I have the strap on steps..they are a pain in the neck and I only use them when hunting on Federal Land as you are not allowed to penetrate the bark of a tree in my Federal LAnd hunting area. I also have the climbing spikes (lineman spikes - the real deal). I love them. Can climb a tree in blink of an eye. However, they are pretty dangerous to use. I have fallen about 3 times with them (not far-no injuries). If your not careful, the spike can strip the bark and slide down the tree leaving you hanging by the other spike. Also in soft wood trees it can be tough to pull spike out once dug in. I usually bear hug tree & go up then secure safety belt b4 hanging stand. Also ya need to practice w/them a lil bit before heading off to the woods. I have no experience w/climbing sticks but would get the type where the step is enclosed rather than exposed so if there is a fall ya won't rip a limb off on the way down.

just my 2 cents.. hope this helps

KEC