You win. Been using tree stands since 1960's. It was home-made ladders back then. Started using a "climber" with the original "Baker" back in the 1970's. Man how the designs have improved!!! You could not pay me enough $$$ to get me in one of these Baker's again ... though at the time they were the cat's meow. Also use lock-on's and commercially built ladder stands for hunting out of trees.

Many, many of my buddies use tree stands as well. Most popular makes down this way are Summit, API and Ol' Man.