The setup weighs exactly as much as the Cranford's. They compare favorably for me in the ease of setup, and how tight they get to the tree.
Like Nutter said - I was quite skeptical. I didn't see the value proposition over cranfords if the weight is the same, and it becomes a three part system(buckle, strap, and step versus just a step and rope). Speed of deployment and packing in and out of whatever containment (pouch or bag) was my biggest concern.
I've come to realize that when you factor in ALL aspects of the use of a climbing method, regardless of which one, they all end up requiring about the same amount of TOTAL time and effort to pack up, pack out, unpack, climb up, climb down, pack up, and pack in. This is especially true when you have to cross a branch or two on your way up. Two methods currently stand out to me for a few reasons - bolts and one stick/rappel. The only method I can't speak to is spurs.
After seeing it action in person, I am convinced that 10 squirrel steps system is on par with bolts, and one stick/rappel. Timewise - it looks to be around 6 minutes each way(no branches) to get to 20'. But what you have to keep in mind is this is from the moment you decide to climb, to the moment you walk away from the tree - it includes all packing and unpacking.
You may say to yourself I can be at 20' with four sticks and aiders in about 3 minutes. First of all, I doubt you. But even if you can, add the time of pulling pack off, pulling sticks out, putting pack on, hanging the sticks wherever you hang em, and then climbing. And tack on the time it takes at ground level to gather it all up, stack it up, wrap it up, take off pack, put in/on pack, strap it down, and put pack on.
Is it expensive - yeh it's damn expensive.
I offer three comparisons from my perspective:
DIY Sticks/Beast sticks/LWCG - You're using aiders to match weight/cost, or buying and packing a pile of sticks, considerably bulkier, considerably less safe(if using multi step aiders), much slower start to finish. Squirrel steps win easily here for me.
Helium Sticks/Lone wolf sticks/other cost effective sticks - same issues above minus the cost. If you're ok with the bulk/weight, and the extra time to use, then not a bad option. Introducing multi step aiders adds considerable risk. Still a win for me with the squirrel steps, although the cost difference could be used for other advantages in your hunting budget that may swing it differently in your view.
cranford rope steps - advantage squirrel steps on how tight they get to the tree/ease of deployment. Cranfords have a little fiddle factor, and will not always be tight, especially the bigger the tree. Slight safety nod for Squirrel steps for me. Cost difference is close to double - again, slight win here for the squirrel steps for the reasons mentioned, but if that extra 150 bucks gets you gas for an out of state trip, or another accessory needed, you can get by.
Bottom line for me - I've settled on bolts, one stick/rappel, and 10 squirrel steps/ocb's. Each of these methods is 5.5lbs or less. Each packs really well. I feel safe using each method with my current equipment choices, with a slight nod to bolts and SS's for risk factor. Everything else is getting sold or traded.