Summit

To help celebrate its 30th Anniversary in fine fashion, Summit (256-353-0634; www.summitstands.com) improved all of its stands for 2011 with a couple of new features. All climbers now have impressive DeadMetal Technology, which is what the auto industry uses. What is it? Expanding foam strips inserted inside the sections of the platform expand when heat is applied during the powder coating process. The final product has sound-dampening that, when hit, sounds more like wood than metal. With a new slightly darker powder coating with black specks, these stands have a whole new look are also more slip-resistant for those damp days in the field. Better yet? All Summit climbers, including the top-end Viper SD ($280), now come ready to hunt right out of the box.

Gorilla

The new Silverback Stealth HX Climber ($250) is Gorilla’s (877-685-7817; www.gorillatreestands.com) lightest climber ever, weighing in at just over 20 pounds. This closed front, sit and stand, aluminum-constructed climber features patented Gorilla Grip pivoting arms that can scale trees 8 to 22 inches in diameter and is matched with high-density foam climbing bars and arms to provide safety and versatility. The XPE zero-G dual-density seat and backrest offer all-day comfort. It comes with XT-6 red nylon bushings and washers for silent operation and has a platform size of 19.5x33 inches.

X-Stand Treestand

X-Stand Treestand’s (540-877-2769; www.x-stand.com) new X-1 ($300) climber is constructed of aircraft aluminum, has a 21x31-inch platform, and weighs less than 12 pounds. Its open front design uses Flexible Fiberglass Arm technology, where the arms flex in while climbing. This causes cables to clinch the tree tightly for increased stability. It also has an optional Shooting Rail ($25).

Amacker

The Aluminum Adjuster Climber Treestand ($336) is Amacker’s (800-AMACKER; www.amacker.com) top-end climber. This closed front, sit and stand model takes the best design elements from Amacker’s Deer Thief ($230), its original climber, and adds enhanced adjustability. The Adjuster allows the user to step into the stand while it’s flat on the ground, level the stand while climbing, and then level the stand at the desired hunting height. To level, disengage the adjustment pins on each side of the platform, then lift, level and reengage.

Amacker’s Game Cart Climber Combo Tree Stand ($240) is all-steel construction that allows the Deer Thief Climber to be easily converted into a strong, sturdy V-shaped game cart with large puncture-proof wheels for easy transport over tough terrain. With Amacker’s unique patent-pending interlocking system, the top and bottom platforms of the climber hook together to complete the game cart conversion.

Lone Wolf

Lone Wolf’s (309-691-6953; www.lonewolfstands.com) New Assault Hand Climber “Combo” ($379) has an open front and comes with all the features of its ALPHA-sized brothers. That includes the exclusive Cam-Action Fastening System, which features a locking tooth design and finger tether for effortless opening. It also includes Lone Wolf’s high-strength Wolf Paw traction belt with steel cable reinforcement. It has a 26x19.5-inch one-piece cast aluminum platform and weighs under 15 pounds. Its newly designed In Cast Bow Holder accommodates most parallel-limb bows.