Climbing methods, platforms, ring of steps, etc. All these are highly subjective. If you're made of money, buy one of each and try them all. If you're like most of us, you'll buy one of each anyway, but it'll take you a few years trying them one at a time! It's all good. Just pick something and try it out. There's good opportunity to resell on this site if you want to try something else. And you will want to try something else. If you're innovative enough to try a saddle, you're too innovative to stick with the first setup you try. There's just too many awesome options!
I went from climbing stands to hang ons, to 5 sticks & a saddle, to 3 sticks, to one stick... and this year I'll be using NO sticks. (Climbing with a rope wrench and rope walking system using a DIY platform (Slomo style) and rappelling out of the tree.
The biggest thing is to practice, practice, practice with whatever gear you choose. Practice about a foot off the ground until you gain some proficiency. If you're too undisciplined to do that, take your cell phone up the tree with you so you can call your wife or somebody when you get stuck in the tree. Seriously. Practice close to the ground. And practice starting NOW, if you want to kill deer this season.
