I hunt in an area where most huntable trees are pines. I modified a summit open shot to act as a climbing platform. It's my primary means of climbing. I cut the tilting seat support and the connection point off with a circular grinder. Then I had aluminum expanded metal and a metal bar welded onto the frame for support. When I climb, I hang from my tether and pull my feet up advancing the platform while slightly pushing away from the tree with both hands. I use a saddle that is comfortable for the sitting position and has two bridges. Once at height, I choose to utilize a predator platform just above the climbing platform. This is extra weight, but the additional rotation support is worth the few extra pounds when walking in. I store the predator platform inside my pack and strap the summit to the outside of my pack when walking in. At the tree I connect the summit and hang the predator from my saddle for climbing. In timber company land in the south it is extremely useful. I've rarely needed to, but if necessary I can hang at mid-height and adjust the level. I can get to an unlimited height quickly with what I consider a comfortable walk in. When advancing I only advance about a foot each time to minimize slack. The only issues are that I cannot climb smaller trees at about 7 inches or below and I cannot get up trees with numerous branches, of which we have very few. This is a quick description because I have one foot out the door right now, but the modified summit open shot top is my baby and I would be very disappointed if it got stolen. I've considered making a 2nd platform as a backup. In fact, if anyone has an extra open shot top, please let me know and I'll buy it from you. I've used it with all my saddles, including the JX3. It gives me the climbing ability of a climbing stand with a fraction of the weight, with the rotational ability of a saddle at height.
I've thought about creating one from scratch that could handle smaller trees and has an integrated strap system to use as a platform. Hunters have been asking for such a device, but for some reason, it has not been deemed marketable or feasible. I can go into more details if needed.