Well, a person quickly finds there’s more than one way to get up and down a tree. I bought my first saddle set up in November. Just got a XOP Mondo combo with a platform. Had the opportunity to try things out. I like the flexibility of being able to shoot more area and use tree trunk to stay hidden. The saddle is ok but realized improvements could be made. Then, I got CGM 2TC (there is a learning curve) and Bullman ring of steps. Haven’t used or tried either enough to offer opinion yet. Christmas money will be going to a new saddle of higher quality made in America saddle to improve comfort. (Gonna be CGM Cobra.) For now I intend to add aider, to my three 30” hawk sticks. Likely two or three step to just my bottom stick. Maybe I work up to rappelling down at some point but for now I have enough new. Forums like this are a great resource of valuable information. I am in northeast Wisconsin.