Recommendation for all newbie tree stand buyers

How big are you? Some are designed for the short stay of Smerfs. Not to pick on little people but get a climbing stand that fits your body.

How are you with heights? Too long a story, but climbing heights was an acquired practice for me. Could you hold a job as an ironworker on a high rise?
I don't like those "diving platform" where the tree stand is entirely open. I have a "enclosure" that suits me fine. I use an old stand that is somewhat similar to the Summit stand where the hunter sits facing the tree. With the small axle to axle one finds on newer bows, the enclosure doesn't seem to be a great problem today. I learned to use my enclosed tree stand with an old 42 inch, axle to axle, compound bow.

Practice, practice, practice. Don't set up, for the first time, your tree stand, in the woods, on the first day of hunting season. That a pre-season job you will eventually appreciate.

Check the size of the seat and how much the stand weighs. I cart mine into and out of the woods and 21 pounds is about max with me, and still make it convenient.

Tree stands for a number of reasons are a lot more expensive, than even ten years ago. For me, it's important to stay in shape and not have a bad back.

Probably the two biggest items that just sit in a garage or a basement. Leaking tents and tree stands the hunter didn't like.