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Lone Wolf Custom Gear Kuhnert Ambush Bent bolt/Fix

Nutterbuster said:
Maybe. I'm not a fan of how it cams over, but I think the shape and size is about right.

I really think LWCG was smart to send backpack straps with it. Maybe that's what the $20 increase was? I know personally, putting the straps on and putting it on my back was an "aha" moment. I'm really thinking that LWCG might have made sticks and a platform finally "make sense" for a saddle hunter. Everything else I've seen is just too much to try and pack in a backpack.
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It all comes down to a system. Some guys want to carry in 5 pounds, others don't mind carrying in 25. For me, if the weight is distributed right and there aren't any pressure points, i'm not as sensitive to the actual weight i'm carrying. I can't imagine any climbing system out there comparing to my sticks. I seriously cant. I don't know of anything else I can use 4 of and get 20' without a multi-step aider. Sure, it weighs a little more, but, i manage well. It's also a system that allows me to add cold weather gear without any problems.

At the end of the day, it's all about what you want.

Saddle hunting with sticks and platform is the only way it ever made sense to me. I can't stand a ROS. I want to be slightly away from the tree.
 
Nutterbuster said:
Maybe. I'm not a fan of how it cams over, but I think the shape and size is about right.

I really think LWCG was smart to send backpack straps with it. Maybe that's what the $20 increase was? I know personally, putting the straps on and putting it on my back was an "aha" moment. I'm really thinking that LWCG might have made sticks and a platform finally "make sense" for a saddle hunter. Everything else I've seen is just too much to try and pack in a backpack.
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I'm prety sure the $20 increase was for shippiong so the could charge flat rate 9.99. Regardless of weight, that package size is over 12" so theres a good chance it gets a dimensinal weight(depending on carrier) rather than actual weight.
 
DanielB89 said:
It all comes down to a system.
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Absolutely. All of my gear works together. Changing one thing causes a ripple effect and means something else has to be changed.

I love, love, love my treehopper and bolts. You can't beat a coke-can sized climbing method and platform. I can get up any tree, and my "platform" will absolutely never shift or make any noise. Throw that, a kite, and some kneepads in a small backpack, and I can go for miles and miles on foot, bike, or canoe. 0 problem getting on hot sign and away from pressure.

The small package means I can use a small pack. Adding sticks and a platform means I can't use my small pack. Gotta use a frame pack. Gotta tie stuff on. Got stuff dangling and hanging far away from my body. Hate, hate, hate it.

Packing sticks on the LWCG should keep the heavy stuff close and tight to my body, making the 12lbs feel like much less. Hopefully.

Like you say, it's all about finding that system where everything just clicks together and works without having to think about it and fool with it. If my gear ever makes itself known outside of when I'm using it, it's garbage in my eyes. My headlamp might stay on my head all day. It's there easily accessible when I need it. My Doyle's is hidden in my pack, until I need it. My compass is on my shoulder, for when I need it.

I want my "stand" to be out of my dang way...until I need it.
 
Nutterbuster said:
My headlamp might stay on my head all day
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you never know when the sun may go out and need that light mid day, huh? ;)

I am with you. I think you and I are a little different build too. You're a slim jim, and i'm a plump jim. haha.

I am glad to see you've finally discovered how good a platform can be though! :blush:
 
Nutterbuster said:
Maybe. I'm not a fan of how it cams over, but I think the shape and size is about right.

I really think LWCG was smart to send backpack straps with it. Maybe that's what the $20 increase was? I know personally, putting the straps on and putting it on my back was an "aha" moment. I'm really thinking that LWCG might have made sticks and a platform finally "make sense" for a saddle hunter. Everything else I've seen is just too much to try and pack in a backpack.
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The issue I've always had with platform/sticks is they're grabby and awkward to pack in a pack, and not much better on a pack (unless you go big). The other route that's jumped to my mind is a minimal pack frame with a clear area to strap stuff without any snaggy bits around, a minimal pack/pouch for basics, and a compression panel or something for clothes.
 
Nutterbuster said:
Mine seems fine with the exception of a crooked versabutton. I've put it on 3 or 4 trees, and like it more than I liked the predator. Bigger is better for me with platforms apparently. With the predator my feet were always mushed together and I had to use the edge of the platform all the time. With this one I can spread my feet naturally and actually walk around on the surface of the platform.

It packs on my back awesome. Really looking forward to putting the minis on it. That, a fanny pack, the tactisaddle, and the hickory creek might be super awesome.

I think that because it's so wide, it's inevitable that you're going to get some flex and movement if you shift your weight from side to side. This can cause it to make a little noise as the teeth move on the bark. Not a huge fan of this, but I think it might get better as I get better at camming it. Maybe?

I know for me it's still easier to bow up on an OCB on a ROA than it is to cam over a platform just right.

I really like the sandy grip on the top of the platform. Even with wet rubber boots, there's no feeling that you'll slip or slide.

Like the predator, if you put pressure wrong on the platform's toothy side, you can uncam it. It's a little easier on the bigger platform because theres more material to leverage.

Overall, I'm still kinda in the "curious" stage. If I like the profile of sticks on it, and can easily strap heavy clothes to it while keeping my normal gear and Doyle's hoist in a fanny pack, then I see using it. Some days it'd be nice to just throw 4 sticks up, cam the platform, and lean back a while to give my drilling arms and saddle butt a rest.

If I could change anything, I'd make it maybe 3" shorter (closer to tree) and stiffen it up to eliminate side to side play.
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Mine was drilled good, but the problem I'm having is the popping at the platform and tree contact. I think this is caused from the bite at camming and when it's cammed over there is a lot of flat surface area against the tree, so once it moves it's loose and pops. I think the teeth need to come to a point so when cammed they will dig in and stay put, maybe even less teeth.
 
So Andrae called me twice. I picked up this afternoon. Super impressed.

He called to let me know the replacement bolt situation. He said that it didn't pose a safety issue, but that it was bending under load for some people if the strap wasn't close to the post. He said the new bolt had a thick shoulder and would fix that. I told him that mine appeared to be drilled crooked. He immediately said (paraphrasing pretty closely),

"Well that's no good. Try this for me. If you get a chance reinstall it. We've had some sticks where they weren't threaded correctly, and if we unscrewed and retightened them they went in straight. If that and the new bolt doesn't work, let me know and I'll just send you a new post. It's safe to hunt with in the meantime."

He was adamant that he wanted it to be right for me, and that they were not happy with the manufacturer and would be working with a different one going forward.

I can't be too mad with them honestly.
 
Bwhana said:
You just described the Ridge Runner! :)
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If ridge runner platform was rotated 180*, I think it would be useful. I must be crazy, but I can’t understand why everyone builds platforms like hang on platforms. You spend 99% of your time facing the tree, why not have useable space where it makes sense when you’re facing the tree, not away?
 
Nutterbuster said:
So Andrae called me twice. I picked up this afternoon. Super impressed.

He called to let me know the replacement bolt situation. He said that it didn't pose a safety issue, but that it was bending under load for some people if the strap wasn't close to the post. He said the new bolt had a thick shoulder and would fix that. I told him that mine appeared to be drilled crooked. He immediately said (paraphrasing pretty closely),

"Well that's no good. Try this for me. If you get a chance reinstall it. We've had some sticks where they weren't threaded correctly, and if we unscrewed and retightened them they went in straight. If that and the new bolt doesn't work, let me know and I'll just send you a new post. It's safe to hunt with in the meantime."

He was adamant that he wanted it to be right for me, and that they were not happy with the manufacturer and would be working with a different one going forward.

I can't be too mad with them honestly.
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Two calls? He must really like you
 
Nugget said:
Two calls? He must really like you
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He called me twice too... he and I spoke for nearly 30 minutes. He was apathetic and mentioned trying to fix the problem. I can live with that. I am not happy about all of it, but with the way management is working, I can live with it.....for now.

I do expect it'll be fixed when the others are fixed
 
DanielB89 said:
He called me twice too... he and I spoke for nearly 30 minutes. He was apathetic and mentioned trying to fix the problem. I can live with that. I am not happy about all of it, but with the way management is working, I can live with it.....for now.

I do expect it'll be fixed when the others are fixed
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Lol, he didn't seem apathetic to me. Apologetic, maybe? ;)
 
I haven't gotten a call yet ... but I'm glad he's personally calling you guys and letting us know what he's doing on the issue.
 
I have to say I not impressed with any of these “premium” overpriced products.

I had the LWCG compact sticks, treestand and this ambush platform. Obviously this platform has its fair share of problems. The sticks I had were nice. I liked how far from the tree the step was but the waterjet marks were pretty rough and had steps drilled off center and would only flip one direction. The finish on the stand was awful and whoever assembled the stand tightened the platform to post to tight and bent that...so I was told. Now I think it drilled off center... not impressed with any of it.

I bought 5 beast sticks on the first batch. I bent a couple of tree brackets and had some issues with the cam buckle straps binding up. I ordered another 4 from the latest batch. Took them on one outing bent 3 steps, 2 tree brackets and 3 tubes. They must of went to cheaper aluminum or something. The hardware they use is also subpar. They also don’t pack very well either. I have a love hate relationship with them.

I think we will see more of the big companies jumping on the mobile hunting train and the prices should be a lot more realistic. If not, then I will be going back to muddy pro sticks.
 
So i got the new button in the mail today. It's an XOP I believe. Works, but I found the issue, and it's gonna be easy to fix. I'll post pics when I have better signal. Out hunting on it (and the new trophyline saddle :) now).

Basically, the bolt isn't bent, and the hole isnt crooked. The waterjetting left a shard of metal wedged between the post and the nut, which tilted the bolt. 30 seconds with a file and I should be gtg.
 
enkriss said:
I have to say I not impressed with any of these “premium” overpriced products.

I had the LWCG compact sticks, treestand and this ambush platform. Obviously this platform has its fair share of problems. The sticks I had were nice. I liked how far from the tree the step was but the waterjet marks were pretty rough and had steps drilled off center and would only flip one direction. The finish on the stand was awful and whoever assembled the stand tightened the platform to post to tight and bent that...so I was told. Now I think it drilled off center... not impressed with any of it.

I bought 5 beast sticks on the first batch. I bent a couple of tree brackets and had some issues with the cam buckle straps binding up. I ordered another 4 from the latest batch. Took them on one outing bent 3 steps, 2 tree brackets and 3 tubes. They must of went to cheaper aluminum or something. The hardware they use is also subpar. They also don’t pack very well either. I have a love hate relationship with them.

I think we will see more of the big companies jumping on the mobile hunting train and the prices should be a lot more realistic. If not, then I will be going back to muddy pro sticks.
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I am surprised with all the people cutting the Heliums down they have not come out with a mini. I bet they would not be able to keep up at all if they cam out with a 2 step 22" or 20" stick.
 
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