BPS had a sale earlier this fall on API Grand Slam tree stands for $200. I bought one of them and find it excellent. We've got a lot of straight tall trees here in FL to work with. The API comes with a video that shows you how to put it together, how to climb up and down and all sorts of safety things you need to know.

I don't know anything about the Hawk that you saw advertised except I noted that it is HEAVY--35lbs, whereas mine is 21 lbs. That weight makes a lot of difference when you have to hike a distance to get to the area you want to hunt. For the price savings, it might be worth it to have a stand, even if it is heavy, but I think I would hold out for an API a Summit or some other lighter stand.