ADVWannabee

I am using two stands I got at end of season sales for $35 from Wal-Mart. They are strap-on stands with an extra belt around the tree and lower part of the stand to keep the lower portion from swinging out. They are light enough and have a huge platform to stand on. They also have a 2" to 3" thick pad for the seat. Between those stands and a strap-on 4 section ladder, I can put a stand up in no time.

wvnimrod

I use a Summit Goliath SS Climber and the Lone Wolf Elite hang on, but I agree with Valentine you have to pick the stand that fits you not fit yourself to the stand!
IMO more important then stand type is your harness,I know a lot of guys that will spend $100's of dollars on there stand and use a cheap harness! NOT a good idea,I personally use the mountineer sports CDS harness and love it!
What ever style or brand stand you decide on,DON"T scimp on your Harness buy one of good quality,safer and more comfortable!
Be safe and good luck!

Valentine

doesn't cost $500, you ain't paying for any modern engineering.

Kidding!!!!!!!!!!! They sure are getting a wee expensive.

My tree stand has been depreciated to zero amount of money, for over ten years. I like the way that sounds on the cash register.
It's good to know the competition has to carry in their tree stand for some real money. Some of them might have to climb a tree and go and declare bankruptcy.

bmanges

First climbing tree stand i ever bought, i love it there may or may not be better out there, but i doubt you be disapointed with a summit.

Wazz13

My personal choices are
Climber: LoneWolf Wide Sit and Climb, I'm 6'1" and 260 lbs
Hangons: Lone Wolf Elite, and Alpha along with a few stands from Muddy.