We used to get ours from power company and telephone workers. I don't know of anybody back them that actually bought a pair. I know times have changed..but this was back in the 60's thru the early 80's in Ga. Pole climbers was all everybody used..commercial treestands were noton the market yetand no climbing stands until Baker came out and I hated that thing..turned me off to climbers for many yrs.
We made our own loc-ons and used pole climbers. Then what they called tree climbers came around..just a little longer spikes..I actually liked the pole climbers better because they didn't hold you out from the tree as far when you were hanging a stand. Leaning in too close will cause you to cut out.
I know a few friends that fell out of stands..one paralized for life...another two broke legs..but don't know anybody who fell using pole climbers...and unsaftey consciouse as we were back then..nobody used saftey harness while in stand only used saftey belt going up to hang and take down stand..sometimes. Hardly ever used a saftey belt coming down..lots of time I just got below the stand and slid down. The biggestthingI had to watch for was stepping onmy feet with the spikes while walking..that and when you walk in the woods wearing spikes..if you step on a rock or root with thespike or part that curves under your boot..it don't give one inch and will shatteryour teeth if you ain't carefull.
I always use saftey harness nowdays.
I would check on the net and at flea markets..etc.