The metal to seat material contact was the oly noise issue with mine.
To wrap the bars in terry cloth would provide the quietest solution, BUT I feel that would collect and hold too much odor.

hhmmmm, i never had a problem with mine. i have a viper xls. I think they are very reliable and safe stands. Just last sunday i was in a tree that had some bad bark, and i slid down it about 5 ft before the summit grabbed back on before i fell the other 20ft!! it may have saved my life, cuz i wasnt wearin a safety harness, like a dumb ass, i wear one now that is for sure.

Right there is another reason I use the brand of climber that I do! I guarantee my climber would not have slipped even one foot.