Spikes are the ONLY way I'd hang stands...I don't find them difficult to use, and it beats the heck out of luggin' sticks around. I like to be very mobile, and they're great...if I do put up a stand in a location I plan on using more than a couple times, I will put up my sticks. I couldn't tell you what brand my spurs are...I've had them for about 15 years, and they were given to me...they're professional grade spurs...had a relative that worked for the power company. I have two sets...tree and pole. Most of the trees I climb I can use the pole spurs, but heavy barked trees need the tree spurs. When I go out to hang stands, I wear a lineman's belt...more comfy than my safety belts/straps.