I bought a summit viper after tying my father in laws. I liked it way more than I thought I would. However I don’t take it out often because of how big it is. But when I do, man is it comfortable and very nice to climb with. I think it’s awesome for late season in most situations.
In my opinion you can’t compare the summit viper (or equivalent) to what we all normally think of for mobile hunting around here. I would define it as “portable” but not “mobile” to today’s “mobile hunting” standards. In my mind if you quit comparing it to all the microscopic 1oz saddle platforms and tiny 1lb tree stands, and just think of it in terms of just being a “portable” full sized stand, it is awesome and understandable as to why it was (and still is) so popular.