Platform on a stick FTW. Seriously tho I’ve tried many different types of RoS and a few different platforms. I always return to my Ridge Runner for a variety of reasons. I think it’s cuz I wear size 13s and steps just don’t offer enough purchase for my liking. Also, I’m not patient though to fiddle around with them on the tree and get them situated just so. I tend to lean more and find myself side loading them and they always shift on me no matter how tight I get them and yes I’ve tried all the tricks ie chipping bark off, ocb/cam/ratchet/amsteel/glue/bolts/voodoo/strong prayers etc. The only steps I liked were the HangN30s. But I always return to a platform. I don’t have a long hike in to my spots so the weight doesn’t bother me, and the way I have my pack set up it’s a non issue. My RR is very easy to deploy and bites hard into any tree I set it on. More than enough room and should I need to (which is often due to various back issues) I can stand on it and spin completely around and face away from the tree. The platform on a stick offers many of the same benefits but combines my climbing method and perch in one.