I looked at the 180 in our store and just can't decide whether I like it or not. Probably not. I have used a Viper for a couple years now This year I took the foot straps off and installed a set of stirrups. Man, what a welcome change.

Wednesday eveing as I came back to mother earth I got to thinking. You know, this is the best stand I've ever had---and I've had a few. This thing is unbelievably stable on the tree. I feel so comfortable knowing it's not gonna shift on me.

The sit/climb is definitely the way to go. And you should have the seat and base corded together. As said, you don't want to be dangling with nothing under your feet in the event of some mishap.

Depending on your size you can get the same stand in a bigger size called the Goliath. It's rated for 350# and the seat portion is 2" wider. This might also be nice when cold weather gets here and you're wearing heavier clothes.