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Question on switching to ring of steps

I haven't. I don't think using the stirrups between steps on the Ros would make it any easier to move around. Might actually be a hindrance. But, I also haven't just hung out using the stirrups, either.
Maybe someone else has tried it?
 
greg728 said:
I started out with a platform and switched to a platform plus 3 steps this year. I’m really considering just running a ring of steps for now on. The only thing is I’m used to stepping onto my platform from my top stick since it’s a bigger surface and sturdy. With a ring of steps I’m a little concerned with stepping out from my top stick to my steps. It seems like I would need my too stick closer to my ROS. Also my ocb strap gets my steps tight but there’s still some play when I step on them. Ideally I’d like them rock solid. Not sure if anyone has any tips I’d appreciate any advice
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I run 5 squirrel steps and set them above my stick height. I don't care to use my stick as an additional step because there is always a chance the stick may kick out if I put side pressure on it. With 5 steps I can still easily cover and shoot 360 degrees on even the largest trees, up to two feet in diameter.
There is aways going to be some movement in the steps no matter how tight you get your ocb strap. Step movement also depends on the type of tree and treebark. With smoothe bark trees like beech and young trees with shallow bark profiles, it is easy to get a rock solid attachment that has very little step movement. Rough bark trees are tougher because the steps either sit in a deep recess or on top of the bark ridge, both of which cause excess step movement no matter how tight you get the strap.
If you get on your ros and there's excess movement, get off and tighten up the strap again. From weighting the steps, the strap may have stretched a bit. You'll find doing this will make them feel much more secure and less likely to move.
 
greg728 said:
I started out with a platform and switched to a platform plus 3 steps this year. I’m really considering just running a ring of steps for now on. The only thing is I’m used to stepping onto my platform from my top stick since it’s a bigger surface and sturdy. With a ring of steps I’m a little concerned with stepping out from my top stick to my steps. It seems like I would need my too stick closer to my ROS. Also my ocb strap gets my steps tight but there’s still some play when I step on them. Ideally I’d like them rock solid. Not sure if anyone has any tips I’d appreciate any advice
Click to expand...
I purchased my ring of steps from Bullman. I choose the ratcheting buckle to secure mine to the tree. I used it for the first time yesterday and it worked flawlessly. Prior to yesterday I was using the Hawk "monkey bars" which use just a slip buckle. It was not a safe solution as a ring of steps because they were too loose to side load and they were noisy. The strap was NOT a cam over buckle. With a ratchet, they might have worked better. According to the reviews the cam over buckles do not secure it tight enough to the tree.
 
Swap out my Hawk seen here with my new Seeker mini(same size) abut this is the best of both worlds! One step on each side of my platform. The thing with he OCB I’d add is they are not the easiest thing to thread. I keep mine threaded by keeping my buckle attached via a short piece of amsteel with looped ends. Then I just throw he other end of strap and 1 step around the tree and hook to button. Easy peezy!

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Here is my conclusion on Ring of Steps versus platform. I’m just days shy of 61 years old, 6’2” and 230 dressed ready to hunt. I have discovered after numerous hunts this season that the added weight of the platform is worth the energy. The Bullman ring of steps works good on shorter sits, however, I’ve found that the limited landing area on the steps causes sore feet on more than 3-4 hour sets. I’m back to my mission platform in conjunction with my 6 ring of steps. This gives me 360 around the tree and a much more comfortable day in the saddle. I sit allot, however, stand at times and lean to keep limber. This is just me personally. On a side not, I’ve wore my new TX5 lone star 2.0 for the last 3 hunts. So far it’s as good as my kestrel flex aero hunter.


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Ultimately, we have to find what works for us personally. We will all be a little different so there is no one right or wrong answer to the ring of steps vs platform vs hybrid question unless it is for you or me personally. Kind of makes it fun.
 
One thing I will add is my Trophy line is heavy and not easily packable. That’s probably going to be my next upgrade. The second is a better back pack similar to Greg’s or one of Greg’s Stagg packs.


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I have a pair of I think squirrel steps. To me, they come in handy on trees that have a good spread. I can deploy them and put my feet on both branches and the ROS
 
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