I started out with one of those yard sale homemade stands. At the time I thougt it was the greatest thing In hunting. Now that I have been hunting for a few years now I would suggest that you find one that is easy to carry and that is comfortable to sit in for hours. I have a summit shooter pro that is 5 years old now. It is comfortable but heavy. Buy the lightest most comfortable one you can afford! Don't forget to budget in the price of a good saftey hornest. Don't waste your time or money on a homemade stand. They may look safe but chances are they aren't. I had a few close calls with my first one. And not a single close call with the summit.

Owen P Rice