i have 2 of the tree lounge stands and will probably buy a third. i have an original model and the lite version that is now discontinued .i used the light weight version this year several times in the gun season and bow and in some harsh conditions and never had a problem with it slipping or not gripping due to the "V" section being rounded on that model. i loved the light weight of it and it is now my main portable stand i use. i am 270 pounds and never had issues although some say they had a slip. the original owners bought back the company and decided to sell a new version all together that seems to be a compromise between the original style and the light weight version.i dont have any noise issues while in the tree and hunting. if you set the stand up too fast the metal bars will clang against the tree but what climber wouldnt. while hunting it is a dream to hunt from. if your concerned about carrying the stand into your hunting area just throw the wheels on it. the stand will double as a deer cart which most will want anyway and with the tree lounge its all in one. this stand is the best for me but it will take some time to get used to. i can put this stand together in my sleep and it has been safe and the most comfortable stand i could find and i own many different models.chain on stands are just too uncomfortable for me. i can sleep in my tree lounge. it doesnt get any better than that. if your just a couple day out of the year hunter the tree lounge probably aint for you. if your life revolves around hunting then i just cant see any other stand touching it.