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Jibber-Jabberin' about Carbon Fiber Bolts

BayouBeauxhunter said:
Talking about safety, I’ve always wondered what would happen catching the step of a “safe” climbing stick just right after a slip and fall. Hopefully I never find out. The best thing that will increase your odds of returning home safely is to stay attached to the tree, period! Even then there is no guarantee of not getting hurt, possibly just mitigate damage.
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I've read about more commercial stick failures than grade8 bolt failures...the risk isn't just slipping either.
 
mattsteg said:
I've read about more commercial stick failures than grade8 bolt failures...the risk isn't just slipping either.
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A stick failure scares me more than a bolt failure. I have had one spin out on me, but if a step were to fail instead it would leave the rest of the stick there to impale you... I feel like the CF bolt would sheer at the edge of the hole and not be at risk of impaling you. Then, it is just a matter of properly utilizing a linesman belt and knowing how to recover.


All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx
 
MenneDDR said:
I am new at all of this.... and on the bigger side 6’4 and 260/280 with gear on.
Would you use these corben step? And what size? I guess the steel one will always work but can bet the weight factor.
Any information would great.
Thanks.
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I used carbon bolts last year. I jumped on them as hard as I could at ground level after I heard a couple guys had one break on them. I had no trouble all season but I was thinking about it all the time. They’re so light it’s hard to not use them. I’m about your size. Maybe 10 lbs lighter.


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PJC said:
I used carbon bolts last year. I jumped on them as hard as I could at ground level after I heard a couple guys had one break on them. I had no trouble all season but I was thinking about it all the time. They’re so light it’s hard to not use them. I’m about your size. Maybe 10 lbs lighter.


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you use 3/8" or 1/2"? 6" length or 8"?
 
Murph4028 said:
you use 3/8" or 1/2"? 6" length or 8"?
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3/8”. I had the bolts cut to 6.5” lengths when I bought them. I looked into 1/2” carbon fiber bolts but it was double the price. Im still considering titanium.


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PJC said:
3/8”. I had the bolts cut to 6.5” lengths when I bought them. I looked into 1/2” carbon fiber bolts but it was double the price. Im still considering titanium.


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Ya, $88 per 96” stick is a bit hard to swallow



All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx
 
ca43585901bb41b4c4114e659f32b50f.jpg



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Prog27 said:
65 Shell Bandolier Ammo Belt Sling Black by WM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BRRWCAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6A3KCbV3YRQ64
You can cut this up and mod for a carrying system. Has 65 rd capacity so you have plenty of options or can make several bolt carrying systems. Thought I’d throw that out there.
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That's a lot better option than the Allen model I've been using! You could buy this and have 4 holders for 15 bolts. Mine is getting a bit ratty after a year and will need replacing. $10 a pop isn't bad, but $2.50 is even better.

I can't find the pics, but you can also zip tie these to the bottom of a predator platform. Wear the platform like a satchel and you've got everything you need in one convenient package.
 
Nutterbuster said:
That's a lot better option than the Allen model I've been using! You could buy this and have 4 holders for 15 bolts. Mine is getting a bit ratty after a year and will need replacing. $10 a pop isn't bad, but $2.50 is even better.

I can't find the pics, but you can also zip tie these to the bottom of a predator platform. Wear the platform like a satchel and you've got everything you need in one convenient package.
Click to expand...
Satchel idea is intriguing! Maybe I’ll play with that idea.
 
Nutterbuster said:
That's a lot better option than the Allen model I've been using! You could buy this and have 4 holders for 15 bolts. Mine is getting a bit ratty after a year and will need replacing. $10 a pop isn't bad, but $2.50 is even better.

I can't find the pics, but you can also zip tie these to the bottom of a predator platform. Wear the platform like a satchel and you've got everything you need in one convenient package.
Click to expand...
It’s a decent quality too. Like you said for $2.50 a pop. What the heck
 
PJC said:
3/8”. I had the bolts cut to 6.5” lengths when I bought them. I looked into 1/2” carbon fiber bolts but it was double the price. Im still considering titanium.


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Same here. 3/8" at 6.5" length. Good enough for my cheeseburger breath

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Hypothetical question. Given a choice would you feel safer stepping on a 3/8" CF bolt or a cast aluminum seat platform attached to a tree? Both have examples of failure with improper use.

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BassBoysLLP said:
Hypothetical question. Given a choice would you feel safer stepping on a 3/8" CF bolt or a cast aluminum seat platform attached to a tree? Both have examples of failure with improper use.

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I would use my tether before transferring to the platform. I could also use my tether while climbing but don’t unless I’m using the hand climber.
 
I admit I am guilty of skipping the tether attachment especially with spurs.

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