I'm not afraid of a total fall, Greg. I'm afraid of a slip and a puncture wound (with steps).

We also hunt different terrain, I assume. Around here.....the actuality of NOT having a tree close by to put up a 20' ladder is slim.

Even with the ladders I sometimes (wet conditions) feared the ends of them and what they'd do to my ribs (or worse). I utilized the summit climbing system on my hang ons.....so a fall to the earth wasn't in question.

I used the LW Alpha and sticks exactly twice. Not being an octopus.....I found it VERY cumbersome to utilize for a same day set. My climber is much more user-friendly.....and like I said....I have an abundance of climbable trees, here.

Good luck with whatever you choose.