Dean,
Most of the climbing stands out there, climb real good. What you
need is one thats light and won't sweat you up before you arrive at your stand.
Also, pay close attention to the seat ,because if it ain't comfortable, you won't sit still.
Check out how it attaches to the tree and whether you'll be able
to set it up in the dark and climb in the dark before first light.
Make sure its "QUIET". That means packing it in, and climbing the tree. This is sometimes the hardest to achieve and you might have to customize it a little. I have a Loggy Bayou that climbs great and once its locked on the tree, its like standing on concrete, but the climbing aid is noisy as hell. I have a API bowhunter model thats real light and climbs good, but I hate the sling seat because after 30 minutes it cuts off the circulation to my legs. I ended up removing the seat and installed a piece of five quarter board instead. Beleive it or not, I can sit for hours on that seat.
Lots of guys don't use them, but I do recommend a safety belt or harness. My last stand came with a four point safety harness.
I plan to use it this season. Even an 8-10 foot fall can hurt you, and if you're hunting alone, who's going to find you?
Hope you get a nice one this year.
Kevin
Let the little ones go by!!!!!