The cables are coated...and once you have your "system" down (I know...I know..
) it was pretty easy
You gotta remember, I have used summit climber for years until I found the LW. Remember I even bought an 07 model summit too. I had a "system" with them too.Now look, my old summit was quieter than that 07. Why? #1 the teeth weresimilar tothe LW teeth. The"newer" style teeth on the summits are noisey I think. Like I said earlier, if by some odd, small chance you don't like it you will have absolutely no trouble selling it for $325 like you mentioned earlier. I bet you'll like it after you hunt in it some. Good luck and great day