API stands

[Trevor2]

Anyone have any experience with the API crusader folding climbing stand? I got one for decent price but ain't had the chance to try it lately

 

[Mike Belt]

My API stands are very quiet, comfortable, and lightweight. I DO NOT like the bicycle type chain system though.

 

[@fulldraw]

I've been using my bowhunter since 2001. I love it. It's been painted a few times but the chain system itself has not worn. I've had to replace the shrink tube over the years. I added a molle system for carrying. As for the crusader, I have no experience. I'm a fan of API.

 

[gobblegrunt]

I have the api grand slam extreme and love it.

 

[fairchaser]

I bought a crusader last season and it tried to fold up on me while in the tree. Not a good feeling. I called the company and they sent me a new bracket that has a bar welded across to keep the bracket from spreading and consequently allowing the stand to fold. Make sure your stand has a cross bar on it before you use it. Otherwise, it is very dangerous in its current configuration. I do prefer the API's over the summits.

 

[Trevor2]

I bought a crusader last season and it tried to fold up on me while in the tree. Not a good feeling. I called the company and they sent me a new bracket that has a bar welded across to keep the bracket from spreading and consequently allowing the stand to fold. Make sure your stand has a cross bar on it before you use it. Otherwise, it is very dangerous in its current configuration. I do prefer the API's over the summits.

I can't go get it at the moment bc I can't be liftin a lot right now but mine has a screwin the back to keep it together have they changed them?

 

[fairchaser]

I bought a crusader last season and it tried to fold up on me while in the tree. Not a good feeling. I called the company and they sent me a new bracket that has a bar welded across to keep the bracket from spreading and consequently allowing the stand to fold. Make sure your stand has a cross bar on it before you use it. Otherwise, it is very dangerous in its current configuration. I do prefer the API's over the summits.

I can't go get it at the moment bc I can't be liftin a lot right now but mine has a screwin the back to keep it together have they changed them?

I believe the newer models have changed but if you got one cheap like I did, it might be one of the older ones. The new V bracket that has the screw knob on the bottom must have a bar welded across the V. This keeps the V from opening up allowing the chain bar from getting closer and closer to the platform as you climb. You know what happens if the chain bar and the platform get too close together? Yeah. The platform folds over and down you go. With the new bracket that looks like an upside down A rather than a V this is no longer an issue. Simple fix but totally needed.

 

[Trevor2]

Ok pretty sure mine has the bracket. Got it for 189 to the door

 

[Winchester]

Im not a fan

 

[TENN.BOY]

I own a total of 6 API climbing stands , 4 grand slams and 2 bow hunters ... The only thing I have done to them is replaced the shrink tubing on the chains!!!!! I have tried the summits and one of the down falls IMO is the size of diameter trees they will fit , I can get in a lot larger tree with the API than the summits, and the APIs seem to climb better also JMO ........

 

[fairchaser]

It's like Ford or Chevy between API and Summit. There are preferences for each. Most people prefer the Summits for their ease of putting them on the tree. I prefer the API because they climb easier and you don't bust a gut trying to dislodge each bite from the tree like the Summits. The plastic comes off the chain after a couple of seasons but I just wrap the chain in camouflaged duct tape and that works fine. The chain rakes over small limbs easier than the cable too.

 

[Trevor2]

I have both and like both but haven't tried this particular one yet.

 

[in the dog house]

I have the api grand slam extreme and love it.

X2 Great stands. Easy set up blind folded and easy to stack and carry. Quiet as well. Also fits on bigger trees that are wider than my body.

 

[in the dog house]

I own a total of 6 API climbing stands , 4 grand slams and 2 bow hunters ... The only thing I have done to them is replaced the shrink tubing on the chains!!!!! I have tried the summits and one of the down falls IMO is the size of diameter trees they will fit , I can get in a lot larger tree with the API than the summits, and the APIs seem to climb better also JMO ........

I should have read this before my post. 100% agree.

Summits are a pain in the butt and are loud and you can only climb smaller trees.

 

[Mike D]

I own a total of 6 API climbing stands , 4 grand slams and 2 bow hunters ... The only thing I have done to them is replaced the shrink tubing on the chains!!!!! I have tried the summits and one of the down falls IMO is the size of diameter trees they will fit , I can get in a lot larger tree with the API than the summits, and the APIs seem to climb better also JMO ........

I should have read this before my post. 100% agree.

Summits are a pain in the butt and are loud and you can only climb smaller trees.

I use the API but I can also say that the guys I hunt with use the Summit and they can climb some smaller trees that I have a harder time with with my API. That isn't a BAD thing in some instances. I will stay with API for comfort.

 

[deerhunter10]

I like the api's and they make a great stand I like the chain better then the cable but as far as confort goes and the stand actually digging in the tree IMO summit kills them. But I do like them for sure the top two climbing stands on the market ask 10 guys you're going to go about 50/50 I think you'll be satisfied for sure.

 

[rolltide22]

I have many stands. The Api Grand Slam is the most comfortable and roomy stand I have used.