There are a lot more options these days. Especially in the weight savings department. But, I used Buckinghams for many years. After a while you know which trees to avoid, to prevent the likelihood of a kick-out. When I was in the prime of my youth, I would put the climbers on at the truck and take off walking. I hunted off the spurs, while hanging in my Anderson, then onto the Bull Dog for a lot of years. I would recommend some form of platform over hunting directly off the spurs, though. Buckingham makes/made a plate that attatches to the sitrrup to take the pressure off the arches of your feet. If you planned on trying to hunt directly off the spurs, I would recommend trying them. There is a certain thrill to be had from being able to walk up to a tree with all of my gear on, hook my weapon up to my pull rope and start climbing. I kinda miss it. My buddies back then mostly used screw in steps. We used to play around with our set ups in the yard. Fore most people could get thier 2nd tree step screwed in, I could be up in a tree and tied in without ever breaking a sweat. I rarely use the climbers anymore, since my spots here at home are presets 90% of the time and we can't use them on public in Missouri. If we could use them here on public, I would. They are much easier and lighter to pack in than sticks or steps. btw, I am shapped more like a ground hog than a tree skirl, so anybody can do it, after some practice.
