Where is the option for the old plywood and nails? Years ago they used to be more common (and it annoyed me then) but today with all cheap and well-built hang-on stands available you still see someone use 2 x 4's and nails?

Now, on to your question. I used hang-on stands for years and usually put them up a month or two before I intended to hunt. Several of my buddies kept telling me how great the climbers were and a few even said they would never go back to a hang-on. Well I bought a climber 3 years ago and I must say I strongly prefer the hang-on. Even though the modern climbers are fairly quiet there is no comparison to slipping in the woods and climbing into a hang-on. I prefer the hang-on because:
1. Much quicker and quieter to get set in my stand
2. You can use a tree with cover! My friends get busted all the time and complain that they don't think their scent lock works. Well maybe it is the wind but when you are sitting on a telephone pole you do tend to stick out.
3. No side rails on a hang-on. My climber has rails on the sides and front. My bottom cam hit the rail of my climber on the first deer I ever shot at when using it. Some of the newer models don't have the rail and I thought about getting one but they all still have it on the sides and you don't always shoot straight ahead. I now lean out a little farther but I am always worried it will happen again.

Climbers are great for when you don't have time to scout ahead of time or when on a trip to a new area. They are also great in mobility and I will always have one but I will spend most of my time sitting in one of my many hang-on stands.