i bought 2 rivers edge's and thought theyd be the ultimate, but theyre ok/nice, I think if i bought more id make sure to get the XL version,

What I want in a ladder stand......is a flip hup seat.......and a large standing platform.....those are must haves in my book. I've bought the $99 sale ladder stand, and sure if youre only hunting a morning or evening for a few hrs or less thats fine, but the more time you spend in one the more comforts youll want.

Also I've now learned that you pretty much get what you pay for, as nice as a picture may look, cheaper stands are built more cheaply. Some are priced more fairly than others, but really I think you need to spend $150-200 on a quality ladder stand, and itll actually save you money and time in the long run.

I've modified my cheaper stands.....to now have a larger platform and flip up seat. Which not everyone would be able to do/access to. Also time and money isn't something you want to waist modifying a stand.

I also like hand rails.....makes sitting more comfortable as well as another thing you can hange a peice of gear on etc....I also like a shooting rail, that can flip down etc....outta the way, though I leave it in place usually.

So ya, id def get a big base/platform ie....15"x28" and a flip up seat, then when you stand up to shoot your bow the tree can help conceal you, otherwise youre standing away from teh tree and standing out like a sore thumb.