Lock on stands for sure if you are frequenting the same tree every year. No brainer for me. Love my climbers, but not that much.

I dont like heights, so I hunt out of ladder stands, (I feel better having the ladder under me, and not just hanging off the side of the tree) I have 5 ladder stands, and not one of them is over 11'. I have taken several deer from them. But you do have to really keep your movements to a minimum.