I like my viper. The bar doesn't get in the way, and it is as comfortable as an easy chair at home.
I started out with a mighty might way back. I didn't have a hand climber for a while, just hugged the tree. My brothers used one, too. I've heard them called death traps on these forums, etc. We never had an accident, and we used them a lot. Climbers have come a very long way, but I'm not going to knock those old bakers. I've had my viper slip before, and it is a very stable stand.