Having a stand that is absoutely quiet is of utmost importance to me. I also like to have a large platform. I hunt a lot of my lock ons all year long and all day long. Therefore, I make 30 x 30 all welded lock ons. That way there is 0 noise and plenty of room. I can dance a jig on my lock ons and they aren't going to squeak. The pne problem being that these lock ons are heavy and not very protable. I do buy locks ons that are lighter and more portable. When I do that again quietness is a major issue. I have found that you have a spend a little more money to get a quiet stand but you don't have to get the most expensive ones. I have had good luck with the Gorilla series.