Bull,there was a thread a week or so ago about this very same topic.The guys here talked me into getting the Cobra XLS instead of the bushmaster,because of the pound difference.I got my stand on Monday and have used it out back about 3 times.It's an awesome treestand period.It climbs well and is very quiet,both to set up and to climb with.And once you're up there,it is very quiet to either sit or stand and shoot from.Even from different angles it's very quiet and stable.For about 15 bucks more and a pound,it's worth the money.Hope this will help.Good luck,Brian