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Update on my steps and platform

P

Peterk1234

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 23, 2017
Messages
805
Location
Massachusetts
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

platform2.jpg


 
What was the impetus to you to change from the OEM straps to the buckle strap for the non “platform” Stepp?

I’ve tried strap mods, but always go back to OEM straps. Is it really that much better? What’s the weight penalty per Stepp? What are the benefits for said weight penalty? And what is the weight rating of the strap/buckle combo?

I only use knaider, so I am getting 3’ / Stepp. Too old and out of shape and timid to try the knaider and swaider combo.
 
sojourner said:
What was the impetus to you to change from the OEM straps to the buckle strap for the non “platform” Stepp?

I’ve tried strap mods, but always go back to OEM straps. Is it really that much better? What’s the weight penalty per Stepp? What are the benefits for said weight penalty? And what is the weight rating of the strap/buckle combo?

I only use knaider, so I am getting 3’ / Stepp. Too old and out of shape and timid to try the knaider and swaider combo.
Click to expand...

Have no idea about the weight penalty. The whole setup is so light and compact that weight is just irrelevant to me. It is all about the ability to pack it small and ease of use for me. I use the swaider/knaider combo so all I require are three to four steps, which also includes the platform.

Is it that much better? For me it certainly is. First, it is much neater and easier to pack and unpack. Also, I don't have a bunch of ropes dangling while climbing. It is faster than tying, but five seconds per step does not mount to a hill of beans in the grand scheme of things. I think I was setting up steps with the rope in 15 seconds, I do it in about 10 seconds now, actually even less. What really sets it apart for me is that I never have to sit halfway up a tree screwing around with the rope tension on a section of tree that has a weird shape, angle or whatever else that can force you to retie the darn thing six times. I would be lying if I told you that I never said screw it with the rope and used the step anyway, knowing the tension was too loose. Talk about sketchy when using an aider; uggh. With the webbing I just uncam the step, give the webbing a bit of a tug and reset the step. It is that easy.

The rope is great but there are two issues with it. It has stretch, not a lot but enough. It becomes very noticeable on large trees. Try tying off on the largest tree your rope can get around. It can be quite a struggle to get the step tight. The knot you tie has stretch. It does not get tight until you cam the step. We are all used to factoring that knot stretch into how snug we start off before tying, but it is still a guess each and every time. No problems like that with the webbing. What you set is what you get. And if I need to micro adjust I just flip up the step and give the strap a tiny little tug and I am good to go. Same if I get it too tight. I can also make the ever so slightest of adjustments. The step can be finicky to tension, especially on weird shaped trees or larger ones. Problem solved with the webbing.

The rope is excellent. I just can never stop tinkering. This particular mod has worked out exceptionally well for me.

Pete
 
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I think the larger circumference of the tree exacerbates the need for better precision in the length until the “knot”. That is a double edge sword. The OEM cordage used allows a little longer length as pulled taut to cam over, but keeps the Stepp tight once cammed over. Think of chinese finger cuffs. But that “give” possibly can be problematic over larger circumference trees, and require greater precision in setting the Stepp.

I never understood people trying to use amsteel blue for this.

To get a tight cam, one needs to either/or/both compress the bark of the tree, take up “stretch” in the cordage. And some experience looser connections if using the Stepp as a platform (putting weight on the Stepp over a long time and possibly compressing the bark of the tree). That would explain my experiences of my 3 Stepp platform loosening as the hunting day progressed.

Anyway, good conversation and I appreciate your input. I will keep this in mind as I continue to, not exclusively, use Stepps.
 
I used the same web mod with the cam buckle and flat hook. I struggled to get the cam buckle and flat hook to stay together while adjusting the webbing tight so I did away with the cam buckle and flat hook and just tie the webbing to the step directly using the wild edge knot. Very easy to tie the knot and easy to adjust tension on the strap if needed. And once cammed there is no stretch at all.

Thanks for the idea Pete. now if I could get using the Knaider/ swaider combo down. Using the wild edge aider sucks.
 
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