ORIGINAL: Justin
ORIGINAL: GregH
I only use screw in steps.
I still have a few spots where I use them, but only because those stands don't really move from year to year. They're kind of in those good spots where deer are always going to travel so there's no need to stay mobile. For most of our weekend trips down to our lease or other random trips we want to stay flexible and be able to move quickly if need be. Screw in steps are just a little too slow for that, and you work up a pretty good sweat screwing those suckers in. Plus, a lot of farmers dont' want you to damage their trees which is where the sticks come in handy.
I am able to use the screw in steps at all (5) of the places I hunt. I have nothing against the sticks, except that they are a bit cumbersome and sometimes noisy. They definitely have their advantages though, especially in huge oak trees if the straps fit. It's just that I have about 75 of the good screw in 2-piece folding steps, so I continue to use them.