hey butch a tree stand is nothing to mess around with if you get something nice it will last for a very very long time. I was like you last year and i started with a rivers edge climber very bad choice made my but soar and was heavy and very loud. This year i purchased a api grand slam supreme its a climber and is very very nice. I got it used at my local archery shop for 175 bucks but find some place where you can put it on layaway dont buy one from cabelas or bass pro they charge too much and you will pay a boat load for shipping if you have any questions just ask me.