I boughtSummit's Goliath, which isa wider venison of the X5 and I love it.No creaks,pops, or noise from the stand. Easy for this 48 year old touse to climb just about any tree.This stand has a front railwhich I have found does not get in the way of my shooting andprovides that little extra bit of securitywhen high in a tree. As a matter of fact,the that security feelingand a very comfortable seat makes it very easy to take a little nap while hunting .

The only issues I have found with this stand is it's a little heavy and bulky (but I'll take the room and securityit provides when I am in the tree). Plus,the stock carrying straps could be a little better (buy the better ones from Summit). But with that stated, it is the best climbing stand I have used in 30 plus years of bow hunting!!!