I have both an old version and new version Treelounge.I hunt in SE Georgia and climb pines. My old version has never slipped in the ten years I own it. My new version has slipped several times, once about 4 feet before it recaught the tree. The stand was damaged and TL replaced it @ n/c.That was the first time that stand had ever been put on a tree.I have Levelers on both mine. Not on the footclimber section but on the stand itself. IMHO the Levelers are a waste of money and I don't trust them.When my stand took that 4' drop I had the Leveler on and I believe it broke causing it to slip.I still have them on both stands but have been debating if I should keep them on or not.The Levelers(the two I have) don't open evenly. One side always hangs up.I have to pull the one side trying to get it to open evenly.I have even removed the powder coat from under the Leveler and it still hangs up.I went as far as putting a 1/4" fender washer between the stand and where the Leveler meets the stand.It still hangs up.I also complained to TL about the new version slipping. I was sent a set of the Bite-n-blades. NOTE ! These blades are not to be used with the Leveler.I have to admit on the footclimber it does hold the tree allot better with the blade installed.I think one of the most useful accessories TL has is the Bow Hunting adapter and the safety belt.The new version is easier to climb with if you can avoid the slippage. I found if you give a bounce on the seat section and climber as setting them back on the tree it helps considerably avoiding these slips.I have a couple ideas why these new versions don't hold as well as the old versions. The weight is one reason and the redesign of the "Vee" section using semi rounded aluminum instead of the flat angle.I personally feel safer on the old version, even though TL claims the new version is lighter and stronger.
Ruger Redhawk

..... A Proud NRA Life Member since 1977 .....Ruger Redhawk