• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Stepp Ladder reviews...

Waymore said:
I hate this site!!! Every time I come to see whats happening someone is posting stuff which leads me to spending more money.

I believe you on the height. Placing the steps at 3 feet apart and using the aider to divide the distance in half makes sense. One concern would be is that they are louder than sticks because you have to cam them over. Would you agree? Thanks for the review. A video in real time would be great (hint, hint)
Click to expand...

NOISE
The noise of the cam over is not an issue in my opinion. my concern is managing the multiple steps out of the bag going up. If you are not paying attention it is easy to click them together and make a ringing noise. I'm will have to add some tape of some kind. They fit so tightly in the bag already I am concerned they will not pack as well with the foam tape.

Does anyone have suggestions on silencing them and managing the pack and unpack.

REPLACING THE ROPE
Second thing that could be improved (IMHO) is the rope on each step. Seems very bulky and difficult to pack. I am considering replacing it with some Amsteel that someone mentioned on this site, but this would add more cost per step and I would need to learn to splice (sounds like Amsteel blue should not be tied. Any suggestions or recommendations they are appreciated.

SMV
 
Smv said:
NOISE
The noise of the cam over is not an issue in my opinion. my concern is managing the multiple steps out of the bag going up. If you are not paying attention it is easy to click them together and make a ringing noise. I'm will have to add some tape of some kind. They fit so tightly in the bag already I am concerned they will not pack as well with the foam tape.

Does anyone have suggestions on silencing them and managing the pack and unpack.

REPLACING THE ROPE
Second thing that could be improved (IMHO) is the rope on each step. Seems very bulky and difficult to pack. I am considering replacing it with some Amsteel that someone mentioned on this site, but this would add more cost per step and I would need to learn to splice (sounds like Amsteel blue should not be tied. Any suggestions or recommendations they are appreciated.

SMV
Click to expand...
For splicing a loop in amsteel, I highly recommend a brummels hitch.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Smv said:
NOISE
The noise of the cam over is not an issue in my opinion. my concern is managing the multiple steps out of the bag going up. If you are not paying attention it is easy to click them together and make a ringing noise. I'm will have to add some tape of some kind. They fit so tightly in the bag already I am concerned they will not pack as well with the foam tape.

Does anyone have suggestions on silencing them and managing the pack and unpack.

REPLACING THE ROPE
Second thing that could be improved (IMHO) is the rope on each step. Seems very bulky and difficult to pack. I am considering replacing it with some Amsteel that someone mentioned on this site, but this would add more cost per step and I would need to learn to splice (sounds like Amsteel blue should not be tied. Any suggestions or recommendations they are appreciated.

SMV
Click to expand...
I have some Jims Stepps but I do not have his aider yet so I have not tried it and I do not want to put a damper on Jims stepps because of all the effort that has gone into marketing directly to saddle hunters. but these reasons I have for not being keen on these Jims steps for climbing but will use them for a platform are:

I can get 7 feet from one stick with a rope attachment and aider instead of two Jims steps with an aider. I don't have to move the aider or tie the twice as many steps to get the same height. My first stick can be put on at ground level so the second step does not bang into anything when I carry it up. I can then use the one stick method to climb from 15 feet onward. I feel one or two sticks will get me higher quieter and faster than multiple Jims stepps with aiders. I just my opinion for what it is worth.
 
Last edited:
Ontariofarmer said:
I have some Jims Stepps but I do not have his aider yet so I have not tried it and I do not want to put a damper on Jims stepps because of all the effort that has gone into marketing directly to saddle hunters. but the reasons I have for not being keen on these Jims steps for climbing but will use them for a platform are:

I can get 7 feet from one stick with a rope attachment and aider instead of two Jims steps with an aider. I don't have to move the aider or tie the twice as many steps to get the same height. My first stick can be put on at ground level so the second step does not bang into anything when I carry it up. I can then use the one stick method to climb from 15 feet onward. I feel one or two sticks will get me higher quieter and faster than multiple Jims stepps with aiders. I just my opinion for what it is worth.
Click to expand...
I don't think the steps are the one answer for getting up the tree. I am working on using a xop hand climber to climb and as a platform but it has limitations straight trees and limbs can be an obstacle. I think where the stepp ladder will shine is in odd shaped trees and trees you may want to hunt more than once. The one stick method works but when you decide to climb down and come back up again either the same day or in the near future it's more work because you can leave the steps set.
 
Smv said:
NOISE
The noise of the cam over is not an issue in my opinion. my concern is managing the multiple steps out of the bag going up. If you are not paying attention it is easy to click them together and make a ringing noise. I'm will have to add some tape of some kind. They fit so tightly in the bag already I am concerned they will not pack as well with the foam tape.

Does anyone have suggestions on silencing them and managing the pack and unpack.

REPLACING THE ROPE
Second thing that could be improved (IMHO) is the rope on each step. Seems very bulky and difficult to pack. I am considering replacing it with some Amsteel that someone mentioned on this site, but this would add more cost per step and I would need to learn to splice (sounds like Amsteel blue should not be tied. Any suggestions or recommendations they are appreciated.

SMV
Click to expand...
I was not a fan of the flat rope that come with them at first... but if you keep them smooth against the stepp, they tie very secure and snug without slipping and untie easily once tension is released. I have been going up and down and do not have an issue with them clanging. If they do hit, it is not a loud clang as my hand is on the stepp and stops the vibration. I have heard of people using the spray foam inside the stepp to remove all vibration and then it is just a thud sound. Not sure how much weight this adds. I am sure it is not a ton but I have noticed that like most of you, I have begun eliminating unneccisary weight as ounces add up. I am not in a rush when climbing (up or down) and have not had a noise issue with the stepps at all. Initially I was thinking about using sport tape on the outside of the V but as mentioned, I truly do not see the need.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
I have some Jims Stepps but I do not have his aider yet so I have not tried it and I do not want to put a damper on Jims stepps because of all the effort that has gone into marketing directly to saddle hunters. but these reasons I have for not being keen on these Jims steps for climbing but will use them for a platform are:

I can get 7 feet from one stick with a rope attachment and aider instead of two Jims steps with an aider. I don't have to move the aider or tie the twice as many steps to get the same height. My first stick can be put on at ground level so the second step does not bang into anything when I carry it up. I can then use the one stick method to climb from 15 feet onward. I feel one or two sticks will get me higher quieter and faster than multiple Jims stepps with aiders. I just my opinion for what it is worth.
Click to expand...
As mentioned, there is no 1 perfect climbing method. This weekend I was able to use stepps and limbs on my climb up. Had I used sticks, I would have moved that stick to the side to go around or climbed a different angle. Some people will use several different types of climbing methods at once. I personally like redundancy as it is the same movement every time and less chance to mess up. If you are looking for speed, the sticks with aider have fewer ropes. If you are looking for compact carry and versatility, the stepps are awesome. But then again if you ask 9 people their opinion, you will get 10 different responses. It is 100% personal opinion and what works for you and what you are comfortable with.
 
Hey Guys,

Nothing better than sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and reading these reviews! I love it! I have a few questions for you guys.

What is the obsession with Amsteel Blue Rope? I understand the strength of it but it seems a bit excessive. If anyone has put Amsteel onto their stepps and climbed with them I would love to hear the pros and cons of both the SteppLadder rope and the Amsteel rope. Other than the price difference and the material I cannot seem to see the advantage of the Amsteel Blue but I would love to hear anyones experiences.

Don't forget to check out our new package deals on our website for BIG savings! https://www.wildedgeinc.com/shop-now.html
 
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
Hey Guys,

Nothing better than sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and reading these reviews! I love it! I have a few questions for you guys.

What is the obsession with Amsteel Blue Rope? I understand the strength of it but it seems a bit excessive. If anyone has put Amsteel onto their stepps and climbed with them I would love to hear the pros and cons of both the SteppLadder rope and the Amsteel rope. Other than the price difference and the material I cannot seem to see the advantage of the Amsteel Blue but I would love to hear anyones experiences.

Don't forget to check out our new package deals on our website for BIG savings! https://www.wildedgeinc.com/shop-now.html
Click to expand...

Hey man, any updates on the new saddle?


Sent from my
Sit drag, Ernie's outdoors linesman belt,
At 20' up
 
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
Hey Guys,

Nothing better than sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and reading these reviews! I love it! I have a few questions for you guys.

What is the obsession with Amsteel Blue Rope? I understand the strength of it but it seems a bit excessive. If anyone has put Amsteel onto their stepps and climbed with them I would love to hear the pros and cons of both the SteppLadder rope and the Amsteel rope. Other than the price difference and the material I cannot seem to see the advantage of the Amsteel Blue but I would love to hear anyones experiences.
Click to expand...

Let me preface this by saying I use Amsteel A LOT. I use it for my bridge. I've used it on my Lone Wolf sticks to replace the straps. I use it to strap on my assassin platform. And I've used it EXTENSIVELY on all my hammock setups. Amsteel is great rope. However, I agree with you. I happen to like the rope that comes with the Stepp Ladders. It's easy to work with in my opinion. I own Stepp Ladders and I wouldn't change out the rope. Other than excessive strength, I don't see a huge benefit to using Amsteel.
 
I think the only benefit that I can see is it is much smaller to pack up into the bag? I like the rope that comes with the stepps but the ropes are a pain to pack at first. Now it is easier but initially it was a bit of a struggle.
 
Jefferson10940 said:
I think the only benefit that I can see is it is much smaller to pack up into the bag? I like the rope that comes with the stepps but the ropes are a pain to pack at first. Now it is easier but initially it was a bit of a struggle.
Click to expand...
Great point, having the ropes smaller would be nicer for packing back into the bag. May be an option.
 
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
Great point, having the ropes smaller would be nicer for packing back into the bag. May be an option.
Click to expand...

The current ropes stay separated nicely, where the Amsteel may get tangled and annoying. These are nice as they never get tangled together.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
One thing I am considering the Amsteel for is that the rope doesn't have to be permanently attached to the step. I can make an eye on one end of the Amsteel, loop around the Stepp, feed the tail through the eye and it is ready to go. It sure would be nice coiling a few small Amsteels into a pocket and having nothing dangling off the Stepp.

I still have the original rope on my set of 3, but it may not stay on there for long if I can't get my other platforms where I want them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
Hey Guys,

Nothing better than sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and reading these reviews! I love it! I have a few questions for you guys.

What is the obsession with Amsteel Blue Rope? I understand the strength of it but it seems a bit excessive. If anyone has put Amsteel onto their stepps and climbed with them I would love to hear the pros and cons of both the SteppLadder rope and the Amsteel rope. Other than the price difference and the material I cannot seem to see the advantage of the Amsteel Blue but I would love to hear anyones experiences.

Don't forget to check out our new package deals on our website for BIG savings! https://www.wildedgeinc.com/shop-now.html
Click to expand...

Amsteel blue, I can determine and order exactly the length I want. As of now, I do not see an option to buy Steppladder rope by the foot. That would be nice if you sold it by the foot. Beats buying the ugly yellow rope that is similar to yours.
 
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
The saddle is in the final stages of development, just a few more changes and it will be ready! I will keep you posted.
Click to expand...
I am interested. I just found out I am in the market for a new saddle. I hope after reading so much in this site, that you are designing a version to use a ropeman rather than knots that need to be tended.
 
Alright guys, I have finally got around to start testing my stepps.

My first impression: Don't even think about trying them with an aider until you are comfortable with tying the knot and getting the stepps rock solid. I took a couple out in the woods with me to tinker with my first time using them. I put one on the tree, hooked up the aider and quickly decided I was going to kill myself if I tried using it. Fast forward a few days later and I played with the stepps for about an hour in my backyard and got much more comfortable with them.

I watched the original Jim Stepp instructional video on you tube and it was really helpful. Going back and re-reading this thread, Andrews following statement is the most important thing I have found. You really need to get the rope tight, start to cam it, most likely it won't, then back the rope out just a hair and it should cam over.
SteppsbyWildEdgeInc said:
The key to getting the stepp as tight as possible is to bring the stand offs (the sharp ends) above the lateral line of the rope and pull as much slack out of the rope as possible, then push a little slack out of the rope and cam it over.
/QUOTE]
Click to expand...

The next time I tinkered with them I used 4 stepps and the aider very successfully in the backyard. Tonight I went out in 95 degree weather and climbed 2 trees. The first tree I got to 20 foot with about 7 stepps. The second tree I got to 20 foot with about 6 stepps. This is where I am going to have to keep practicing. The aider worked great and I had no problems with it. I need to keep practicing and find the sweet spots to space to stepps to make the most effective climb. I would end up getting larger or smaller gaps between them so I just need more practice.

Using the aider going down, I just ran it along the side of the step and eased my way down. I could not feed it back through the middle every time.

I really want to make this system work so I'm going to keep at it. I love how much more compact it is than sticks. It is probably a pound or 2 lighter for the same height. Right now it probably takes me a little longer to climb with them, but I'm already getting much quicker with them so I expect that to continue to improve.

I am going to continue to practice with them as they are, but at some point I may try them out with some amsteel. The current rope is pretty bulky. @SteppsbyWildEdgeInc, that is the biggest advantage I see of amsteel, it is much more compact. There may be other options out there as well.

They do not make much noise when camming over but if you bang two together taking them out they will clank.
 
sojourner said:
Amsteel blue, I can determine and order exactly the length I want. As of now, I do not see an option to buy Steppladder rope by the foot. That would be nice if you sold it by the foot. Beats buying the ugly yellow rope that is similar to yours.
Click to expand...
If anyone is looking to buy any length or combination of SteppLadder rope shoot me an email at sales@wildedgeinc.com and I can make you any custom variation that you would like!
 
I ordered a set of two to play around with, mainly to test as a platform add-on but I also want to test the spacing I can get to climb. The downfall of single steps vs sticks is that, theoretically, they take 3 times as long to get the same number of steps. But if you can improve the spacing, you can minimize time by getting to height with fewer steps. I think I should be able to get 3.5 foot spacing (therefore platform at 21 feet with 6 steps and no aider). Once I receive the pair I'll be able to tell how feasible that is.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top