When I tested it on the oaks in my back yard it gripped excellent and wasvery quiet. The whole thing abouteliminating noise while climbing, as you probabaly know,is going slow and taking your time (I know, easier said than done when the sun is rising). Not only a sit and climb, you can alsoface the tree standing up and climb as well without being seated.I didn't have a chain that connects to the tree, I believe it isa formof heavy dutyplastic/teflon hybrid cord (no noise if you're careful when attaching). It was easy to attach to the treefor me.$37.88!?....... I might make another trip to Wal-Mart and buy another. 1 is none..... 2 is 1 right? Heck, the harness included with it is worth $60-$70 dollars alone. That's another thing I like about it, all the metal pieces on the harness are coated with a plastic/velvet coating. No noise attaching or climbing withthe harness whatsoever. I will use the harness on other tree stands and give the one I usedpreviouslyto someone who needs it. I'll let you know how it hunts after this weekend. I'm pretty sure about my gut feeling on this and that is this one is a winner on all aspects of a climber with as I have just read is a steal for the price!