First of all, I've never used climbers. I can't ever find a straight tree without a lot of limbs that need sawing. All I've ever used are portables. Last year I purchased 2 new Alpha Hang On stands. I did this after using a friend of mines Lone Wolf hang on. These are the best stands I've ever used. They are adjustable for almost every angle and attach solidly to the tree. They are comfortable and extremely quiet. Very stable and cinch tightly to the tree when both straps are used. Note, I've never tried the hanging hooks and cannot comment on how they compare to the straps.