, for seven dollars you can pick up a Molle kidney strap that makes the stand seem lighter. So I'll probably give that net seat a try before buying another stand. Thanks for the info!

I stand 100% of the time I take my summit seat an stretch it up as high as I can get it so when I lean against the tree I get pad instead of bark.

I heard bad personal accounts of the newer api's bending or otherwise failing due to the lightweight and low budget construction and materials. The individual bent it climbing I believe. I'm still rockin an original ol man from way back. Its ugly and beat up but still rock solid and quiet.

I wanted the net seat as well and a couple years ago I found this aftermarket one. I bought it and love the thing. I agree with everyone else, the Summits are the best when it comes to climbers. Try this net seat, I bet you like it.

http://hazmore.net/cart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=2