I bought an Amacker 2 piece climbing stand when I was 15 years old. Loudest, heaviest most dangerous thing out there but it was mine. Id hook it around a big old pine before daylight and climb till I hit limbs. Sometimes when the sun came up I would have to climb down a bit just to have a clear look at the ground. I killed dozens of deer out of that thing and NEVER owned a safety strap. As I got older and wiser I bought a safety vest and wouldn't hunt without it now. After my kids were born I wont go nearly as high up a tree as I once did. I felt like it was my job to provide for them and be a good father,not to die from a tree stand fall or worse. Be careful out there, Im really glad it turned out well for you!