I own both the sit and climb and the hand climber. I face the tree with both climbers. I find the hand climber seat more comfortable and easier to get up and down in. These are the only tree stands I have ever owned and love them. Very durable and quiet in tand out of the woods. You have to do something wrong in order to make a noise with them. I would agree that the hand climber is musch quicker up and down the tree. You also have to love the built in bow and gun holder.