Anybody use either of these brands? These brands offer some nice additional featurses like more secure mounting, leveling, and quiet/quick attachment.

any opinions on these?

I have a friend thats has an Equalizer and really likes it. He ordered another one this season so now he has two. I think he set one up for bow and one for rifle. They are built solid and look fairly comfortable. The only downfall I see about them is comfort vs price. I think for the price the stand could be a lot more comfortable, like a sling seat type.

He loves it b/c he can adjust it in the tree. If you pay attention to the tree you are climbing you shouldn't have this "problem" with a regular climber. You may have to start off with the climber at more of a pitch than you want, but after a few "squats" up the tree, you are fine.

I've hadan equalizer for 3 seasons nowand it'sthe only climber (out of my 3) that I use. It's rock solid. I did not like the seat they offered so I'm using the sling seat off of one of my API stands. I ordered the equalizer sling seat, but returned it after one hunt due to it making so much noise.

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on an equalizer. With the sling seat, does it still "pack" up OK? I was planning on getting the safety rail with the backrest but wonder if I should save the money and get a sling seat instead.

It's funny how Equalizer makes such a great stand, but they don't get the sling seat concept as a basic, atleast for me.

Is there a reason a quiet sling seat from another stand would make noise?

Is this stand as absolutely quiet as it seems it would be?

Do you use the leveling feature much, or is it a gimic? It seems like I would use it, but I don't have it now and end up fairly level.