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The red squirrel climbing aider

This stuff is awesome. I really need to buy some of these steps so I can practice this!
 
bowhunter15 said:
When I first tried this method, I misunderstood what red was doing. I had thought that he was placing one step at chest level and the tether as high as he could reach, then stepping up onto that single step and repeating. Doing that method, you can indeed get a lot higher than the Wild edge aider method. Testing in my backyard, I was able to set a step at nose height (5'6"), lift my aider foot as high as it would stretch, and just be able to step into that step. Theoretically I could climb to 22' with four steps that way - just using the tether and webbing loop for the aider.

The issue is that it's not as stable because your handhold is primarily the tree, so it's a higher risk of kickout. So I re-read this thread and saw that indeed, guys were using this similar to the Wild edge system where two steps are placed on the tree before climbing up. It's just that the aider is on the tree vs the step. Makes sense. More stable. Easily adjustable. Top step gets placed at max height (8' for me). Bottom step at 4'. Same spacing as the Cain method too.

But I was thinking, when I climb with sticks, I don't usually hook my lineman's belt on until I'm standing on top of the first stick. For me personally, the fall risk is low and so is the hazard, relatively speaking, vs falling from higher up. With the redsquirrel aider method, you could really max it out on the first step, placing it at nose height or even higher, then switch to standard spacing. It would be an easy way to gain an extra 1.5-2 feet off the ground.

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I believe I tried it out wrong the first time too. I nearly broke a rib and threw this idea in the closet, but now I see that I may have been doing it improperly.

A video is worth 10000 words though.. ;)
 
I keep playing with it. I have a few more things to try. I'm playing with some more adjustable aiders as well as some adjustable hand holds, daisy chains, and hand ascenders to see what I can do better comfort wise. A lot of ideas in my head right now. Regardless, 40 feet with 6 stepps is very comfortable. I have a lot of spots that require 3-4 stepps. Hoping to just pack 6 next year with provisions to climb multiple ways depending on tree structure.

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Any updates or videos for Red Squirrel's technique? Im using WE steps with the WE aider now. I know some are concerned about attaching aider to the step vs girth hitching around the tree, but Im not sure that I am following that logic...if you have your linesman belt on and your aider slips in either scenario, how does your foot aid your recovery. It seems to me a linesman belt recovery at that point. I must be missing something here?

I am trying to be safe, but increase my ease of climbing. I like the idea of not fishing an aider through a step and confusing aider rope with step ropes. How about a video, Red? What aider is everyone using?
 
You know after trying the WE aider I would like to see a Red Squirrel aider. I may have to stop by next time I am up in NJ to take a video. I keep hearing about the upcoming video. :tonguewink:
 
I have never met Red, yet we have hunted and fished a lot of the same areas. I no longer live in NJ but I get up there every so often. It is tough the kids schedules. Shoot it is tough to find time to go hunting.
 
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I tried this method out today for the first time and have to say. I love it! It took me a while to figure out the best way to do it but i can definatly see how you can get to 20 feet with 4-5 steps I got to 20 with 6. And I can cut at least one step out.IMG_0026.JPG LaVergne, TN


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bowhunter15 said:
I videotaped him at saddlepalooza and sent the file. The power to post is in his hands!

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Haha! You're right, maybe I should. I had originally intended to make one using the wild edge stepps as originally described in this thread, but maybe that will get them off my back!
 
redsquirrel said:
Haha! You're right, maybe I should. I had originally intended to make one using the wild edge stepps as originally described in this thread, but maybe that will get them off my back!
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I would have made a video today but I have no way to do it and convey the method



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