I don't use a platform yet, I actually made a couple steps from pieces of 2x4. I can get far enough around the tree in either direction. Plus I just made a double top step for my top lone wolf stick. I feel like the platforms are pricey for what they are and i'm not sold on any step system yet.

One way I've reduced weight recently is by adding a two step aider to my bottom stick, and one step aiders to two other sticks, eliminating the need for a fourth stick. I can get the top of my third stick to 19' and if I want to get higher have the option of the fourth stick.

If I could go back i would by wild edge steps and use the knaider/swaider climbing method(google it), or get hawk helium sticks but they are always sold out, and i already bought lone wolf sticks.