Changes for 2024?

[TreeRecon]

Not sure if anyone else had given it some thought, but what's the main thing you'll be changing for 2024?

For me, I'll be replacing my EWO onestick with a Slick Rick (foldable) and carrying it inside a pack. I've found that it's just too clumsy and loud carrying a onestick on the exterior of my pack. It also is a pain to strap on in freezing weather, especially when it's dark and the yotes are barking

 

[Freddybowhunter]

I’m heavily debating switching to a hybrid Lwcg .5 setup. I do like my current setup quite a bit, and it’s always annoying switching to something new when you have your system dialed in so well. But I think there’s some things the lwcg .5 can offer in the hybrid setup that will increase comfort and also increase converting chances to kills

 

[raisins]

I'll be buying a larger platform. Hopefully one of the carbon ones coming out from Hunt Arsenal.

I don't know if I'm just getting goofy, but I just don't feel like I'll be able to turn smoothly on my regular sized Predator.

 

[Will Harris]

I’m heavily debating switching to a hybrid Lwcg .5 setup. I do like my current setup quite a bit, and it’s always annoying switching to something new when you have your system dialed in so well. But I think there’s some things the lwcg .5 can offer in the hybrid setup that will increase comfort and also increase converting chances to kills

i used a .5 this year some and really liked it. esp for long sits or when i was shooting trad bow. easier to rest and easier to get good form on awkward shots. i still used my small platform most of the season, but a hybrid is certainly a good tool to have in the toolbox

 

[raisins]

i used a .5 this year some and really liked it. esp for long sits or when i was shooting trad bow. easier to rest and easier to get good form on awkward shots. i still used my small platform most of the season, but a hybrid is certainly a good tool to have in the toolbox

I was always worried that stepping around the cables would be an issue, when I needed to do something like push off the left side of the platform to shoot my 12 or 1 o'clock.

Was that an issue at all?

 

[Will Harris]

I was always worried that stepping around the cables would be an issue, when I needed to do something like push off the left side of the platform to shoot my 12 or 1 o'clock.

Was that an issue at all?

i didnt shoot a deer at those positions, but practiced in the yard a LOT. dont remember that being any issue at all. i'm a foot shuffler for shot positions, so if it was a big problem i think i would remember. its certainly not as bullet proof as normal saddle platform. i did stealth strip the cables btw. they will rub against boot and squeak

 

[TreeRecon]

I'll be buying a larger platform. Hopefully one of the carbon ones coming out from Hunt Arsenal.

I don't know if I'm just getting goofy, but I just don't feel like I'll be able to turn smoothly on my regular sized Predator.

I didn't realize a carbon platform was coming out. Sweet !!

 

[NimbleTimbo]

Next year I'm trying a Pursuit platform with a couple squirrel steps for a minimalist setup--at least for early season. I can't do the ROS (just not for me as a leaner mostly). I also haven't jumped in the 2TC pool yet but considering it paired with the Pursuit for a few of the hunts where I go in deep or am camping overnight in national forest (so I can leave the rappel set-up at home).

Otherwise I like 1-sticking with the EWO and scout. However, there are some trees where I hunt that are just too viny or limby to use my 1-stick. In those areas I will stick with the Tethrd One sticks. I may go from 3-4 to just 2 with 2-3 step aiders to keep the bulk down.

 

[TreeRecon]

I was always worried that stepping around the cables would be an issue, when I needed to do something like push off the left side of the platform to shoot my 12 or 1 o'clock.

Was that an issue at all?

I own a full .75 w/double stick setup. I never use it, but the cables are annoying. IMO, there's zero advantage running a .5 over a dedicated saddle platform. I find sitting in my saddle more comfortable than any hang on.

 

[raisins]

I own a full .75 w/double stick setup. I never use it, but the cables are annoying. IMO, there's zero advantage running a .5 over a dedicated saddle platform. I find sitting in my saddle more comfortable than any hang on.

Plus, tree stands as frame packs are never as comfortable as an actual pack (for me). They want to straighten my back too much.

To get around this, I have used a MOLLE frame and straps and tied the stand to the MOLLE frame....but that seems goofy on a small, ultralight system....the frame will be bigger and about as heavy as your stand.

If I can get a big platform that is 3 lbs or so, then I'm golden.

 

[HuumanCreed]

I really miss a large platform. Going back to my LWCG Ambush but have not decide if I wanted to still one stick with a small stick or just use 2 sticks with aiders.

 

[Freddybowhunter]

Plus, tree stands as frame packs are never as comfortable as an actual pack (for me). They want to straighten my back too much.

To get around this, I have used a MOLLE frame and straps and tied the stand to the MOLLE frame....but that seems goofy on a small, ultralight system....the frame will be bigger and about as heavy as your stand.

If I can get a big platform that is 3 lbs or so, then I'm golden.

I agree about the platform. I love the hunt arsenal RZR Magnum I use now, but it’s just not deep enough to get turned for a weak side and I’m only size 11 boot. From the base of the post where it’s raised up to the edge is only like 7 inches. Everything else about it is great. If they made a deeper version I’d be very interested

 

[raisins]

I agree about the platform. I love the hunt arsenal RZR Magnum I use now, but it’s just not deep enough to get turned for a weak side and I’m only size 11 boot. From the base of the post where it’s raised up to the edge is only like 7 inches. Everything else about it is great. If they made a deeper version I’d be very interested

I think the carbon version might be just that. I'm hoping at least.

 

[Will Harris]

as you can see, we are all very different and like different things.

i've been hunting from climbers and loc-ons for 40+ years, so maybe i'm just used to them and they dont bother me. the cables might bother you. wont know until you try.

i'm a hard-core leaner and hate sitting in my saddle. would much rather take small breaks on the small .5 seat.

i bought a waist band from XOP for my .5 and havent found a weight yet thats uncomfortable to carry. including meat packouts.

if you want to pursue this, borrow or buy a small platform and give it a try. this time year around here, they are selling the heavy steel loc-ons for $35 in some stores. try it before you drop $400+ on a .5. they are great to have for practicing from elevation anyway. i leave a couple up all summer.

good luck

 

[HuumanCreed]

Next year I'm trying a Pursuit platform with a couple squirrel steps for a minimalist setup--at least for early season. I can't do the ROS (just not for me as a leaner mostly). I also haven't jumped in the 2TC pool yet but considering it paired with the Pursuit for a few of the hunts where I go in deep or am camping overnight in national forest (so I can leave the rappel set-up at home).

Otherwise I like 1-sticking with the EWO and scout. However, there are some trees where I hunt that are just too viny or limby to use my 1-stick. In those areas I will stick with the Tethrd One sticks. I may go from 3-4 to just 2 with 2-3 step aiders to keep the bulk down.

How bulky is 2 TethrdOne compared to 3-4?

 

[NimbleTimbo]

1/3-1/2 less bulky

 

[Chandler96]

I think I'm going to get rid of aiders and just buy a fifth One stick.

I didnt know about the carbon from hunt arsenal. That peaks my interest.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

I was always worried that stepping around the cables would be an issue, when I needed to do something like push off the left side of the platform to shoot my 12 or 1 o'clock.

Was that an issue at all?

Yes, for me it’s a problem. Not all the time, but you just can’t put true side-pressure on a hang-on like you can on a dedicated saddle platform. Overall comfort and standing area increase, and you can flip the cushion to the bottom of the seat for an impromptu knee rest while sitting in your saddle, but I personally find my overall variety of shot angles is decreased by a hybrid setup.
I actually just took a hang-on down after two seasons for exactly this reason. The cables are in the way and I can’t shoot 1:00-2:00 as well because I can’t get over them and if I could side-pressure is not really a good idea.
And as a leaner, I really need the ability to monkey around better up there.

 

[raisins]

Yes, for me it’s a problem. Not all the time, but you just can’t put true side-pressure on a hang-on like you can on a dedicated saddle platform. Overall comfort and standing area increase, and you can flip the cushion to the bottom of the seat for an impromptu knee rest while sitting in your saddle, but I personally find my overall variety of shot angles is decreased by a hybrid setup.
I actually just took a hang-on down after two seasons for exactly this reason. The cables are in the way and I can’t shoot 1:00-2:00 as well because I can’t get over them and if I could side-pressure is not really a good idea.
And as a leaner, I really need the ability to monkey around better up there.

Thanks...I've decided I'm never trying a hybrid setup. I lean so much and only sit maybe 1 hour out of a 12 hour all day sit.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

I added rappelling and a crossbow to my toolkit in 2023.
In 2024 I want to try some rope climbing techniques. I’ve been eyeing NYSH and JRB and some other channels for a few years now and I will finally be diving in.
On that note, I know paracord presets are a thing but on private land, does anyone leave actual climbing rope presets? Which rope would you use and why? I’m currently rappelling with HTP and I love it for its durability and price tag but I was also intrigued by @TreeRecon testing on C-IV and I really think RescTech has some great qualities as well.