If you're going to buy just one stand a climber is by far and away the best bet. I have two lock on stands, two ladder stands and my climber. If I had to get rid of 4 of my 5 stands it would be all but the climber. 1 climber will do the work of all other stands combined.

I use my ladder stand in my most hunted spots. My hang-ons are in good spots where I fell they are sucseptable to theft. I use ezyclimb removable steps and just leave the bolts in the tree and take the steps when I leave. It's still convenient but offers more security for the stand. Anytime I'm hunting new ground, public ground, or a place I know my stand will be stolen if I leave it out I take my climber.