I have not had the opportunity to sit in their new seat/w backrest which came out in 2004 , but it looks comfortable. I have used the Alpha Sit & Climb model for 3 seasons and just recently bought another one from a member here. Not one time have I ever slipped or felt unsafe, and I do not know how many countless hours I have logged using the stand. I will put the gripping ability of their traction belt up against any other brand, using cables or v-bars. I will not knock Summit stands because if it wasn't for loving my Lone Wolf I would be using a Summit. But for quietness, solid in the tree and gripping ability while climbing it cannot be beat. It folds very flat and is easy to pack. If you have the opportunity to try out different stands I highly recommend to do so.

Admittedly the older models came with a strap type seat and was not very comfortable at all, so I added a Summit bushmaster seat to mine. Works great. If you do buy a used one, it would be worth the money($29) to order the new seat with backrest from Lone Wolf.