Summit Treestands Universal Footrest Review

What Makes Summit Treestands Universal Footrest Stand Out?

The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest promises a simple yet crucial upgrade to the tree stand experience: enhanced comfort during those long waits. Summit Treestands, a name synonymous with quality treestands, offers this footrest as a solution to the common problem of leg fatigue and discomfort experienced during extended hunts. It’s adjustable, portable, and claims universal compatibility, making it an appealing add-on for any serious hunter looking to improve their sit.

For years, I’ve endured the aching legs and fidgeting that come with prolonged treestand sits. My usual solution involved awkwardly positioning my boots against the stand’s frame, a temporary fix at best, and one that often led to unwanted noise. The promise of a dedicated, adjustable footrest that wouldn’t break the bank was exactly what I was searching for.

Upon unboxing, the Summit Treestands Universal Footrest presents itself as a no-nonsense piece of gear. The steel construction felt solid, and the grey finish appeared durable enough to withstand the rigors of the woods. While the 2 lb weight is noticeable, it didn’t seem excessive considering its purpose.

Compared to other DIY solutions or makeshift footrests I’ve seen, the Summit Treestands Universal Footrest offers a dedicated, purpose-built design. Aftermarket options often require significant modification to the stand itself. This Summit Treestands product boasts universal compatibility, a significant advantage in my book.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The footrest looked well-made and potentially effective. Whether it could truly deliver on the promise of all-day comfort and quiet operation remained to be seen, but I was eager to find out.

Real-World Testing: Putting Summit Treestands Universal Footrest to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test of the Summit Treestands Universal Footrest took place during a late-season deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The weather was cold and damp, perfect conditions to test its impact on my overall comfort level. I attached the footrest to my Summit Viper SD climbing stand, following the instructions provided in the manual.

The footrest proved easy to install and adjust, offering two distinct positioning options. Climbing into the stand, I immediately noticed the improved stability and the reduction in pressure on my lower legs. Even in the damp conditions, the rubberized grip provided secure footing.

After several hours in the stand, the difference was undeniable: significantly less leg fatigue and minimal fidgeting. However, I did notice a slight squeak when adjusting my weight on the footrest. A little lubrication should solve this issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next several weeks, the Summit Treestands Universal Footrest became an integral part of my hunting setup. It consistently improved my comfort level during long sits, allowing me to remain focused and alert for longer periods. The steel construction has proven durable, showing no signs of bending or weakening despite regular use.

The grey powder coat finish has held up well, resisting scratches and rust. Cleaning is simple – a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Previously, my hunts were often cut short by discomfort. The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest has extended my effective hunting time, allowing me to stay in the stand longer and increasing my opportunities. It definitely outperforms my previous makeshift solutions.

Breaking Down the Features of Summit Treestands Universal Footrest

Specifications

• The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest is constructed from steel, ensuring robust durability in the field. The dimensions measure 16.25 inches in width and 8 inches in length, providing ample space for comfortable foot placement.
• Weighing in at 2 lbs, it adds minimal weight to your overall gear load. Crucially, it’s compatible with all Summit climbing treestands and other commercially available treestands with 1″x1″ square tubing.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the footrest’s usability and longevity in the field. The steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting. The universal compatibility makes it a versatile addition to a variety of treestand setups.

Performance & Functionality

The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest excels at providing a stable and comfortable platform for your feet. This simple addition dramatically reduces leg fatigue during extended sits. Its ability to be positioned in two different ways allows hunters to customize their setup for optimal comfort.

The footrest is easy to install and adjust, making it a user-friendly addition to any treestand. The only minor weakness is the potential for squeaking if the joints aren’t properly lubricated. Ultimately, it meets and exceeds expectations for a simple yet effective treestand accessory.

Design & Ergonomics

The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest features a straightforward and functional design. The steel construction feels solid and reliable. Its weight is manageable and doesn’t significantly impact the portability of the treestand.

The rubberized grip provides excellent traction, even in wet conditions. The footrest folds flat for easy transport, streamlining the packing and unpacking process. There’s virtually no learning curve – it’s intuitive to install and adjust.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its steel construction and durable finish, the Summit Treestands Universal Footrest is built to last. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the joints should keep it in optimal condition for years to come.

Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort. This ensures that the footrest remains a reliable part of your hunting gear for seasons to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Summit Treestands Universal Footrest doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as its function is self-contained. However, its universal compatibility makes it easily adaptable to various treestand setups.

Hunters can further enhance the footrest by adding aftermarket padding or grip tape for increased comfort and traction. While not strictly necessary, these additions can personalize the footrest to individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of Summit Treestands Universal Footrest