From what I've seen, most are recommending a very short stick. You have to be able to reach down and loosen the stick so you can't get too high. As soon as I finish mine I'll post up for review, but it will likely be 15-16" with a two step sewn in aider. My engineer buddy is printing out some new cam cleats for me to try so I'm excited about the possibility of having an affordable but super strong cam cleat option soon.
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Increasing efficiency for 1 stick climbing
- Thread starter Murph4028
- Start date
DanielB89
Well-Known Member
There has to be a point of diminishing return on stick length. The longer, the harder it is to pack through stuff. The longer it is, the more it'll weigh.
I try to maximize efficiency with an aider. With a 40" stick, Idk how much you'd be able to move the stick up the tree and use an aider or be able to connect to the versa button.
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- Oct 10, 2018
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I've posted about stick length somewhere but I
Optimal stick length is based on an individuals physical capabilities/limitations and personal preference but what I can tell you for sure is that in this case shorter is preferred and here's why. Once you climb up the stick from the ground, sit in your saddle then reach down and grab the stick to place it higher, you are now limited as to just how high you can place it because you need be able to reach the your method of attachment (rope mod, cam cleat etc) from your seated saddle position. Your arm length is what determines how high the stick placement can be. So any additional length you have on the stick would be below the attachment point and useless, think of it more like a weight penalty. That's the same reason you can't place the extra length above the attachment method because again from the seated saddle position you can reach down only so far to unhook your attachment. I hope this makes sense. Too long adds weight and is clumsy to pack in to. Most here use between 16" and 24" and that's where it becomes a personalized choice. As a reference I'm 5'10" and use a 24" stick with a two step aider.
Optimal stick length is based on an individuals physical capabilities/limitations and personal preference but what I can tell you for sure is that in this case shorter is preferred and here's why. Once you climb up the stick from the ground, sit in your saddle then reach down and grab the stick to place it higher, you are now limited as to just how high you can place it because you need be able to reach the your method of attachment (rope mod, cam cleat etc) from your seated saddle position. Your arm length is what determines how high the stick placement can be. So any additional length you have on the stick would be below the attachment point and useless, think of it more like a weight penalty. That's the same reason you can't place the extra length above the attachment method because again from the seated saddle position you can reach down only so far to unhook your attachment. I hope this makes sense. Too long adds weight and is clumsy to pack in to. Most here use between 16" and 24" and that's where it becomes a personalized choice. As a reference I'm 5'10" and use a 24" stick with a two step aider.
I didn't cut my 30" Hawk Helium sticks for one sticking and one works fine with an aider. If you have a platform at the top of your stick and the stick is shorter, leverage will make the stick tilt easier if you stand on the end of the step. This is just a physical fact due to leverage.
CrackbottomLouis
Well-Known Member
You guys are hitting on my exact questions. I have a new hawk helium I want to mod for one sticking and I would also like a top step platform eventually. I have the cam cleat in and my ropes. Waiting on my safeguard to rappel down.
What length do I need to cut my stick down to? Im 5'10". Was thinking a cut to 22.5 with a 2 step aider.
Should I consider getting different cleats than the ones that come on the hawks?
Will be using 6mm oplux for stick and cam cleat if that matters. I've been stalling on modding the stick because I want to make sure I do it right the first time. Couldn't find any hawk (2019 stick) one sticking mod videos with the cam cleat.
Is the artisan top step platform the only one available if I don't want to make one? Any issues with it? Does it handle side pressure well? Do you still need at least a partial ros for movement around the tree?
So many questions but can't wait to get this done and start getting up trees.
What length do I need to cut my stick down to? Im 5'10". Was thinking a cut to 22.5 with a 2 step aider.
Should I consider getting different cleats than the ones that come on the hawks?
Will be using 6mm oplux for stick and cam cleat if that matters. I've been stalling on modding the stick because I want to make sure I do it right the first time. Couldn't find any hawk (2019 stick) one sticking mod videos with the cam cleat.
Is the artisan top step platform the only one available if I don't want to make one? Any issues with it? Does it handle side pressure well? Do you still need at least a partial ros for movement around the tree?
So many questions but can't wait to get this done and start getting up trees.
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- Sep 13, 2018
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- 6,098
anyone use a beast stick for one sticking?
I was going to try it with a 20-22” aider. Or by a LWCG full length stick. The button looks pretty close to the top step on them... with a 20-22” aider also.
I see a lot of recommendations on using short sticks but that seems counter productive and would require more moves to get up the tree?
I was going to try it with a 20-22” aider. Or by a LWCG full length stick. The button looks pretty close to the top step on them... with a 20-22” aider also.
I see a lot of recommendations on using short sticks but that seems counter productive and would require more moves to get up the tree?
DB4x4
Well-Known Member
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- Jul 25, 2018
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I use a double step aider on my mini single stick. I lose nothing in terms of height per move since the first aider step is where the last hard step would be on a full size stick and the second aider step is where most guys would locate the single aider on a full size stick The mini stick is smaller, lighter, and packs better.
Your only limit on height-per-move is based on your wing span...
Can you post a close-up of that aider? Cut my Helium down last night and I'm interested in how to go about joining another section of webbing to my existing single-step aider to create a second step.
DB4x4
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No sewing here. The first step is made up of three 18" soft loop tie down straps girth hitched into one another. Similar to these:
Amazon.com: CARTMAN Soft Loop Tie-Down Straps, 6pk x 18in, 3600lbs: Automotive
Buy CARTMAN Soft Loop Tie-Down Straps, 6pk x 18in, 3600lbs: Tie Downs & Anchors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Then I took the ends, pushed them through the holes in the bottom steps and girth hitched them to the step. It is hard to see in the photo of the Hawk because I added camo vet tape over the step afterwards...
Easier to see here on my mini API
Then the second step is just a length of tubular webbing tied into the lower loop of soft loops 1 & 3.
Disclaimer: This works for me and I have never had a problem. That said, test at ground level extensively if you want to try it...
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Good deal. Thanks.
I did something similar here.
My One Stick Helium Stick Mods
Do not attempt this at home. For information only. Platform I made a platform from an aluminum fence post insert which is used to strengthen vinyl fence posts for lock attachment and such. My platorm is 12 inches long. It seems to work fine. I still need a platform for when I climb SRT...
saddlehunter.com
SemperFlightMedic
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- Sep 23, 2019
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- 212
I made a single step rope ladder. Thought about making a few steps, but instead I made it so I can adjust the length of it
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SemperFlightMedic
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- Sep 23, 2019
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I don’t think there’s enough rigidity in amsteel to make an aider. Here’s the one-step rope ladder/aider I made
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I saw one on YouTube. I think it was Avid Bowhunters of Kentucky, maybe? I don’t advocate the way that guy climbs at all, but the aider looked ok.
What rope type and size did you use?I don’t think there’s enough rigidity in amsteel to make an aider. Here’s the one-step rope ladder/aider I made
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Thanks I will look for it
SemperFlightMedic
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- Sep 23, 2019
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