I have said it 100 times so I will say it again..........no screw in tree steps work easier, are as strong, safer, or more reliable than the Cranford Ezy Climb rod steps...at least that is my opinion. I have had some of mine for many years. They are MUCH easier to get in and out of a tree and I have never had one to bend or flex. The design of the tapered screwin part makes it easy to start, and the design also allows the step to be screwed in all the way against the tree. Therefore when putting weight on the step the step cannot pull out because its pushing against the tree. I've used Ameristeps, had them to bend a little, had a hell of a time screwing them in and now they have a place in the garage gathering dust.

Having said that, I want to try some lightweight individual climbing sticks to see if they are faster. And mainly because using a climbing stand sometimes involves finding a tree in a spot without a straight or climbable tree. If they work good along with using a good hang on stand.....I may just do away with my climber.