Copying a post I made elsewhere:
Tree stands are a very individual preference, so beware, what someone else likes might not be your favorite. Here's what I've tried for whitetail (and I currently own / use all of these except for the summit)
Big, heavy, ladder stands with a blind. If you can use one, it's the bomb, but completely impractical in a lot of areas.
Cheaper hang on platforms. I have 4 of these I got for $50 each, and set them and leave them for the season. I actually prefer these if I know I'm going to hunt a certain stand. I use screw in steps where allowed or will use hang on ladders if I need to. I'll set these up with a permanent climbing rope and bow lift rope so I just show up, clip in, and head up. One of these will be my primary whitetail stand this year. Behind a ladder stand -These are absolutely the best for show up, getting in the stand quickly and quietly. But, they aren't mobile without more significant work.
Summit Viper climber. I didn't like it. It was heavier than some of my lone wolf's, and I felt too "constricted" or enclosed. Some people love them, but not my preference.
Lone Wolf Assault Hang On. Really like this, and have the hang on ladder steps to go with it. It is not as quick as a climber, but not too much slower, and you can use it on weird trees that you can't a climber. Harder to go as high, because you have to pack extra ladder steps. Not all that heavy so this setup is packable. I like the open platform design.
Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber. Love it. I don't mind the smaller seat, I prefer the open platform design. Not as spacious as my bigger hang on platforms, but it does the job. Lightest stand I own. Very easy to lash to my backpack and carry with me. I will choose this over the Assault, if I know I can find a suitable tree (straight enough, no branches, no forks, etc...)