For every newbie
The first questions I'd ask a newbie who is thinking about a tree stand for the first time are : Are you in shape? Do you want to get in shape? Hauling a tree stand, into and out of the woods, means being in shape.
Personally, I don't like the current state of the market. Too many hunters, it seems, who require a 300 lb. weight limit. I treat my old treestand like an heirloom. 21 lbs and a 250 lb. weight limit. My old carcass doesn't have to haul in equipment made for the hefties. And the lighter treestands, today, are running a little expensive.