Y'all have the same opinions I do...

I had 2 API Grand Slams when I began climbing and liked them pretty well. The seat got in my way while climbing so, I swapped them out and bought the thin, butt-only seat for API. I liked them much better after this transition, but as y'all have stated, they're somewhat loud while transporting. I would put them together like BowtechDan; I'd put a cinch tight strap (like a ratchet strap, but w/o the ratchet) at the top of the pieces and at the bottom (by the "tree teeth"). This helped a lot, and kept the stands from making noise while walking.

Since then, I've made the switch to Summit...everything about them is better than the API's IMO. They are much quieter to transport, quicker/easier to set up, grip the tree MUCH better, just overall better suited for me.