RE: Stepp Ladder
My set is going on it's 4th season, and I like it better than any other climbing system, including the lightweight sticks. I find them easier to tote in & out (more compact), and more stable on the tree. Plus I can put both feet on one step when hanging a stand.
I'm usually in the minority on this one though, most guys prefer the lightweight sticks (Lone Wolf, Gorilla, etc.) for various reasons. I'll admit it is easier to hang 3 sticks than 8 Stepps, but I'm willing to trade the small amount of extra time & effort for the advantages I have mentioned. Once I got good at getting the right tension before camming them down, they started going up pretty darn quick.
Keep in mind I take my Stepps & stand in & out of the woods on each hunt. If you leave stands in place for a long time, the steel sectional stick ladders can't be beat. Sturdy & cheap. But they are heavy & loud to set up.
I bought a climbing stand this year & strongly prefer it to hang-ons & ladder, but many times there are no suitable trees for a climber.