I like to use a fixed wooden stand. As long a you use treated lumber they last pretty good. and are really Pretty safe. Once there built.

Its like a Wal Mart , you know the store where you can get food and stuff like that.

Stick with the climber, seems like you're pretty comfortable with it.

I have roughly 24 hang-on style stands in our woods. Every one has screw in tree pegs. First, they won't kill your trees. Second you have multiple spots to get in extremely quickly and silently! Use the bigger style tree step...they usually have a small bend on the end to keep your boot in. Next.....when you install them.....just bring out a cordless drill with a 1/4" bit. you can put in 12 to 16 pegs in about 15 minutes. Last tip is don't put them to far apart. Keeping them alittle closer together really makes it easier and in fact very simple getting up the tree. Put the tree pegs on the side of the tree that is leaning away.... not leaning towards. Don't put the pegs on the sides of the tree.....try to keep both of them sticking out of the side you're climbing up.

I've been in stands with tree pegswhere you'd swear you'd never get back down again and swear you'll never go up in again also. If you correctly place those pegs thay are very safe and easy!

Good Luck!

I climbed probably 30-35 times last year with my climber. Out of those times.....I can't remember once ....where I did so 100% stealth.

I got into my hang on about 10 times, last year. For quietness and convenience.....they're unbeatable.

Now.....my son WILL use the climber, this year.....ONLY because it has a rail (Summit Viper). I like the added protection it gives.

Jeff