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Calling All Ameristep Users!

GBlevins92

Well-Known Member
Nov 27, 2016
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Well Done!!!!


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Cory T

Active Member
Mar 6, 2018
189
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Man I really like these. I already have ameristeps and really like them. @Nutterbuster are they worth the switch? What are the benefits of switching?
 

Nutterbuster

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 12, 2017
10,069
24,822
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Where the skys are so blue!
Man I really like these. I already have ameristeps and really like them. @Nutterbuster are they worth the switch? What are the benefits of switching?
I've logged over 50 hours on the new squirrel steps. They are lighter and more compact, and I've logged 10 hours at one go on them. Comfort isn't an issue.

At just a scooch over 1lb and small enough to cram in a cargo pocket, its the lightest and most versatile option on the market.

They are absolutely worth the switch. I've used bolts, ameristeps, wild edge steps, and the predator, as well as various discontinued aluminum steps. Squirrel steps are legit, and cheaper than a predator, I might add.
08b594a263969ef10595e6a1d0131ae1.jpg


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Cory T

Active Member
Mar 6, 2018
189
147
43
41
I've logged over 50 hours on the new squirrel steps. They are lighter and more compact, and I've logged 10 hours at one go on them. Comfort isn't an issue.

At just a scooch over 1lb and small enough to cram in a cargo pocket, its the lightest and most versatile option on the market.

They are absolutely worth the switch. I've used bolts, ameristeps, wild edge steps, and the predator, as well as various discontinued aluminum steps. Squirrel steps are legit, and cheaper than a predator, I might add.
08b594a263969ef10595e6a1d0131ae1.jpg


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Well you have sold me! The coffee cup as well as your description and experience with the steps have made my mind up. Thanks for the quick response.
 
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swampsnyper

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2015
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@redsquirrel and @Nutterbuster and who ever else been using the new version squirrel steps. What’s the verdict? Best ROS step out there? Do you rather the strap slot all the way at the top or down a little bit? Performs different with vet wrap? Are they your go to steps now?
 
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DaveT1963

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Dec 2, 2014
3,511
5,467
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These look great. I am curious why the flat back? I would think some sort of lip near the bottom would help these bite into the bark and not move as much with side pressure
 
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DanO

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Jun 14, 2018
1,939
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Michigan
doublesteps.com
@redsquirrel and @Nutterbuster and who ever else been using the new version squirrel steps. What’s the verdict? Best ROS step out there? Do you rather the strap slot all the way at the top or down a little bit? Performs different with vet wrap? Are they your go to steps now?
I'll let the pros and customers respond to swampsnyper.

These look great. I am curious why the flat back? I would think some sort of lip near the bottom would help these bite into the bark and not move as much with side pressure
We went back and forth in the design process, not sure which specific pages in this thread, but the consensus was that the tabs/lips didn't help and weren't necessary. We went flat and had them test it out. They don't move once locked in and set with a quick release OCB and strap.
 
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redsquirrel

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Feb 19, 2014
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@redsquirrel and @Nutterbuster and who ever else been using the new version squirrel steps. What’s the verdict? Best ROS step out there? Do you rather the strap slot all the way at the top or down a little bit? Performs different with vet wrap? Are they your go to steps now?
Definitely the best availabe. I've used my new 3/4" ones on 2 hunts now. They are pretty comparable to my golden bucks. I'm honestly not sure if having the slot of the top or down a little matters. My brain tells me that having it up a little higher offers a little more stability but I haven't really been able to prove it. The first hunt I may have needed to get them a little tighter because they did rock a little side to side. More of a pivot around the axis. For a strap on step this is not a big deal to me- as long as they're not sliding down. The second hunt I had them absolutely rock solid with no movement. I would carry this over ameristeps any day for the bulk savings personally. I think my prototype might have squeaked a little without vet wrap tape. I put it on all the steps I hunt with anyways and I have never had any squeaks. No squeaks the past 2 hunts.
 

Nutterbuster

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 12, 2017
10,069
24,822
113
Where the skys are so blue!
@redsquirrel and @Nutterbuster and who ever else been using the new version squirrel steps. What’s the verdict? Best ROS step out there? Do you rather the strap slot all the way at the top or down a little bit? Performs different with vet wrap? Are they your go to steps now?
They are the cat's pajamas. Definitely the best ROS I've had the pleasure of using. The prototype vs final production design had no real difference. I believe all Dano did was chop off the "nub" above the strap. The strap position relative to the strap didn't change.

The vet wrap makes them 100% silent to use. No jangling around on the strap, and 2ith the flat sides they pack together very well. Some of the discontinued aluminum steps squeaked on the tree without the wrap, but the finish on these prevents that.

They are definitely my go-tos.
 

swampsnyper

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2015
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Warrior, Al
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@DanO, got an idea for you. I always find the sewn loop, where the flat hook is in the strap, always where I need a step. With the buckle, the sewn loop, and room to cam over, it takes up enough real estate that I need a step in that area. I don’t know if this is something you can get done, may just be a diy project for me but what about sewing a step in that loop with the flat hook or make a step that has a hook on its side. Or maybe just a step with a wider slot that can fit a doubled up strap. Then you could just slide it over the looped end right up against the flat hook. Really would help on smaller tree set ups.

Maybe it already can slide over that loop on your straps. I have a diy strap made of tubular webbing, so it’s too thick. Hmmmm.
Anyone try it?
 

Oakridge

Well-Known Member
Aug 10, 2018
625
577
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@swampsnyper i was feeling the same way, it was just a little too far a spacing on the steps. I have the strap from strapworks that a lot of people bought. I taped my steps up with camo hockey tape and was still able to get the step over the sewn part near the hook (it took some elbow grease). I also like this how that step doesn’t slide and makes it easier for me to get consistent spacing. Hope this helps!
 
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swampsnyper

Well-Known Member
Mar 10, 2015
4,463
6,523
113
47
Warrior, Al
LOCATION
MS
@swampsnyper i was feeling the same way, it was just a little too far a spacing on the steps. I have the strap from strapworks that a lot of people bought. I taped my steps up with camo hockey tape and was still able to get the step over the sewn part near the hook (it took some elbow grease). I also like this how that step doesn’t slide and makes it easier for me to get consistent spacing. Hope this helps!

Good to know. I just ordered DanO strap to see if it tracks better than what I have. It will be good to be able to slide it up against the hook.
 
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DanO

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Jun 14, 2018
1,939
3,267
113
Michigan
doublesteps.com
@DanO, got an idea for you. I always find the sewn loop, where the flat hook is in the strap, always where I need a step. With the buckle, the sewn loop, and room to cam over, it takes up enough real estate that I need a step in that area. I don’t know if this is something you can get done, may just be a diy project for me but what about sewing a step in that loop with the flat hook or make a step that has a hook on its side. Or maybe just a step with a wider slot that can fit a doubled up strap. Then you could just slide it over the looped end right up against the flat hook. Really would help on smaller tree set ups.

Maybe it already can slide over that loop on your straps. I have a diy strap made of tubular webbing, so it’s too thick. Hmmmm.
Anyone try it?

In our destructive testing of SquirrelSteps we used two straps through the slot. It took just a little pushing and wiggling to get them through, but it worked.
 
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