Steppladder Platform Prototype

[KYHunter]

I just made one (the no hole version). I didn't have a lot of time to test it but I did stand on it for a few minutes without a saddle to test side pressure. Seemed pretty solid except my plywood did flex a little. I just used a piece of something I had laying around...3/4" birch luan AA. I'll bet there are better choices out there which brings me to my next question...
It would be nice to have a bunch of these pre set but I don't trust the strap out in the elements and the rodents. Has anyone swapped out the strap with chain? I know, I know...not as light, not as quiet. But for a bunch of pre set stands, and some of them would be set 1,000 miles away for several months...I wonder about a more durable rig, like chain and marine grade plywood. Something like that could remain on the tree for years if the chain was loosened after each season.

I suppose you could but I would imagine it would be tough to get the tension just right with a chain. It is so easy to set up I think it would make sense to pack it in each time. Takes me less than a minute to put it on and be on the platform.

 

[dalton916]

I was hunting with a buddy of mine this weekend. He doesn’t use a saddle, LW sticks and hang on guy. Well the conversation turned to climbing methods and come to find out he used to belong to the same bowhunting group with Jim Stepp. He says he had some steps he bought from Jim personally. I asked him if I could use one to mess around with if he didn’t mind and he asks me, “how many do you want?”

He gave me 4. Said he had em strung out on trees all over his place, lol

 

[dalton916]

 

[Aksisu11]

That's awesome!

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Quadesdad]

View attachment 6413View attachment 6414
Well as last minute preparation for the season approaches I’ve made some tweaks. Bow season starts on the 22nd, and I’m still changing things up. I decided to try a slide in platform for my Primal Step. It is rock solid. Easy to insert and remove but locks in incredibly well when standing on it. I really like not having to thread the holes with the step and them cam over the entire assembly. Makes the set up quicker and easier. Only thing left is to drill 2 small holes and tie a 550 cord loop to hang it on my pack during the climb. I’m 100% satisfied with this design.

How did you attach the strap to the board?

 

[fbwguy]

How did you attach the strap to the board?

The strap is on the step, not the board. The board just inserts in and rests on the crossbar of the step

 

[Quadesdad]

The strap is on the step, not the board. The board just inserts in and rests on the crossbar of the step

Looks like a sweet idea

 

[krose]

I did one very similar but made my own step. My step has two contact points at the bottom side of the step for better lateral stability when trying to walk around the tree.

I did one very similar but made my own step. My step has two contact points at the bottom side of the step for better lateral stability when trying to walk around the tree.

This looks like the perfect set up for my use. Anyway I could order 1 from you?

 

[aarmst95]

So I got a platform cut for my primal step tonight...might seem like a stupid question but are your platforms laying flat on the bar underneath?

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I was looking at mine ther other night and noticed that it didn't seem to settle on the bar fully. Still very stable, solid, and level though.

 

[aarmst95]

I was looking at mine ther other night and noticed that it didn't seem to settle on the bar fully. Still very stable, solid, and level though.

Appreciate the reply man! My gap is pretty significant. More than 1/4 inch

 

[Wolverinebuckman]

Mine sits flush on the bar. You might be riding on the straps, I did a little deeper notch on each side to counter that.

 

[fbwguy]

So I got a platform cut for my primal step tonight...might seem like a stupid question but are your platforms laying flat on the bar underneath?

Mine does not have a gap, as a matter of fact mine has a slight impression in the wood from the bar

 

[aarmst95]

Thanks guys! I’m going to notch it out a bit where the straps and posts are. Much appreciated!!

 

[PEEJAY]

I know this is an old thread...but what happened to the primal steps. primal doesnt sell them anymore...nobody does. just trying to find out why. Safety? ripping off wild edge patent or something?

 

[Wolverinebuckman]

I know this is an old thread...but what happened to the primal steps. primal doesnt sell them anymore...nobody does. just trying to find out why. Safety? ripping off wild edge patent or something?

They had a long dry spell last year, too, then released a bunch right before season. Usually sell on Amazon and Sportsman's Guide.

 

[FrankNess14]

What’s the latest? Anybody still using this plywood platform? How’d it hold up?

 

[fbwguy]

I’m still using it. 2 full seasons with the same piece of wood, hunting exclusively from it. I would feel confident saying I have over 150 hours on it. It is showing some wear but it’s holding up fine

 

[PEEJAY]

I'd say thats holding up well haha

 

[KYHunter]

I used it for two full seasons. Solid for sure but I’m upgrading to predator platform for ease of setup