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Question on switching to ring of steps

greg728

greg728

Active Member
SH Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2021
Messages
192
Location
Pennsylvania
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
 
I one stick and run a 3 ROS at 9/12/3 position on a OCB. I install them while I’m on my bottom step of my one stick and set them slightly higher than my one stick. Most of my weight is in the saddle and the steps are there to help my hold position around the tree
 
I’ve tinkered with this a couple times. In my opinion I feel like you kind of need to use your top step of your top stick almost like a mini platform or as part of the ROS. I found it easiest to basically sit or heavily lean into the saddle so most of your weight is off your feet and you can kind of tip toe around your ROS and top stick step. Doing it this way worked the best for me and was effortless to rotate around the tree. Also you don’t have to worry as much about the steps shifting since you’re not putting your full weight on them.

When sitting still in the tree, I would basically rest my heels on the outer edges of the top stick steps (assuming you use double steps) and the toes on the first ROS steps to the left and right of the top stick step, if all that makes sense. Or just straddle the tree a bit and test your feet on the first ROS steps like riding a motorcycle.
 
I've been using 5 steps, but haven't had the top step of the stick or platform since using the sladder. 5 gets around most any basketball sized trees, 6 wouldn't hurt.

I do find peeing from a Ros is challenging, especially with bibs on....lol
 
I use a ratchet strap and 6 ameristeps. Pretty much dedicated last 4 seasons. I couldn't get used to an OCB, just me. With the ratchet, they are solid. Like was mentioned, I attach standing on the bottom step of my top stick, under my lineman. I use Tethrd One sticks. Works out to a "half step" onto the ROS. I even my steps around the tree, the ratchet usually making the largest gap. On a "basketball size" tree,I like my feet to touch two steps if I'm straddling the tree.

Sent from my SM-A526U1 using Tapatalk
 
htimsds9999 said:
I've been using 5 steps, but haven't had the top step of the stick or platform since using the sladder. 5 gets around most any basketball sized trees, 6 wouldn't hurt.

I do find peeing from a Ros is challenging, especially with bibs on....lol
Click to expand...
Is it that difficult to whiz from a ROS?
 
greg728 said:
Is it that difficult to whiz from a ROS?
Click to expand...
Combination of less relstate for your feet to begin with, and not being able to take all you weight off the tether... certainly doable, just not near as enjoyable an experience. With a lot of clothes and the cold, Jr tends to be a little bashful, and takes some prodding to make an appearance

Sent from my SM-A526U1 using Tapatalk
 
I've switched between ROS and a platform a few times over the seasons. When I do use a ROS, I like to put a single step at the 6 o'clock position, a pair at the 4 o'clock, a pair at 8 o'clock, and a single step on the backside of the tree at 12 o'clock. This gives me mobility to switch up positions for longer hunts while having a comfortable pair for straddling the tree.

There should be plenty of threads on the forums on how to get your OCB tight. The trick that works for me is to set your OCB, uncam it, pull out a little more slack and then cam it over again. My biggest complaint about using an OCB is trying to gain enough leverage on the lever while hanging from a tether.

When it comes to answering the call from mother nature, I don't do it much differently than I would from a platform. Takes a few extra steps but in essence I turn around and lean against my tether on my shoulder. Gives you plenty of clearance to keep from turning your gear into a scent wick.
 
Everyone has to find their own system of what works for them. I own a predator and a predator xl. My son usually saddle hunts about one day a year and he’ll use the xl. I carry a ROS. I run 5 old aluminum sky hooks on an ocb and strap from EWO. If you think you’ll run them super tight carry an extra ocb. I broke one on a hunt last year or the year before. I really wanted to fall in love with the squirrel steps but after having the 1” wide sky hooks I didn’t like the way the 3/4” steps felt underfoot. They were a little squishy feeling.
Why do I prefer a ROS over a platform? I find the ROS more comfortable. I like to sit with my knees in the tree about half the time. On a platform that puts my knees past my toes and that’s a comfort killer for me. It also just packs easier.
Others have encouraged me to add a step to either side of the platform. It may be the best of both worlds but I can be comfortable enough without the platform and all the extra setup and that comes with them. If I end a hunt early it’s not because of my hips, feet, or knees it’s something mental.
Platforms are the easiest to transition to when coming from a hang on. If someone’s comfortable on a platform there’s really no reason to switch. They definitely have their advantages when it comes to moving quickly and quietly for a shot.
 
Wow I wrote a book without even addressing your question. How solid a step is will vary from tree to tree. There’s a fine line between tight enough and too tight to cam over. The bigger the tree the harder it is to get them solid. More strap in use to stretch and variations in tree shape. Some trees you’ll have to cam the buckle over, then release it and take up some slack and go again.
You didn’t say what step you were using. The 3/4” steps were a no go for me. They are plenty stable as not to go anywhere but they messed with my confidence. The ameristeps plastic were super solid but at 2” wide they didn’t pack as well. You just have to find a balance that you’re happy with.
 
Westdesign03 said:
I’ve tinkered with this a couple times. In my opinion I feel like you kind of need to use your top step of your top stick almost like a mini platform or as part of the ROS. I found it easiest to basically sit or heavily lean into the saddle so most of your weight is off your feet and you can kind of tip toe around your ROS and top stick step. Doing it this way worked the best for me and was effortless to rotate around the tree. Also you don’t have to worry as much about the steps shifting since you’re not putting your full weight on them.

When sitting still in the tree, I would basically rest my heels on the outer edges of the top stick steps (assuming you use double steps) and the toes on the first ROS steps to the left and right of the top stick step, if all that makes sense. Or just straddle the tree a bit and test your feet on the first ROS steps like riding a motorcycle.
Click to expand...
I do the heel toe thing you mentioned just like you said on my top WE Step.
 
EricS said:
Wow I wrote a book without even addressing your question. How solid a step is will vary from tree to tree. There’s a fine line between tight enough and too tight to cam over. The bigger the tree the harder it is to get them solid. More strap in use to stretch and variations in tree shape. Some trees you’ll have to cam the buckle over, then release it and take up some slack and go again.
You didn’t say what step you were using. The 3/4” steps were a no go for me. They are plenty stable as not to go anywhere but they messed with my confidence. The ameristeps plastic were super solid but at 2” wide they didn’t pack as well. You just have to find a balance that you’re happy with.
Click to expand...

I bought the treehopper steps. They’re not super small but there’s a lot of room to step
 
htimsds9999 said:
I've been using 5 steps, but haven't had the top step of the stick or platform since using the sladder. 5 gets around most any basketball sized trees, 6 wouldn't hurt.

I do find peeing from a Ros is challenging, especially with bibs on....lol
Click to expand...
I have a Bullman Platform Ring of Steps on the way and should deliver on Friday... I'm thinking I can attach them to the tree leaving some space on either the 3 or 9 o'clock side and attach the Sladder just above it so the stirrups line up with the ROS and I can use the stirrups as 2 additional steps or foot rests. Have you tried that yet?
 
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