I am 59 years old, 6' 1" and 250#. I climb about every specie of tree that we have here in the deep south. Frompines to hard barked hickories to slick barked sycamores. Believe me, I use only a HD , secure climber.Though others apparently have, I have had zero problems with and have 100% confidence in the original Ol' Manclimbers of which I have 7 "Grand" versions. Also have used the new Summit that belongs to my cousin. I forget which model. It is one of their newer HD aluminum models. It is super.Climbs easily, sturdy. comfortableand stiff ... and quiet.I believe you will not go wrong with any of the new Summit models.Too bad the old style Mississippi made "Ol' Man" stands are apparently gone for good.