I didn't say they were junk but I don't use them. There are better systems out there that I prefer. The plastic is loud but you can avoid it making noise by being careful. I never could get them rock solid tight unless I used a boat buckle or ratchet strap. But they do grip tight enough to climb the tree, just not made to lean off the edges like we do as a platform. I don't like the strap system. I thought I'd use it for permanent stands but rather just put up some metal sticks that I already have in those situations. Bottom line is they are still in the box in the garage. Would make a nice gear bucket strapped to the tree next to a ladder stand or something.