Peterk1234
Well-Known Member
Hi all. Have not visited for a while. Tends to happen once you get things working almost perfectly for your needs.
I have been running the webbing quick release set up now since last winter on my steps. Incredibly strong and quick little system. The ability to micro adjust the tension quickly and effortlessly is truly nice, especially in the cold and dark.
The biggest question I had for myself is how the bullmans would hold up as a platform on a wild edge step. I committed to only using this method this year. Happy I did, although after the first hunt I was sold. It probably helps that I am only 170 pounds, plus gear, so flex is less of an issue for me. Additionally, the bulk of my weight is placed on the saddle, so my full weight is rarely if ever on the platform. It is very compact and easy to set up. I use two bullmans together for stability and additional comfort. Many times I am stacking four side by side because I am in trees of 12 inch diameter on average. I have lots of platform with the we step and six bullman option. Each step has two deck screws through it with less than a 1/4 sticking out, just for added grip. The strap and quick release cam setup is what makes this whole thing possible though. I can get it very tight on the tree, no stretch, and the cam allows me to easily micro adjust for additional tension. Just uncam the step and use a couple of fingers to pull a bit more webbing through the buckle, then cam the step back down. No retying required.
I also added a vid of how I stack my stuff into the bag. As you will see, other than the strap with the bullmans, I have no dangling ropes or webbing when climbing. Each one is stuffed in nicely with its corresponding step. When descending, my steps are basically packed away when my feet touch the ground. I had covers on the cams initially, but honestly there is no need for them. The buckles are wrapped in the webbing which provides a nice silent cushion for the cams.
Happy hunting.
Pete
I have been running the webbing quick release set up now since last winter on my steps. Incredibly strong and quick little system. The ability to micro adjust the tension quickly and effortlessly is truly nice, especially in the cold and dark.
The biggest question I had for myself is how the bullmans would hold up as a platform on a wild edge step. I committed to only using this method this year. Happy I did, although after the first hunt I was sold. It probably helps that I am only 170 pounds, plus gear, so flex is less of an issue for me. Additionally, the bulk of my weight is placed on the saddle, so my full weight is rarely if ever on the platform. It is very compact and easy to set up. I use two bullmans together for stability and additional comfort. Many times I am stacking four side by side because I am in trees of 12 inch diameter on average. I have lots of platform with the we step and six bullman option. Each step has two deck screws through it with less than a 1/4 sticking out, just for added grip. The strap and quick release cam setup is what makes this whole thing possible though. I can get it very tight on the tree, no stretch, and the cam allows me to easily micro adjust for additional tension. Just uncam the step and use a couple of fingers to pull a bit more webbing through the buckle, then cam the step back down. No retying required.
I also added a vid of how I stack my stuff into the bag. As you will see, other than the strap with the bullmans, I have no dangling ropes or webbing when climbing. Each one is stuffed in nicely with its corresponding step. When descending, my steps are basically packed away when my feet touch the ground. I had covers on the cams initially, but honestly there is no need for them. The buckles are wrapped in the webbing which provides a nice silent cushion for the cams.
Happy hunting.
Pete