Ground around here .

UP UP UP !!! I did the ground the first year I hunted until I could afford a climber. I have had so many more chances to shoot now. Try 20 ft. Once you get up you won't notice the extra 5ft.

A good harness is a must. Go with a 5 point if you are a little nervous. Summit's stands have been quite impressive but go to the web sights and get catalogs. Find what you like and try to find a store near you that sells them. Try them out just like you would a bow. Remember you will be spending a lot of time UP in it.

Spend a few hours up a tree in your yard before the season. This will help you get adjusted to the height. then practice for up there. Who cares what the neighbors think.

I'm not a big fan of heights myself. BUT, I decided 30 years ago that hunting from above was the only way to bow hunt and get consistant results. Start at the lower heights to begin with. Sometimes in the right situation even 10 feet can do. Each time out try to get a couple more feet. Somedays you'll just get spooked and won't want to go very high. That's OK.... just get off the ground. I now spend most of my time 18-22 feet up. It's funny that as the season progresses I get more and more comfortable. But come next fall on opening day, 15 or 16 feet will seem a long ways up. I put on a safety belt when I climb on my climber, put it around the tree and push it up ahead of me as I climb....and pull it down behind me as I descend. I personnally think it's stupid to climb up and then put the thing on. With hang ons you have no choice but I have it around my waist, have my plan of attaching it all thought out and have everything so it's nothing more than a snap link move once I get up to the stand. So ... just go as high as you feel safe and try to stretch it a foot or two each time out. 20 feet is a great height.

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the step dad has a climber...i have to tell ya if ya dont like the thought of climbing steps and hopping on a tiny plat from that its the way to go!!!

Try a Summit Viper... rock-solid, won't budge an inch, comfy as all-getout, has the bar which wraps around you to provide you with that extra feeling of security, and light and easy to pack in and out.