When you were looking at them you should have had one of the sales people show you how they work. They show you how to climb with a particular stand right on the carton that it comes in, or in the information that comes with it. It's not difficult at all, just a bit of practice is all it takes.
You can spend from prolly $200-$450. If you spend cheap you get cheap. Don't skimp on your climber!! Get a Lone Wolf if you can possibly swing it, it will last you a lifetime, so it pays for it's self. I've had mine for 10 years now. But, the most quiet stand (which LW is) is only as quiet as the user of it.
