I have thought of buying a new climber for the last year or so. I bought a Hunter's View on sale for $99 when I started 2 years ago. I was told that the grate would creak--it never did. I have made numerous modifications to cut down on the noise(no structural change), and it has worked. I feel very safe and comfortable 18ft in the air with this stand. It might weigh a little more than the rest, and it might make a little noise while walking(if I don't tie it together correctly). I am comfortable with this stand and can be up the tree in no time with minimal effort, and little noise. There is absolutely no need to go out and spend a few weeks salary on the top of the line models. The on sale, non-big name models can be just as usable.-----Just my 2 cents!