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Set up video by @boudreaux

Great video. Do you actually walk in to the tree with your ameristep platform hanging from your saddle like that? If so does it not make noise?

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pilgrimhunter said:
Great video. Do you actually walk in to the tree with your ameristep platform hanging from your saddle like that? If so does it not make noise?
Click to expand...
Yes, and Yes. I don't care about noise. It will make some noise, but not as much as you would think. I use to carry them in a dump pouch but ditched the pouch.

Thanks,
Boswell
 
Boudreaux said:
Yes, and Yes. I don't care about noise. It will make some noise, but not as much as you would think. I use to carry them in a dump pouch but ditched the pouch.

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...
Thanks. I am of the rather trade speed to be quieter opinion and was just wondering. Great video nonetheless!

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Great video. What would be your choice of platform if not for the ameristeps, since they are no longer sold, tough to get and expensive when you can? I saw your video on your platform comparison. Have you come to a conclusion Wich one you would use in the absence of Ameristeps.
 
KartShot said:
Have you come to a conclusion Wich one you would use in the absence of Ameristeps.
Click to expand...
Good question! I think they each would be used in different situations. The Wild Edge steps are the most rock solid option out there, they are just a little tricky to install. I think they are great for tree where you might hunt multiple times in a season, like over a food plot, feeder or great funnel.
The Silent approach are good for the run and fun option, they are smaller and lighter. They are not as stable as Wild Edge, but they are portable. So depends on how you hunt.

Thanks,
Boswell
 
Man I really enjoy these videos that show how others set up. Thanks Boswell. One thing that I noticed in this video as well as all others that I've seen, is that apparently, I run my Ameristep platform differently than most? I have mine setup in such a way that you don't have to feed the webbing through the strap each time you install it or tie a knot in the webbing to keep the steps on. This also addresses pilgrimhunter's concern because you can ratchet the steps down on each other with the buckle when packing to help eliminate the clanking noises. By looking at the pictures, I think I just have my buckle on the other side of the steps as mine is on the right side of the steps where Boswell's is on the left? I'll try to get some pictures and maybe start a new thread.
 
Boudreaux said:
Good question! I think they each would be used in different situations. The Wild Edge steps are the most rock solid option out there, they are just a little tricky to install. I think they are great for tree where you might hunt multiple times in a season, like over a food plot, feeder or great funnel.
The Silent approach are good for the run and fun option, they are smaller and lighter. They are not as stable as Wild Edge, but they are portable. So depends on how you hunt.

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...
Are you putting multiple silent approach steps on one strap?
Thanks, T
 
Thanks for the "from start to hunt" video approach. This video was exactly what I needed to see as a new saddle hunter.

I've been experimenting with the aiders, and I have to admit, you are probably right. Is that moment on uneasyness with the aiders worth it?

Which style of aider did you ditch?
 
Boudreaux said:
I can get between to 18-21’ with 4 sticks and my platform. I measure to my hip as that is where I am.



I don’t use aiders anymore, they are a accident waiting to happen. I would rather carry an extra stick, than deal with aider. I tested a product for guy back in 2009, that was a single aider product that attached to the stick and then could be rolled up and stored on the stick. It never made it to market......

Stay tuned there is a climbing down video coming soon, nothing special about it. But, you get to see the process in reverse.

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...

I agree bobby totaly
any mod is really an accident waiting to happen unless its an upgrade of course. I am going to use aiders on my bottom 2 sticks so if it does give way at least im not up 20 plus foot
Being 250 lbs. thats gonna hurt


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_gcun8_kLGQWJMDxQtFpQ
 
With all due respect to Boswell Aiders are great IMO
Perhaps Bobbie is worried about safety but they are often used by rock climbers and allow you to get higher with less weight and bulk.
Even sticks kick out
WE steps sometimes don’t lock down.
Screw in steps do break if they are not installed right
Bull man steps can twist sideways
Ameristeps can break
Platform tabs have broken

Aiders are safe when your technique and form are good
Practice use a linemans belt insert your foot all the way stay up right keep your foot against the tree
I have had muddy sticks kick out when I was rushed and did not make sure they were installed with the stand-off bracket seated correctly on the tree
All methods are subject to failure and danger but Aiders are great

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Most of my safety issues including Aiders kicking out have occurred when I first use something new or am in a rush. Also over time, cockiness and over confidence may become another safety issue
Like guys who have hunted for 30 years and never use a linemans belt. Dan ( Hunting beast) - where is your lineman's belt. Not sure if he never uses one or sometimes doesn't Or my good friend who has hunted for 40 years and never uses a linemans belt.
Dave’s advice about perfecting a method to climb to suit you and sticking to it is good

I love To use aiders.
Two muddy sticks and a 6 step aider and a platform had my feet at 220 inches most of this year.
110 inches +84+26 = 220 inches

No problems with practice and good technique

Next year it will be one or two adjustable aiders carried up the tree
Every method is an accident waiting to happen - one mistake , no linemans belt, bad knots, improper use of Biners, slipping ropeman broken platforms broken OCB buckles

Be careful. Climbing a tree is dangerous and so is driving in Toronto or driving in the snow belt of Huron County

Aiders are great

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I like these videos a lot! Even though the only thing I use that you do is rope lol.

I used one aider as my climbing method all season because if it’s weight savings. Sure it would kick out once in a while but it’s kind of predictable. When I have had sticks kick out it was terrifying!
 
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