Climber is the way to go! I love being able to pattern deer...climb a tree you like, and if you see some that will never get to within range, next time climb a tree closer to where they were. Gives you a lot more to work with. It is much easier to simply walk in the woods and climb up in a ladder stand, but I almost always prefer my climber unless I am running short on time. You will get used to it. Sounds as though you had more adversity on your first trip up the tree than I have had in years of hunting from a climber...you an unlucky kind of guy?