Cost is a relative thing.I've blown alot of money on different treestands over the years before settling on the Lonewolf.If you get ten years out of it,that 100 bucks breaks down to 10 dollars a year.I found my hand climber for $229 last year over the internet,I wish I could remember the place but it was about $70 less than any one else.I have seen the hand climber in stores around here for $275.