I usually pick up several of the big dog treestands each year, and they work great for me. I hunt properties that several other people walk through some with permission and some without. Buying these cheaper stands ensures I'm not out a ton if they're stolen. One of these years I'll pick up a Muddy Vantage and pack it in and out, but either way I enjoy the cheaper reliable stands.
FYI if you can find the big dog ladder sections they work great, and are similar to the big game models for a heck of a lot cheaper.