I had a pretty good scare with my climber a few years back so I would say only go as high as you feel comfortable. Its a long ways down without any help around. Please use your safety harness. A gentleman in a different topic had a big scare this week. I recently purchased a ladder stand (2 seater with blind) and I will be using that from now on. Nice solid ladder and plenty of space. Its 15 feet to the shooting rail so I say that far should be sufficient.

Good Luck
Mack

One word. . .Equalizer It can be leveled as you climb. I just got one and love it. I'm trying to firgure out how to configure now. Too many choices, sling or regular seat. facing or not facing the tree?

Before the Equalizer, I used to have similar issues. I would start like 3 - 4 feet off the ground and pull myself into it. Then it was still steeply raked until I got to about 25 feet. Tree selection can help.

I usually pick the straightest tree I can find that is consistent all the way up. I let the stand tilt up a bit for any "play" as I climb and it usually levels out as I get up higher. I stop when I have good shooting lanes....or get too scared which ever comes first!!!

Another note. Using a good safety harness like a Hunter Safety Systems or the like will increase your confidence when climbing. Also, bag the treestrap and go to a climbing store and find rope you can fall on. If you call more than a few inches, your crotch and back will thank you! Climbing rope is some what elastic. Use about 15' of that. Hook on to that with fall grade cord with a prussic knot and carabiner. The cord should be lifeline rated. Have a climber look over your knots.