If I had It all figured out I sure the heck wouldn't be making this thread now would I.

Thanks for all the responses everyone. I'll check In on some of the stuff.

I'd add Rivers Edge to the stands already mentioned.

What I've found I like in fixed position stands is rock solid attachment, big wide mesh platform, and a sling seat with arm rests. Sling seats are more comfortable, and the arm rests make me feel more secure when sitting way up there. Open platform with no shooting rail. Lot's on the market fit this bill.

Most seats will tilt back to the tree silently, which is a plus if you like to have room to move around and position for shots.

If you like what you build, have you considered just trying to improve on the cons? Identify and silence the source of the noise? That would be a deal breaker for me (I lost an opportunity at a huge buck once do to a stand popping when I shifted my weight. Never again...)

Aluminum instead of steel to save weight?

Well I prefer to hunt off the ground. I built a seat that straps to a tree so I can basically lean on it instead of sit or stand completely up. My first design of it sucked but it worked pretty well. most of the trees in my area had underbrush and stuff around them. All I would do is clean up some shooting lanes and I was in business. It's quiet and mobile. I aslo have have a climber but does me no good where I am at now. Only cedars and oaks.

The Lone Wolf Alpha is the only stand I hunt out of. I can get in any tree in the woods I need to, quick, quiet and easy, the stand and sticks is the second best purchase in my hunting career, the Longbow being the first!

Thanks for the Info everyone!!

I loved my Loc-on spirit, but was stolen 2 years ago, bought a summit copperhead and love that stand.

more and more I enjoy/like ground hunting, a strap on seat and 15 minutes of brush arranging and a guy can get hid pretty nicely in places a hang on stand cannot work