depends on the tree, i use climbing sticks w/ a lock-on so a real limby tree is out of the question, thats when i go to the ladder stand. also my ladder stand is only 15' and my sticks are 20' so i try to put the ladder stand on a high point when possibe. Also, another thing to consider is that lock-ons have much bigger more open platforms and fold up seats, which makes them ideally better for bowhunting. Where as most ladder stands come with a gun rest which makes them better for gun hunting. Although i have gun hunted and killed several deer out of lockon's. You can pick up a set of 20' climbing sticks for 40 bucks or and a lock on for $50. To get a ladder stand that tall you're goign to spend a ton of money. Also you can use a wide strap and pack in your lock-on and sticks in by hand where as a ladder stand is going to be more bulky. But in the end it comes down to your situation, preferences. Oh and don't forget to brush em in either way, zip ties and cedar limbs work great!