I have the original API bowhunter,I prchased it the first year the came out over 10 years ago.I have never had a complaint about this stand,with noise.I've shot several deer while climbing up the tree and being surprised to find them entering my set up before I was ready.Noise has never been an issue for me with this stand,climbing or set up.I would agree there are newer stands that most likely are more comfortable,being the new technologies and cushioned materials used today.I paid about $180 or so for mine back then and has been one of the best investments I ever made.Would I buy the same stand today new? No, I believe there are better stands out there for your money today.At its inception it was a great stand,and API was considered one of the best manufacturers out there.Things have changed,bowhunters want all the bells and whistles and comforts.Heck we use to climb trees and sit on limbs all day back when I started bowhunting,Now we want foot rest,padded seats,etc.Not that that is a bad thing,but in my day we just wanted lighter weight,quit and sturdy,and an easier set up.The API bowhunter was leaps and bounds ahead of the rest back then.