Check out the API stands. I think mine is the Baby Grand Twister. It's not cheap, but it is secured by a T screw and a large ratchet strap. The T screws can be left in different trees and the stand can then be used in numerous locations with very little effort. The standis also very light weight and easy to put up. No noisy chains no slipping, very secure. Cabelas does not sell API, but Bass Pro Shops do. Good luck.

I will check them out.

Thank You

Hollow Point

all of these are good stands. i own several of the hunters view tree stands around $50 (wal-mart) and they work great. they have enough room and if some one decides they need it more than you do you are not out that much.

I'm shocked to tell you I still haven't ordered a tree stand!

I have looked at them until I'm blue in the face and can't decide how importanta receiver bracket or hook that stays on the tree for easy multiple location access is to me. Right now I'm thinking if money were't an object I'd buy the Lone Wolf Alpha hang on becausetheir hanger that stays on tree is only $12.95 each vs. the $23.99 most cost, but then again the stand costs more too. It weighs 12 1/2 lbs. The platform is cast aluminum and 19 1/2 x 30". $189

I also still like the Summit Copperhead compact. It folds flat, weighs 121/2 lbs. and is set up to be used in multiple locations easily and is about $40 less than the Lone Wolf. The platform is 20 x 28 3/4". $149

Others that still appeal to me this late in my decison game in no particualr order are:

Ameristep - Patriot and Outfitter because of the rapid rail quick mount set up. The Patriot is 9.7 lbs and has a 22 x 25" platform. The Outfitter weighs 11 lbs and has a slightly larger 22 x 32" platform.I don't have the prices on these stands currently.

There's a good deal on Loggy Bayou Ultra lite tree stand in Cabelas. It's all aluminum with a 300 lb rating and a platform of 20 x36" and a super lightweight 8 lbs and for $79 is a smokin deal.

Another good buy is the Summit Head Hunter Lite. It has a 20 x 24 3/4" platform and weighs 10 lbs. It also has the quick hang capability similar to that of the Copperhead. $99

The Gorilla Silverback XLS is also appealing. It has a 21 x 27" paltform and weighs in at 12 lbs. $129 and if that's not big enough the Magnum XLS has a 24 x 30 platform and weighs in at 13 lbs.

Basically it has to be lightweight. It has to be comfortable. The bigger the platform the better (within reason). Folding flat for packing is important and if it's a good deal all the better.

Hollow Point

Hollow Point,
Just remember that being the cheapest is not always the best and I think you have already come to realize that or you just would have bought the cheapest thing out there.
One question for ya, do you hunt where it gets cold? If so, most all tubing or wire mesh stands will creek and crack when the temp falls. This is where I find the Lonewolf superior to all. Setup is simple and the stand is very stable after hanging on the tree. As far as beingcomfortable, mine isn't the greatest, butitis an older stand with the old seat which is smaller than theone they put on now. I am going to do a post to seeif anyone has installed the new seat kit and could give me a comparsion of the two different seats. I have wrote Lonewolf with sereral questions just recentlyand theyhaven't got around toanswering meyet. Not a verygood business practice. If I was just looking for a stand I probably would have just told them to shove it but as it isI own a couple of their stands and really like them to the point of investing some moremoney in them for the new seat kit and footrests if I find it to be an improvement by replys from my other post. Hope this Helps!!

The Silverfox

Another consideration:

http://www.deerhuntingstandplans.com/

Quite a few of these would fit your requirements , and if you are or know a welder they could be constructed very cheaply . Most of them could beadaptedto aluminum construction if extra bracing were incorporated .

look at gorrila, i have one and i love it, also look at loggy bayou they are extremely lite and cheap

The Lone Wolf seat is more comfortable than it looks simply because the seat has unlimited angular adjustment. You'd be very surprised to know how much this plays a part in seat comfort!

Thanks guys. Is there somewhere a guy can get a DEAL on a Lone Wolf stand?
I found a place last evening where the Ameristep patriot and Outfitter were very deeply discounted from the stock price. IfI could find a a lone Wolf hang on for say $159 I'd just buy the best and be done with it but at close to $200 it's tough to justify.

Thanks for all the help guys

Hollow Point

Here's a link to Tommy's Outdoor Store on eBay that sells them for$179.00 plus $12.00 shipping. It includes the full body harness just as Cabela's does. I just wrote them an email to see if they sell the Seat replacement kits. I (think) Cabela's wants $189 plus $12.75 standard shipping plus another $12.00 for being a large for heavy item. Plus where I live, I would have to pay sales tax if purchased off of Cabela's.

Silver Fox

http://stores.ebay.com/TOMMYS-OUTDOOR-STORE