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Calling All Ameristep Users!
- Thread starter Nutterbuster
- Start date
Yes, at this point. Slightly higher than used Ameristeps. After we get the first batch underway we'll finalize the pricing and let you know.
Here's my 2 cents. I was hoping to put more time in a tree on these but without a buck tag on my week off I learned my lesson when a big 8 pointer walked by and bedded at 25 yards for 45 minutes on Monday. I spent the rest of the week scouting. I did spend that hunt using my 2 squirrel steps as 2 of my primary steps in conjunction with my golden bucks. They worked flawlessly and I would have no problem using these steps any day of the week. When I put them side by side the were very very similar to the loggy bayou design except with a closed slot. IMHO the closed slot is so important for a ROS. When I try the loggy bayou steps as a ROS they like to fall off the strap when I have 5 of them on there.
I relayed my feedback to @DanO and he was pleased. But to my dismay after his testing of the step he intended on chopping the top of the step above the strap off. I was VERY concerned about this. My experience with the API skyhooks was that they were not as stable as all of the other steps I use that have the protrusion above the strap. I convinced him to chop the section off and at least let me test one before he proceeded. I got the step Friday night and spend about an hour Saturday morning fiddling with some saddle setups using my golden bucks, squirrel steps V1 and V2 as my platform. The V2 squirrel step was much more stable than I expected and there was no noticeable difference in stability between V1 and V2. I don't usually like to comment on equipment until I've put ample time in a tree with it, but @DanO has been working very hard on these and I'm excited that we will finally have a strap on step being made that we can use as a platform.
As @Nutterbuster pointed out, the key advantage of these over plastic ameristeps is their packability. Without the wings a step platform can pack down super small, basically 5 inches wide for 5 steps. On a strap on step platform the step may tilt a little side to side from the side pressure of standing on it, but it should be extremely stable. I cover my steps in vet wrap tape for silence and this prevents them from squeaking on the tree too. I noticed that @DanO's sandblasted version didn't seem to squeak on the tree when I took the vet wrap off.
The buckle @DanO sent me worked excellent. It is the same design as the boat buckle I am using. I have to put them side by side but I think it may be just slightly larger but not by much. I would definitely recommend it.
I relayed my feedback to @DanO and he was pleased. But to my dismay after his testing of the step he intended on chopping the top of the step above the strap off. I was VERY concerned about this. My experience with the API skyhooks was that they were not as stable as all of the other steps I use that have the protrusion above the strap. I convinced him to chop the section off and at least let me test one before he proceeded. I got the step Friday night and spend about an hour Saturday morning fiddling with some saddle setups using my golden bucks, squirrel steps V1 and V2 as my platform. The V2 squirrel step was much more stable than I expected and there was no noticeable difference in stability between V1 and V2. I don't usually like to comment on equipment until I've put ample time in a tree with it, but @DanO has been working very hard on these and I'm excited that we will finally have a strap on step being made that we can use as a platform.
As @Nutterbuster pointed out, the key advantage of these over plastic ameristeps is their packability. Without the wings a step platform can pack down super small, basically 5 inches wide for 5 steps. On a strap on step platform the step may tilt a little side to side from the side pressure of standing on it, but it should be extremely stable. I cover my steps in vet wrap tape for silence and this prevents them from squeaking on the tree too. I noticed that @DanO's sandblasted version didn't seem to squeak on the tree when I took the vet wrap off.
The buckle @DanO sent me worked excellent. It is the same design as the boat buckle I am using. I have to put them side by side but I think it may be just slightly larger but not by much. I would definitely recommend it.
I have read the comments and saw API skyhooks mentioned but I did not see anything that really made me understand how these are better than the skyhooks, which I currently use for a ROS. If they are better, I would like to know how so I can upgrade my setup. Skyhooks below.
I should tell you to upgrade just because!
I made these to give people options. Used Ameristeps come up once in a while and sell pretty quickly. The steps you have aren't commercially available either. Other products are unobtainable as well. This is about having something commercially available without having to wait to find something used. If these are working well for you - great, no need to upgrade!
Thanks for the reply. I like what you are building, the hunting community needs them.I should tell you to upgrade just because!
I made these to give people options. Used Ameristeps come up once in a while and sell pretty quickly. The steps you have aren't commercially available either. Other products are unobtainable as well. This is about having something commercially available without having to wait to find something used. If these are working well for you - great, no need to upgrade!
Just so yall dont think I'm working for Dano or anything...
If you have sky hooks and like them, there isn't much reason to switch. Weight is about the same. Packability is about the same. I personally didnt find the sky hooks as stable as other steps due to the height of the strap slot above the step, but if you have used them for a while and like them, there's not a whole lot of difference. Especially if you're comparing them to the 1" steps.
That being said, the squirrel steps are more stable, and I imagine the 3/4" "nub-less" steps will be noticeably lighter and more compact.
So I'm claiming the first deer killed off of squirrel steps. @DanO and @redsquirrel, am I in the clear?
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So I'm claiming the first deer killed off of squirrel steps. @DanO and @redsquirrel, am I in the clear?
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Awesome! I haven't yet as I was using my scooter platform this morning with by DoubleSteps sticks for my doe kill. Was this today? Gotta mark that on the company record books unless @redsquirrel beat you.
I’m just imagining how compact they would be if they folded like the other api skyhooks.....I know it was discussed on this thread somewhere and ultimately shot down and I know it would complicate manufacturing but I’ve used the folding ones that go on the lag bolts and they take up like no space. But I also haven’t had these squirrel steps in my hand to know just how awesome they are.
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Yup. I was in a preset all day yesterday.So I'm claiming the first deer killed off of squirrel steps. @DanO and @redsquirrel, am I in the clear?
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Same here. With as many Ameristeps there are that keep coming up, the only other step I’ll consider buying will be an aluminum folding step.
Congrats on the doe Nutter!
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Once my machinist catches up we will be revisiting the folding design. Won't be this month though, but likely before SaddlePalooza.
