I have owned 3 Alpha sitnclimbs, loved them all. The old seats didn't really bother me, in fact I believe their designs had more to do with the function of the seats being able to slide back and out of the way for standing purposes. I hope the new seat design is able to incorporate this function. I loved being able to stand up and the seat allowing you to stand closer to the tree and giving you more room on the platform. Not knocking Summit stands, but their comfy seat is not user friendly when standing, at least not for me.