Don't get misled. API is no longer in business. They went under several years ago and Bass Pro bought them. They then shipped the manufacturing overseas, to China.

So what does this mean? Well, the stands still have to conform to standards set by the American Treestand Association. Is it unsafe or bound to fail? Not very likely. What's more likely is you'll do something stupid, get in a rush, or just become careless and have a fall or other accident.

I don't know just what harness they supply with their stands, but use it or another full harness system. Never leave the ground without being hooked up and never deviate from safe climbing practices. This is the number one key to protecting yourself from accidents. Probably 90% of all accidents are failure to use or properly use a fall restraint system.