hhmmmm, i never had a problem with mine. i have a viper xls. I think they are very reliable and safe stands. Just last sunday i was in a tree that had some bad bark, and i slid down it about 5 ft before the summit grabbed back on before i fell the other 20ft!! it may have saved my life, cuz i wasnt wearin a safety harness, like a dumb ass, i wear one now that is for sure.