First,

Welcome!!

My opinion is that if you have a spot to hang a stand and keep it there, then I would do that. I too have a climber but rarely use it for the reasons you listed above. They do come in handy if you are hunting multiple spots and don't have that many chain on stands, or if you are hunting public land that does not allowstands tobe left overnight.

Ladderstands and or chain on stands are a whole lotbetter in my opinion. So if you have a spot where you can put up a standand leave itbut you can only buy one kind now, I wouldpick the chain on stand and a good set of climing sticks (many types)Thenif you want a climber in the future get one.

If you don't have a place to leave a stand you are pretty much left with a climber or stay on the ground.

Good luck hunting this year.