Very thoughtful comparison. Thanks for doing that. I am intrigued by the SS approach, but then again I seem to get intrigued by and end up purchasing and trying just about everything!The setup weighs exactly as much as the Cranford's. They compare favorably for me in the ease of setup, and how tight they get to the tree.
Like Nutter said - I was quite skeptical. I didn't see the value proposition over cranfords if the weight is the same, and it becomes a three part system(buckle, strap, and step versus just a step and rope). Speed of deployment and packing in and out of whatever containment (pouch or bag) was my biggest concern.
I've come to realize that when you factor in ALL aspects of the use of a climbing method, regardless of which one, they all end up requiring about the same amount of TOTAL time and effort to pack up, pack out, unpack, climb up, climb down, pack up, and pack in. This is especially true when you have to cross a branch or two on your way up. Two methods currently stand out to me for a few reasons - bolts and one stick/rappel. The only method I can't speak to is spurs.
After seeing it action in person, I am convinced that 10 squirrel steps system is on par with bolts, and one stick/rappel. Timewise - it looks to be around 6 minutes each way(no branches) to get to 20'. But what you have to keep in mind is this is from the moment you decide to climb, to the moment you walk away from the tree - it includes all packing and unpacking.
You may say to yourself I can be at 20' with four sticks and aiders in about 3 minutes. First of all, I doubt you. But even if you can, add the time of pulling pack off, pulling sticks out, putting pack on, hanging the sticks wherever you hang em, and then climbing. And tack on the time it takes at ground level to gather it all up, stack it up, wrap it up, take off pack, put in/on pack, strap it down, and put pack on.
Is it expensive - yeh it's damn expensive.
I offer three comparisons from my perspective:
DIY Sticks/Beast sticks/LWCG - You're using aiders to match weight/cost, or buying and packing a pile of sticks, considerably bulkier, considerably less safe(if using multi step aiders), much slower start to finish. Squirrel steps win easily here for me.
Helium Sticks/Lone wolf sticks/other cost effective sticks - same issues above minus the cost. If you're ok with the bulk/weight, and the extra time to use, then not a bad option. Introducing multi step aiders adds considerable risk. Still a win for me with the squirrel steps, although the cost difference could be used for other advantages in your hunting budget that may swing it differently in your view.
cranford rope steps - advantage squirrel steps on how tight they get to the tree/ease of deployment. Cranfords have a little fiddle factor, and will not always be tight, especially the bigger the tree. Slight safety nod for Squirrel steps for me. Cost difference is close to double - again, slight win here for the squirrel steps for the reasons mentioned, but if that extra 150 bucks gets you gas for an out of state trip, or another accessory needed, you can get by.
Bottom line for me - I've settled on bolts, one stick/rappel, and 10 squirrel steps/ocb's. Each of these methods is 5.5lbs or less. Each packs really well. I feel safe using each method with my current equipment choices, with a slight nod to bolts and SS's for risk factor. Everything else is getting sold or traded.
I would disagree on the cam buckle being quieter, but I've had a lot of experience camming one over. DanO sells both buckles for the same price on his site. The cam buckle has a 1500lb break strength, OCB is 1200.
I think the cambuckle could be a valid solution for some folks. I'll never use one between the OCB, "buckleless method," and daisychains.
Gotcha. So the IMMI buckle I started out with has a plastic overlay that negates that. On Dano's, just wrap the bar with electrical tape.Quieter because it doesn’t have that latch flopping around.
Yeah, jello just gets sticky.....Jello doesn't slather boys... a petroleum based lubricant is always your best bet for these types of shenanigans.
My ocb;s have the rubbery/plastic overlay onthem as well and are pretty darn quiet. I have been using the old style cam buckle with the hook like an ameristep on my aluminum steps and like it. I"ll weight a couple of mine when I get home tonight and see where they fall into the scheme. I think I like the cam/hook better than the ocb because of ease of release in nasty cold weather, with gloves/ice. I unfortunately always have to take that into consideration...Gotcha. So the IMMI buckle I started out with has a plastic overlay that negates that. On Dano's, just wrap the bar with electrical tape.
Although I havent noticed it making much noise. Kyle and denots both said that they couldn't hear it standing 10ft or so from the tree.
I havent had an issue with an OCB in cold weather. All you have to do is pull up on the tag end of the strap and it pops loose. Either option could be done with one, gloved hand I should think.I think I like the cam/hook better than the ocb because of ease of release in nasty cold weather, with gloves/ice.
Exactly why I appreciate your POV. I’m too stubborn to switch at present, although I do keep a couple strap steps handy.@DelaWhere_Arrow, I get where you're coming from. Sticks are convenient for the climb. But no matter what I'm climbing with, I always spend way more time walking/paddling in than I spend climbing. I will get more frustrated hanging sticks up on brush for an hour in the dark than I will putting straps around a tree for 10 minutes tops. Those steps carry mighty conveniently, and let me navigate without having to stop and readjust or disentangle my gear.
The buckle, the squirrel steps, or the tree?Was you able to bend them?
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You're welcome!Thank you, now I gotta order.
Damn you, now I gotta order.
Looks better that way. He’s serious though. Selling four ring of steps to finance your new idea.You're welcome!
Looks better that way. He’s serious though. Selling four ring of steps to finance your new idea.
If I were you, I would hang onto one set of ameristeps. I did.Thanks for the free advertising
No problem. You’re not the only victim of @Nutterbuster most recent attack on our wallets. @kyler1945 and @Squirrels have some Cranford steps in the classifieds. I said last year we were going to have to change blame it on @g2outdoors to blame it on nutterbuster.Thanks for the free advertising
Ditto this...you'll be sorry..I"ve sold all mine in the past and then wish I'd kept a set for a preset on a friends property I didnt want to drill on to be nice....If I were you, I would hang onto one set of ameristeps. I did.