I purchased the Lone Wolf Hand Climber last September and used it all of last season. I am extremely well pleased with it with a few simple modifications:

1. The seat is uncomfortable: I added an inexpensive closed cell foam pad over the original seat (held on with camo duct tape): much better.

2. I do not use either of the recommended methods to ascend/descend: too gymnastic. Instead, I sit on the seat and pull up the platform with the two straps that secure the seat to the platform. I then stand on the platform to raise the seat (and the safety harness). I simply repeat until I reach the height that I want.

Descending is similar; however, to aid in going down I added a loop of wire at the front of the platform. I let out slack on the two nylon straps, grasp them between my knees with one hand, use the other hand around the tree behind me to help me balance, and lift the front of the platform with my foot using the loop of wire. This disengages the platform back from the tree and allows me to lower the platform with the nylon straps. It sounds complicated, but it is actually pretty simple and a whole lot easier than the recommended method: your weight is resting on the seat as you raise/lower the platform.

3. I like the bow holder integrated into the platform and use it all the time, but the rubber grommet can easily come out of the bow holder space. To secure the grommet in place I use some camo duct tape.

I just went to my property in the country today to prepare four spots for the upcoming season. In each spot I climbed using the Lone Wolf, trimmed branches as needed, then came back down with no problem.

I have thought about purchasing the sit-n-climb seat portion (Lone Wolf allows you to do that: approximately $140), but I am still undecided: the "hand climber" is sufficiently comfortable for my typical 4 hour hunts and my modified ascend/descend method is just as easy as the sit/climb method. If I wanted to spend longer times in the stand, I might more seriously consider the sit-n-climb.