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Platform advantage

Justhanginground said:
Just trying to get some stuff together before Kestrel gets here as a base. Was going to order some wild edge steps.


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I haven't used them as a platform, but you should be able to put a few together for a good platform to get you up and going.
 
best set up for me is both. Tough to beat a quality platform and 1-2 ameristeps. You take the benefits of the platform without giving up any of the versatility of steps.

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I like the climber platform idea. I can't see the use in hunting out of a saddle if I can' shoot 360 around the tree.
 
Justhanginground said:
Just trying to get some stuff together before Kestrel gets here as a base. Was going to order some wild edge steps.


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They are great as a platform- 3 covers most trees and you can spin around 360 like Boswell said - and do it quickly - big advantage over just a platform in my mind. Aside from the obvious it's also a great way to shift positions on long hunts.


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When Sportsman Warehouse was in Pittsburgh and going out of business I grabbed a bunch of ameristeps. I have six on a ratchet strap and another dozen or so as per sets. They make the best platform but I also bought some step ladders and will give them a try to.
 
yes platforms suck. Since I am just a generous man, for those of you silly enough to have ever contemplated building a kelmz platform, or one after my cam over design, .... I will purchase them no questions asked for 15 bucks.... they are worthless and should otherwise be thrown in the junk pile..... I am just feeling generous
 
I've been really happy with the XOP hand climber and 3 ameristeps on one strap and an ocb.

It's probably not as secure as Ernie's but it's my run and gun climbing system, if I can't toss the throw lines. It's nice having 2 climbing systems, the ability to rappel and self rescue all under 16lbs. I still want some muddy pros though lol

I've learned to move 360 obviously starting from the platform and I can do it with just my feet. The trick I learned(took me way too long to figure this out) is to put the steps above the platform so as you move and wrap up your tether the position is about the same.

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donnieballgame said:
The trick I learned(took me way too long to figure this out) is to put the steps above the platform so as you move and wrap up your tether the position is about the same.

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That is key. I set up every tree I use screw in spikes on like that.
 
I just recently bought a platform. I find it much more comfortable than steps. Maybe because I am not a "dainty" fellow. I found my feet while not entirely uncomfortable required me to do more shifting around to transfer weight to a new spot. I think it may have to do with rope angle as your feet are in front or the tree rather than beside. This allows me to get away with a slightly higher tether height which makes circling the tree easier. Also as others have mentioned the shots that are behind you are much easier as you can stand on the platform and almost turn around.
I personally like a platform much better than ameristeps. But that is JMO.

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I like ameristeps better than a platform. Interesting how preferences differ on this site. Maybe my woody elite muck boots offer more support than other boots. My feet do not bother me.
 
Candidly, I go back and forth. Have yet to find my favorite solution. I hate the way the ameristeps pack up and I’m not a fan of the ratchet but they are much more comfortable than using the top of my sticks (last seasons solution). My cheap ass boots could be part of the issue too...I’m not getting any younger. I really liked the tandem Jim stepp set up with the top of my sticks...one time, then I botched a setup the second time and endured a painful sit when the stepps were uneven and I was too lazy to unhook and try to level (I acknowledge more practice is key) Been hunting out of a saddle style setup so long that I’m a little out of practice installing the hang-on style platform quietly, but man, once that puppy set it, it was awesome. It’s been a while since I’ve had that level of both comfort and confidence in my foot rest. No slippage, minor shifting, etc. was worth the additional cussing trying to find a quiet way to attach to my pack. They’ve all got +/-‘s and everyone has varying degrees of practice and experience so take reviews with a grain of salt.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
I like ameristeps better than a platform. Interesting how preferences differ on this site. Maybe my woody elite muck boots offer more support than other boots. My feet do not bother me.
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This topic to me demonstrates one of the major attractions of this site. Everyone here has an opinion and it is respected and no one is demeaned for their viewpoint. No one is demanding their idea is better and demeaning others for their differing opinion. Great give and take discussion thanks to a great bunch of guys.
 
boyne bowhunter said:
This topic to me demonstrates one of the major attractions of this site. Everyone here has an opinion and it is respected and no one is demeaned for their viewpoint. No one is demanding their idea is better and demeaning others for their differing opinion. Great give and take discussion thanks to a great bunch of guys.
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Yes sir. My favorite forum on the web.

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boyne bowhunter said:
This topic to me demonstrates one of the major attractions of this site. Everyone here has an opinion and it is respected and no one is demeaned for their viewpoint. No one is demanding their idea is better and demeaning others for their differing opinion. Great give and take discussion thanks to a great bunch of guys.
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There are many advantages over ratcheted on steps that a platform gives you and I would even say screw in steps. But to me the biggest advantage is my ability to have 360 shooting with very minimal movement… I would challenge anyone to do a video side by side showing 360 shooting and associated movement....I'm pretty sure it would become very obvious in short order how affective and easy it is to move on a platform and get 360 shooting as opposed to swinging around a tree .
 
Sounds like most prefer platform for comfort over steps. I used ameristeps this fall and sat between 6 & 8 hours at a time and didn't really have any noticeable discomfort in my feet. My gear addiction is telling my to pull the trigger on one to try it even though I don't think I will benefit from one lol.

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