its not for everyone but i have 2 of them. for archery as with any stand and hunting from heights you will need to practice. if your hunting extended periods or have the luxury to set it up before the hunt it is the way to go. if your looking to go quick and dirty like catching that last hour or 2 after work just put a ladder stand up if you can leave it out. the archery platform on the tree lounge is kinda springy but me being 270-ish ive never felt un-easy or not safe in the tree lounge. i find the transition from sitting to standing fairly easy but there are ways you can sit on the edge of the seat and shoot if you practice. it does stick out from the tree but as with any portable or ladder treestand your gonna wanna put it in a tree with cover in it or around it. i always like to climb a tree with another tree right next to it. i guess it makes me feel safer and so i can grab onto something. if you hunt thick stuff and are 20 to 25 feet up i dont think the deer will care how far out you stick because they wont see you so good anyway. at least if you do fall asleap in it you wont fall out of it. that option alone sold me on the design but im sure there are other great ones too.it will take some practice and for me a season to learn how to quickly set it up and to learn every do and dont as far as carrying it. mine is dead silent climbing as well as carrying but i have about 10 seasons with it. im getting to the point that i always hook up the optional wheels because it makes a nice carry cart for deer and for my gun or bow as well as my getting heavier every season back pack and extra cloths. if hunting is a passion and a long term plan i would strongly suggest the tree lounge but its not for everyone. if youve ever sat out for 10 plus hours hunting you will love it. if your a 2 hour in thre morning and 2 hour at evening hunter im sure you have other options. they also get a good price on ebay so after a season you could always sell it for close to what you paid if that tells you anything.