Climbing sticks

[Sethmac]

I use the short ones with an aider that I move up each stick...replace the cam buckles with Amsteel

 

[wesfromky]

Three 17" OOAL Shikar with a three step movable aider gets my platform to 20ish feet, is super light, and very east to pack. I also use their 5/8" mini flat straps, and those work great as well as being super quiet.

 

[T_Nelomz]

I use the Lone Wolf sticks, no rope mod - I can't convince myself that the half hitch is enough to keep the line from slipping -

I use the Lone Wolf sticks, no rope mod - I can't convince myself that the half hitch is enough to keep the line from slipping -

Does anyone use a tree wrap/fall prevention along with a linemans belt on the way up?

I've been using the rope MODS for 3 seasons now. Never had one slip.

 

[SC MCG]

Didn't mean for that comment to be an indictment of the rope mod, more so a criticism of my cajones.

 

[T_Nelomz]

Didn't mean for that comment to be an indictment of the rope mod, more so a criticism of my cajones.

No offense taken at all. I completely understand. I know of several people who were crippled or dead falling from tree stands so believe me it's cool.

 

[bwhtr26]

does anyone know where you can get replacement t straps for the old muddy pro sticks. i love them but would feel safer with new sticks

 

[Lone063018]

Buy once, cry once. I started with Helliums and ended up trying several before settling on 20" beast sticks.

 

[GreenMachine92]

Tethered One Sticks

 

[CoxesCreekCharters]

I've run three 30" hawk heliums for the past four years. They are on the heavier side then some of the new sticks, but with a linemans you can get up there. I have a fourth but rarely want to be much higher once I'm set up. Mine came with a versastrap attachment system which I love. No noisy buckles and surprisingly grippy.

 

[Netherman]

I doubt you'll find anything anything with the same performance to value ratio of the Heliums (4 sticks for $100). For the "best of the best" I'd take a hard look at the latitude carbon sticks (no metal) or if you're in the lone wolf game their sticks for the "integrated system" aspect.

I have and really like the hunting beast sticks. I use amsteel daisy chains with a trucker's hitch (lots of attachment rabbit holes to go down). I blew the budget on a 0.75 stand this year so no more upgrades until next year, but will probably be looking at a one stick for scouting my way in or just fast and light hunts.

 

[*zap*]

Big game stagger steps grip the tree better than anything else I have used.

 

[Robate]

+1 on the Heliums. I think bang for your buck they’re tough to beat. I’ve read about people having quality issues, usually heavier people bending steps. With a 20” wire aider you can get pretty high with just three sticks.

 

[doc holiday13]

+1 on the Heliums. I think bang for your buck they’re tough to beat. I’ve read about people having quality issues, usually heavier people bending steps. With a 20” wire aider you can get pretty high with just three sticks.

I weight 235# and I did bend one step when i was leaning off the tree and pushing against the fold down step.

I have a double step aider on 1 stick and single step aider on 3 others. I get up 25ft no problem

 

[bustinj1229]

I’ve got Hawks and they are really nice for the price. I used the original strap, without buckle, and tie it like you would a rope mod. No problems thus far and that webbing has no stretch. Only problem I’ve had with Hawks were the attachment buttons for transporting sticks - all have broken off and I need to replace.

If money wasn’t a factor, without a doubt, Tethrd One Sticks are the go-to. Incredibly light.

 

[rarmitage915]

The new XOP X2's seem like an incredible bang for you buck as well. With a coupon I found online I believe I paid $150 for 4. Definitely lighter than my hawk mini's, and have a better bite on the tree and standoff distance.

 

[highcj5]

What are you guys using for a single step aider?

 

[Macintosh]

@highcj5 my current sticks have a cable aider, but for years I used a loop of 6mm cord or webbing knotted around the bottom standoff. Easy to stiffen so it stays open by sliding a 6 or 8” piece of black flexible pipe over or through it. Entirely functional, low profile and practically free.

 

[highcj5]

@highcj5 my current sticks have a cable aider, but for years I used a loop of 6mm cord or webbing knotted around the bottom standoff. Easy to stiffen so it stays open by sliding a 6 or 8” piece of black flexible pipe over or through it. Entirely functional, low profile and practically free.

yea, I was thinking of just using some cord. I did see some cable aiders for sale. Might just try the cord first. Thanks

 

[JjamesIII]

Looking to pick up a new pair of climbing sticks this year. I will hang stand early. Then carry sticks in and out everytime.

I think I am set on hawkheliums but can’t decide on the new 20 inch stocks or go with the longer ones.

what do you guys think?

I’d do the smaller sticks and whatever model you get, go with double steps. Heliums are good for the money. If you are a portly fella, maybe spend money on something more robust. Average dudes are fine on them. An aider is the way to go for gaining height without the weight! Three sticks are plenty with a two step aider. I like to get up pretty high and only carry three cut down heliums with the eastern woods “ultimaider” double step aider.

Actually, now I usually do one stick climbing method and rappell down- but that’s beyond the scope of your question.

 

[JjamesIII]

I hear installing cam locks is the way to go to. To lock the rope in. Though it’s 30 bucks a lock

One sticking, definitely 100%. But for multiple sticks you’ll be way better off making Amsteel Daisy chains for the versa button. Nearly weightless and extremely secure/long service life. A fun diy project also that is cheap.