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Platform or Steps

Apex7

Apex7

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
3,745
Location
Pittsburgh Pa
Platform or steps on a ratchet strap ? What do you guys prefer and why. I use Ameristeps on a ratchet strap right now but I do like the Tethard Nation predator platform. I never used a platform so I guess I want to here from all who do and why guys like them.
 
I have mostly used ameristeps on a boat buckle but the platform is ordered to try again.
 
I can't do the steps. Without being inflammatory and fully realizing it works for some, it's nuts to me. I am up there at a minimum 3 hours up to 14, I need a place to stand. I alternate between two platforms. One DIY roughly the size of Predator for in deep; and an XOP Air Raid with the seat removed for my easier hikes.
 
Wirrex said:
I went to a platform to minimize movement and sound. The unforeseen comfort and increased shootability are the reasons I won’t go back.
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I hated the bulk of my xop platform and I was quiet comfortable on ameristeps and had no problem shooting a bow or gun and did not think movement was a problem. We are all individuals I guess. I can't see to like WE steps but others love em.

However, I am excited to try the new predator platform. Less bulk, less wait, easier to attach and maybe more comfortable and easier to shoot. I guess I will see.
 
I think combing both is the best platform for me. I use a lone wolf strap and put an ameristep on each side. I’ve posted pics here a bunch of times and right now it won’t load up right now.


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Platform was much more comfortable for me! Also let's me shoot behind myself easier....

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pilgrimhunter said:
Platform was much more comfortable for me! Also let's me shoot behind myself easier....

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I’m like DaveT I started with Ameristeps then read someone’s thread on building a platform probably Dave’s also. I ordered a LW elite seat and put it on a 12” solid aluminum post with 6 point brackets. It was huge and heavy. Built another out of XOP Seat and it was better but still heavy. At Saddlepalooza I won a custom post from DIY Sportsman and that one is the cats meow. But won’t trade for the XOP Climber Seat. Patiently waiting for the Predator but doubt it will get much use unless my New Spurs really trip my trigger.


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I'm a newbie but I have both. Haven't sat for long extended amounts of time but enough to know I'm a leaner so I like a platform. Used a climber mostly in the past and always set the seat high, kinda like a bar stool and would stand/lean against the seat. Wasn't crazy about the thought of packing my xop platform and hadn't practiced with the ring of steps to be quick and quiet. I believe the Predator is the answer for me.
 
I think it depends on if you are a leaner or a sitter. Leaners have more weight on their feet which is why we like platforms. I tried using just the ameristeps for a sit, maybe 4-5 hours I can't remember but I know I wasn't going out without the platform after that. Sitters have much less pressure on their feet and can get away without a platform. I also think it's way easier to shoot 360 with a platform than with a ring of steps.

Good luck, lots of thoughts/opinion's on this subject for sure!
 
So I’m in the same boat , just got my saddle did the helium stick mod with a single aider. Now comes steps or platform. I do have a hand climber I could use but seems to me the ring of steps would be more packable and easier to get around tree. There just hard to find , I’ve seen them recently on here but gone as soon as they come up. Not sure what to do or just do both and see what I like better. My backup plan might be ..... I noticed on my trac rac on my truck the stops have the same shape as step so I might try using them on a strap. They would be loud just need to quiet them down but would serve as a good reference to use as a test.
 
donnieballgame said:
I think it depends on if you are a leaner or a sitter. Leaners have more weight on their feet which is why we like platforms. I tried using just the ameristeps for a sit, maybe 4-5 hours I can't remember but I know I wasn't going out without the platform after that. Sitters have much less pressure on their feet and can get away without a platform. I also think it's way easier to shoot 360 with a platform than with a ring of steps.

Good luck, lots of thoughts/opinion's on this subject for sure!
Click to expand...

Good answer. I sit 60 % of the time and ameristeps are great.

I ordered a predator platform because it sounds light and compact.


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Im hoping the Predator platform. I have used 2-3 WE steps which can be frustrating to set up as a platform (I love them for climbing). I have used silent approach steps on a ratchet strap which I like better, but is hard to get perfectly tight, is a little tricky to set up, and is a little small and kind of uncomfortable on my feet. Both optoins are good but not great to me.

When I saw the Predator it looked perfect to me,quiet, light, easy to hang, and comfortable and sturdy. At least it looks that way....haha #whereismyorder?
 
The sound of the ratchet strap in the dead silent woods seems like a deal breaker for me. Maybe I’m overthinking it and just need to go slow. I went out in the woods last night after work and hung in the saddle for an hour or so. Just used top of stick to stand on to get a feel for it. So I can understand how the platform would be comfortable. Felt great to be out there , even though I got eaten by flies.
 
The ratchet strap is a no go for me too. I see some of the videos of guys hammering away on ratchets and think to myself, I wouldn’t see a single deer after making that much noise, maybe a tail in the distance. Boat buckle for me. You can keep a ratchet quiet but it takes patience and slow movements.

After the reviews start coming in of the predator in use, I may purchase one. What I can’t get over is having to use a platform AND steps. I usually don’t know the exact tree I will be in and feel I would have to carry both for those larger trees. Like I said, I’m interested in seeing some set-ups and thoughts on wether the platform is adequate alone, or if steps have to accompany it for most users and how they are packed and deployed.


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