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Given the choice?

S

slickyboyboo

New Member
Joined
Oct 17, 2015
Messages
21
Would you rather use some of the older aluminum API strap on steps, or the Ameristep strap steps for your platform?


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Personally I like the aluminum steps because they are more compact for packing, but I know many people like the ameristeps because they have a wider step. I use both.
 
I've tried both and I didn't like the API steps at all. I actually ended up selling them to Redsquirrel :)

I didn't feel like they were as solid on the tree and were noisier than the Ameristeps.
 
I mainly use Jim Stepps where feasible. If I am going mobile then I might carry a strap with 3-4 of the Ameristeps on a boat buckle strap. However, now with my platform I am not carrying any steps. Just platform and top of my Helium stick. If it is a really large tree I will use one Jim Stepp to the left of my platform (so I have a Jim Stepp to my left and top of helium stick to my right). 80% of the time it will be just my platform and Helium stick.

In Ohio, since I have to fly - I plan on using the strap with 4 steps (more compact).
 
Also, there are 2 different versions that I know of of the aluminum strap on steps.
 
redsquirrel said:
Also, there are 2 different versions that I know of of the aluminum strap on steps.
Click to expand...

Actually there are 3 types, 2 are similar, and the strap goes through a slot on the front side of the step (difference in these 2, is that the slot is open in the middle on one, and the other is completely closed).

The other has a closed slot for the strap, on the back of the step. This is the type I have.

0f4886eafbfc933bcbc31d5decda6ac0.jpg


942de62fb68b383a56f39ec6adde3a5e.jpg


00f96b8f6b3cd6782b2653952f8b0111.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
slickyboyboo said:
redsquirrel said:
Also, there are 2 different versions that I know of of the aluminum strap on steps.
Click to expand...

Actually there are 3 types, 2 are similar, and the strap goes through a slot on the front side of the step (difference in these 2, is that the slot is open in the middle on one, and the other is completely closed).

The other has a closed slot for the strap, on the back of the step. This is the type I have.

0f4886eafbfc933bcbc31d5decda6ac0.jpg


942de62fb68b383a56f39ec6adde3a5e.jpg


00f96b8f6b3cd6782b2653952f8b0111.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Ok, I have not seen that first version. And actually I just remembered I have another slightly different version too, not sure who it is made by. If you are interested in the plastic ameristeps I would trade for some of the steps in your second picture with the slot on the front of the step.
 
I've got plenty of the Ameristeps, and 4 of the api steps in the last pic, but that's it. Was looking to sell the Ameristeps, but may carry both with me to IL this next week, and try them out. I've not used this platform method yet, and was just wanting opinions.


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Is the boat buckle gonna get tighter than the ratchet strap. Please weigh in and let me know. I don't wanna pay 25 if it ain't any better.
 
huck72412 said:
Is the boat buckle gonna get tighter than the ratchet strap. Please weigh in and let me know. I don't wanna pay 25 if it ain't any better.
Click to expand...

I dont think mine gets tighter, but its quieter and faster. Snug it up and over center the buckle and your done.
 
kenn1320 said:
huck72412 said:
Is the boat buckle gonna get tighter than the ratchet strap. Please weigh in and let me know. I don't wanna pay 25 if it ain't any better.
Click to expand...

I dont think mine gets tighter, but its quieter and faster. Snug it up and over center the buckle and your done.
Click to expand...
Agreed, I don't think it will get tighter but it is quiet, fast, and something we haven't talked about is it comes off the tree way easier than a ratchet.

BTW we are getting that buckle for around 10 bucks on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00144 ... detailpage
 
I think it can be actually just as tight if you really cam it over. I have broke a couple ratchet straps trying to get them tighter on tree. I think their length actually makes them hard to get really snug? Anyways, with the boat buckle, I have not had the step slip I had with the ratchet straps..... could be because there is more tree to strap contact at buckle???? Who ever came up with this option deserves a cold beer or two for sure. Same with the ropeman1 suggestions - two awesome mods/suggestions!!!!!!
 
I've used the Boat Buckle on 4 or 5 hunts now and I much prefer it over the ratchet strap I used for 4 or 5 years. It's quiet, simple and fast. Down side for me is that it doesn't work very well on oddly shaped trees. When the tree is a pretty much round, I can get it super tight. However, I've put it on a few trees that had knobs or were more oblong than round. On these trees I had trouble getting the buckle tight enough.

Now that I'm using a custom double top step on my LW sticks I'm considering going down to only 2 Ameristeps. Once I get around to making a DaveT platform, I might not use any steps at all. That would be platform Nirvana.
 
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