Finally got my first climbing tree stand. I took the advice of some of the guys on here and got a Summit Viper SS. That thing is so light. I put it on a tree yesterday and climbed up and tested the stability of the platform. I was able to stand on either side and lean around the tree as if I were going to shoot behind the tree, and the thing was entirely stable. Thanks to all of you Summit users for the input.
One other thing. I recently got a call from my brother. I had hunted with him this past year on a 700 acre tract of private land thata handful ofguysget to hunt on just for performing maintenance. I met the care taker during gun season. One of the guys dropped out and he remembered me. My brother called to ask if I was interested. Are you kidding? Count me in! I now have a solid place to hunt anytime I want. That was really good news for me.