I had a few rope steps years ago (not the brand you mention) never reallly felt safe to me and kinda noisy. When pulling myself up they’d shift around some if you didn’t keep downward pressure. I started working using them on settings where I was hanging stand and taking out bottom 2 steps to keep ppl out of my stands (hunting private landowners that would give permits to anyone). What few lock-ons I still use I prefer rapid rails nowadays.
I wouldn’t mind doing rapid rails if they were aluminum, if not I’ll but climbing sticks. I guess I was just trying to take a cheaper route. Thought the hawk helium’s are only $99
