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One Sticking Mishap

jcassell207 said:
I mean, it is one step vs 2-3 step.

Cam cleat you slide the rope into the cleat and pull tight

Cam buckle you have to connect and pull tight....

I guess it depends on your climbing style, how big of tree, etc....
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Same process both 3 steps - cam cleat - unhook, move stick up, re-hook rope into cleat
cam buckle - release buckle, move stick, re-tighten strap (You do not remove strap from versa button & reattach you loosen & slide strap).
 
jcassell207 said:
You have to think about what a cam cleat is really heavily used for. It's original intended purpose was for the sailing industry, to be able to run ropes and rigging quickly. The CAM cleat is meant to take a lot of abuse, but able to hold a rope tight.

While I don't think it is necessary, I do think they are more then enough for what we use them for....look at home much stress one of those are put under while sailing.
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I’m not doubting the abilities of the cleat. I’m concerned with the chance of user error - not fully seating the rope, trash hanging the cleat, ability to snag tag end & pull from cleat.

Also detaching the stick opens up the possibility to drop.
 
Cbigbear said:
I’m not doubting the abilities of the cleat. I’m concerned with the chance of user error - not fully seating the rope, trash hanging the cleat, ability to snag tag end & pull from cleat.

Also detaching the stick opens up the possibility to drop.
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Same. When I originally saw the concept, I thought it was neat and considered trying it... Until I pictured myself accidently kicking the rope out of the cleat when stepping up onto the platform.
 
Cbigbear said:
I would like to get a side by side comparison video of a cam cleat vs cam buckle climb. Just from being at saddle demo’s and conversing/watching climbers I do not see a noticeable height difference in cleat vs buckle.
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from my experience, with a cam cleat it is easier to be above your stick and release it while leaning and reaching underneath you. its a lot harder to release the buckle in the same manner. but easier to release the buckle when your off to the side of the tree and the buckle is right the at your hands, I dont have a cam cleat so i cant do both videos or i would
 
Schemeecho said:
from my experience, with a cam cleat it is easier to be above your stick and release it while leaning and reaching underneath you. its a lot harder to release the buckle in the same manner. but easier to release the buckle when your off to the side of the tree and the buckle is right the at your hands, I dont have a cam cleat so i cant do both videos or i would
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Yes trying to understand the benefits of reaching down/behind you & release vs pushing a cam buckle at say your knees?

My tether height was the same using both methods, but I find knees front easier than back & low.B445C7CC-D6A7-4827-B393-EF33D8FA0DDD.jpeg
 
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CajunSlinger said:
@Red Beard - Finished the hunt with no issues. Got back that evening and tested Madrock and looked over rope with no issues. Plan to order another Madrock and have this one as a back up. I do not use an auto block or any other back up.

@MattMan81 - Yes, when I saw the rope not set against stick when climbing past cam cleat I definitely had that feeling. Guess complacency(not wanting to drop down to re-adjust) got me. Will NOT happen again for sure!!!

Hope this is a reminder to all that although we love to hunt there are risks to climbing trees no matter what method is being used. Slow and steady is the best way to climb a tree and don’t take short cuts. If something looks or feels wrong stop and assess the situation to correct or ensure things are set correctly before moving up tree.
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I'm not sure I'd worry too much about the Madrock. Remember, these devices were originally designed as belay devices for climbers. That means they are inherently intended to absorb fall loads as their primary function. Not saying you aren't being smart in inspecting it or even buying a second one. However, I believe the device should be fine as it's intended function is safely belaying a falling climber.
 
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I have been one sticking with the cam cleat and am thinking of moving to a different system. I have never had a issue and hope to never have a issue. I keep as much slack out of the tether/repel rope as I can. I just think that someday the cam cleat will slip or the little bitty bolts holding it to the stick may break. I will be practicing 2TC before next season.
 
I’ve never understood the appeal of a cam cleat for one stick climbing. It’s never made sense to me. From a speed stand point anyway.
 
I’ve not had any problem with the cam cleats whatsoever and I’ve been one-sticking for three seasons now. However, I do have some level of modest concern with its safe functionality over the long term. I’m wondering if a halter knot or some other type of easily releasable but safe hitch or knot wouldn’t be a good “best practice” for this? Obviously, you’re always tethered to the tree already with one sticking which the implied redundancy is purposeful. However, a three or two foot drop with enough slack could do damage. It’s so important to keep that tether at or above your shoulders at all times throughout the climb. I’ve thought about a back up rope like 6mm accessory cord with stopper knots tied at 6 inch lengths to accommodate different tree widths to weave up through the slots in the top platform, around the back of the tree and then again through another slot just tight enough to keep the stick against the tree as a form of back up? Just thinking out loud not tried!!
 
Cbigbear said:
Well I know I couldn’t be the only one!!!
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Honestly it just made sense to me to leave a cam strap loose enough to be able to pull stick down a couple inches to set it. Then, the only motion on the next move is to pick it up, and set again. As a tree gets smaller, I might tighten it some as I go up. But never take it off button, never have risk of dropping stick to bottom of tree - only as far As the last set.

Cam cleat could be used the same way - but that’s not how I’ve seen people use it. At least not with the recommended half hitch from the folks who designed the cam cleat onto a stick in the first place.
 
kyler1945 said:
Honestly it just made sense to me to leave a cam strap loose enough to be able to pull stick down a couple inches to set it. Then, the only motion on the next move is to pick it up, and set again. As a tree gets smaller, I might tighten it some as I go up. But never take it off button, never have risk of dropping stick to bottom of tree - only as far As the last set.

Cam cleat could be used the same way - but that’s not how I’ve seen people use it. At least not with the recommended half hitch from the folks who designed the cam cleat onto a stick in the first place.
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Do you climb down?

It was always easier to climb down than up so it took me awhile to figure out the rappelling rage. I final realized the cam cleaters were working with an attachment below them & completely unhooking it.
 
I tried some rappelling. The appeal of having multiple ways out of the tree, and the speed of descent were considered. In the end, carrying more crap, and packing it up, defeated the spirit and purpose of one stick climbing to me. Climbing down just seemed to make more sense.

Not a method I use much these days, but if I do I just climb down.
 
I've found the daisy chain to be the fastest and most secure. I've tried all the rest of the stuff for my 1-stick, and the daisy still rules by a long shot.

This topic also deserves some mention of dualling tethers going up the tree to deal with staying connected to the tree 100% of the time, JRB style if you will.
 
BigCityBowhunter said:
I’ve been eyeing these. How are they to loosen when detaching stick/platform?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Mine will loosen easily. Smooth action. I'm going to like it. Locks down tight when you want it, but still loosens nice.
 
I didn't like it on my stick, just to complicated to get set AND removed several times a climb. I still have one on my platform, where it secures it a bit better BUT is a royal pain to get right I think.
JASmith said:
I am using the USA " ultimate stick attachment" just started, so far I like it.
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