About 6 years ago, I had a weld brake on my Climber and I was left hanging by my severly sprained ankles from my stand. I though life was over. I very painfully had to pull myself up and slide down the tree and crawl back to the car. A freiend retrieved all my stuff while I was laid up. A top name brand stand that we all use!!! I wouldn't dream of climbing a tree without a harness. God gave me a second chance and I am taking it. I just don't see why you wouldn't use a SS. I bet I get up in my stand about 60-120 second later than you do. Just doesn't make sense. For all of you that think you will hold onto the tree etc. forget about it, you will be on the ground before you realize you even fell.