Summit makes a good climber. I've bought cheaper ones and not been happy. Heard good things
about Lone Wolf but too much $$$ for me now. Sometimes you can get a prior year's model on a Summit,
which isn't much different for a good price (probably not right now though).

I agree that practice/experience helps. Practice on a tree in your yard and you will have it licked with a
good climber in no time. You need to pick a good tree - not too slick, too thin, or too fat, and
one that maintains a fairly steady diameter.

Sometimes if you start too loose at the bottom by the time you get up there it will be leaning at a
downward angle, which is unsettling (try it wet!). So I try to start as high and tight as I can.

I love ladders if they are in a good spot b/c they are easy, quiet, don't work up a sweat, don't have to
haul up your gear, etc. But they aren't mobile. A lock-on is only as good as your climbing steps. They
can be dangerous if not put on the tree right.