I have the Lone Wolf Alpha Sit-n-Climb and I also had the hand climber with seat as an extra. The Lone Wolf is easy to pack and carry, the cam locking mechanism is strong and secure with ease of use. I don't care much for the strap nylon seat so I have an Ol Man net seat coming and will be putting it on. As far as gripping, you can't beat Lone Wolf climbers! The lugged belt is fantastic! The only problem is Lone Wolf changed the amount of angle somewhat in relation of the belt to the base and if you start out with a severe angle(say a large trunk at the bottom), it is harder to climb at first until you get a few feet up where it then gets easier. Also I have found if you climb trees that have small or tiny limbs, tear or saw them at the base of the trunk because the belt can catch on them. This is due to the lugged belt that flexes somewhat but I would not trade the belt design for any cable, chain, or v-bar. I have tried almost all the major climbing stands and the Lone Wolf grips better than any I tried. I added footstraps........it is much easier.

I climbed a telephone pole with the Lone Wolf as soon as I got it just to see how it would do, It did great and I would not climb a pole with most if not any other stand.