I have 1 clmber, and like 9 ladder stands if that tells you anything, ive sold a couple of clmibers cause they were way lound/cheap. i have an api alluminum i think, its nice to try out and area, and ya if you get up int hte tree you might noitice a better funnel or area.....and then move once you figure out when youd want a more permanent stand you can put a ladder there, or just put a ladder and move it on occasion. either way a ladder IMO is much quieter to get into in the am, less work.....and less you leave it out there, you wont hav eot carry it.

For me it all depends on where you're hunting. If I have a spot where I can put a loc on, it's really nice and convenient to just walk in, climb up, and sit. Minimal commotion, very quiet, no sweat. With the climber it's a little more involved. Packing more stuff in, a little more hassle, have to get in a little earlier. When using the climber though, I go slow. My motivation being it's quieter, safer, and I wont end up sweating like a pig the more I take my time. I use my climber a lot, about 90% of the time, and love the versatility of being able to move, especially when hunting a new spot. I even have spots where I leave a climber in the woods somewhere or even attached to the base of the tree I use a lot. I have a couple of summits and they are pretty sweet. Easy to use, sturdy, and quiet. If you use it a bunch of times all summer, it'll be second nature come the season. Use a safety harness going up and coming down. Dont be a statistic.

I have used an API climber for the past 7 years. I hunt the entire season, but seldom hunt from the same tree more than two days and they are usually separarted by weeks.

If I see a lot of deer movement on a trail or feeding area away from my current spot I can relocation and be there while the action is still hot.

I like to be in my stand, listing and ready at least 20 minutes before legal shooting time and I stay until after dark....

I keep all my accessories in a backpack and in the same pockets year after year so everything is second nature. I can do all things necessary to get set up in my tree without the use of any kind of light and I can do so without making any noises.

I allow 20 minutes from the time I arrive at the tree until my arrow is knocked and ready. I climb slowly in warm weather and add clothes from by backpack is cold weather.

Select trees in the location needed to increases your changes, but if walnut, red & white oak, ash and popular are in the location they have good quite bark for climbing.....

I'm the same way Born2. I try to move around in thesame location so I stay one step ahead of them. I walk in basically with a single layer of baseslayers on and then get dressed at the bottom of my tree or after climbing depending on the temp.

great choice like others said practice and then you will be quick and quiet in the woods