I hunt almost exclusively with a homemade version of the Tree Lounger. With a small limb saw there are always perfect trees around. That thing will climb anything.
I dont believe that Deer are spooked at all by the sound of a climbing stand. Just listen to the rackeet that a Deer makes when hes walking thru the woods or a squirrel running around the ground or in the trees.
Just "hearing" a noise isn't enough to spook a Deer, He'll need something else to go with that noise ie; smell you or see movement. I honestly believe that several Deer that I have killed or seen were coming to the noise that I made while climbing the tree.

I have just started using a climber and the first day I went up a tree around where im goin to hunt I had 2 deer come out 15 min later and they stayed for awhile. My climber will take almost any tree I can find aslong as there are no lil branches in the way but thats why I keep a hand saw on me.

In my opinion the Lone Wolf Alpha climbing tree stands are the best in the market. They are expensive, but when you digest that you will be using it for 10 - 15 years (if not more), it is well worth the money. I have been bowhunting for 15 years and have gone through many climbers b/c of weight reasons or noise reasons ... but the Lone Wolf is by far the best climber in the business. (In my opinion)

Good luck fellas.

Lone Wolf does make a good stand but Summit, API, Gorilla, Loggy Bayou and Timbertall all make quality products! The guys at http://www.treestand.com shipped my stand out within a week! Also, if you can afford to, buy several hang-ons and climbing sticks rather than a climber! You won't sweat as much hiking to your spot!

Jtapia Do u have n e directions on how to build one of those homeade tree lounges could u send me a picture and some of the materials u used?

I have 3 Summits and I like them all. I thought at first that finding the right tree would be tricky but it's really not. Over time you will be able to pick out a tree in no time. I usually keep a little hand saw on me if I have to make any fine adjustments on the way up the tree. The one that I use the most is the Bullet Backpacker model. Moderate weight and very comfortable.

I have more than 2 dozen stand sites so I buy the whats on sale and alter it to make silent. I use hang-ons, ladder, climbers, and home mades. They all work well for what I use them for. I would rate them from most favorite to least favorite: home mades, ladders, hang on, then the climber. I hunt on private land and know the other hunters there so I have my stands up and ready by July without worry of someone stealing or moving in on my area.

I make my own outta logs and asponite.

I love my treelounge!!!! climbers take the least time and amount of effort to set up, and out of all climbers the treeloung is clearly the best :

I make all of mine and love em they work just fine not to mention they can handle a friend if I wanna bring one along for the hunt.