While I'm patiently waiting for my Kestrel I have been researching between sticks and tree steps. I almost purchased the Muddy pro sticks when I remembered I had some sticks I bought years ago in the woods. I thought they were low quality but after retrieving them they seem nice. In fact maybe the helium sticks with the F&S name on them. Hoping you guys can help me with some questions with a rope modification. Can I use this button as a versa button? What size rope should I order for the 3/8' gap? What kind of rope should I purchase or can I go to the local box store and get some braided nylon rope? I'm debating on using a mixture of sticks and steps. My sticks weigh 9lbs and my handful of Crawford steps weigh 5lbs. I just don't like how long it takes me to screw in the steps. My plan is to use a stick with a 3 step aider on the bottom, 5 screw in steps and then a stick on top using the top of it for half a platform. State land I would use all 3 sticks. I do like the idea of cutting the sticks down to a two step model but ill wait to see how these are to pack in. Thanks for your time guys!!