RE: climbing stand
I use a Summit Cobra, which is an open front stand that I prefer for bowhunting (no bar to get in the way). Summit makes several models of open front stands, although I don't know if they make the Cobra anymore. They all work very well, and are rock solid if you use them correctly and secure them to the tree like you are supposed to. They all cost around $250 retail, but you will not have to replace it for a long time.They come with an instructional video, which you should watch and, of course, ALWAYS use a safety harness the entire time you are climbing up or down or in your stand.