I HAVE NO EXP. WITH OL MANS BUT THE API'S ARE A GOOD QUALITY STAND THAT WORK VERY WELL. I HAVE THE GRAND SLAM EXTREME WHICH I USE TO BOW AND GUN HUNT. THOUGHT ABOUT TRYING TO GET THESEAT HALF OF THE BOWHUNTER TO SAVE A LITTLE ON WEIGHT. I THINK THAT SETUP WEIGHS 3LBS LESS THAN MINE. I HAVE HAD NO NOISE ISSUES AT ALL, IT DOES NOT CREEK WHEN YOU MOVE AROUND ON THE PLATFORM OR SEAT. HOPE THIS HELPS.