What is your preferred step aider for Helium or other sticks and why?

[Backstrap Assassin]

Keep in mind you are limited by the maximum attachment point of the sticks, so the best you can do per stick is going to be around +-7 ft, depending on your height and reach.

As to the aider, a cayg aider is simple and works well. I used it all last season, but I am using a knaider/swaider now and cut my heliums to 15" and still can get over 20ft with 3. I prefer the weight and bulk reduction.

Keep your nose to the wind, and your eyes along the skyline.

Do you have a video of you climbing? Or pics of your sticks?

 

[bj139]

I posted this in the past. Some people did not like it but it has not broken. The one step aider is super easy the two step is more difficult as in most setups. I used the two aider stick to one stick up a tree on Friday and it worked fine. I only posted what I do and do not recommend what others should do.
https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/helium-aiders.15820/

 

[20ftup]

I was asking about just using a single cayg aider. Just seen your video for the first time. Nice idea I’m not a fan of multi step aiders or knaider swaider though but if It works for you run with it man.


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[DaveT1963]

How long is your aider and spacing distance? I’m 6’1” with decent stretch the most I can get with 24 in aider and 22 in step spacing is 18 ft. Not calling bs, but am I missing something?


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my normal spacing is 6 foot per stick..... 6 + 6 + 6 + 2 =20

if I really want to stretch I can easily get 6.5 per stick

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 = 21.5

and if I want to get higher, I can easily use my tether above platform with ropeman and aider to get another foot and half [cant stretch 2 foot to platform)

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 23

if I really wanted I can get 7 foot from ground but usually dont. I lean back and pull my foot up to aider.

then there is one sticking so really I'm not limited at all with 3 sticks and my CAYG aider.

I dont see how anyone cannot hit 20 easily?

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[Gator]

I'm using this sling
GM CLIMBING 16mm Nylon Sling Runner 22kN / 4840lb
from Amazon. It's 48" long and I just loop it over the top of the main rail on the stick and let it hang. My sticks are around 24" so this hangs roughly 24" below the bottom step

 

[Patriot]

I’m only getting to 15 feet not counting platform with 3 modified helium’s and CAYG

5 feet each stick = 20 inches ground to CAYG, 20 inches CAYG to bottom of stock, 20 inches to top of stick = 60 inches and 5 feet

My plan is to one stick it if I need to go higher. 15 - 18 feet is my preferred hight anyway though so I’m thinking I’ll be right in the middle of that as I step onto my platform.

 

[Nelson87]

my normal spacing is 6 foot per stick..... 6 + 6 + 6 + 2 =20

if I really want to stretch I can easily get 6.5 per stick

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 = 21.5

and if I want to get higher, I can easily use my tether above platform with ropeman and aider to get another foot and half [cant stretch 2 foot to platform)

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 23

if I really wanted I can get 7 foot from ground but usually dont. I lean back and pull my foot up to aider.

then there is one sticking so really I'm not limited at all with 3 sticks and my CAYG aider.

I dont see how anyone cannot hit 20 easily?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

So if I understand correctly, you're stepping up onto the platform, Dave. As a newbie to saddle hunting I was thinking I would benefit from setting my platform even with my top step so I could use it as another step to move around the tree. Or have you found that to not be a help?

 

[20ftup]

my normal spacing is 6 foot per stick..... 6 + 6 + 6 + 2 =20

if I really want to stretch I can easily get 6.5 per stick

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 = 21.5

and if I want to get higher, I can easily use my tether above platform with ropeman and aider to get another foot and half [cant stretch 2 foot to platform)

6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 2 + 1.5 = 23

if I really wanted I can get 7 foot from ground but usually dont. I lean back and pull my foot up to aider.

then there is one sticking so really I'm not limited at all with 3 sticks and my CAYG aider.

I dont see how anyone cannot hit 20 easily?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I can hit 20ft to my platform with some stretching. Going to lengthen my aider to 25 in and 25in between sticks and aider and try that out. Leaning back into my lineman’s rope and really stretch out that first stick should put me 1 or 2 ft higher Thanks DaveT.


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[Bwhana]

Do you have a video of you climbing? Or pics of your sticks?

I don't have a video, but the method is a JC knaider/swaider, now found on doublesteps.com, and a locked brummel amsteel loop (circle) on the bottom of each stick. I attach the stick as high as I can reach each time. I then lift my left leg with swaider attached to foot and hook on left bottom step. Step up, then attach knaider hook on amsteel loop. Remove swaider loop from step and climb to top of stick, repeat. I can reach and tie a stick on the tree at 7 ft easily, so 21 ft with 3, plus another 1-3 ft with ROS or platform.

 

[KelvinM12]

a JC knaider/swaider, now found on doublesteps.com, and a locked brummel amsteel loop (circle) on the bottom of each stick

What I am using now as well. The knaider/swaider is easy and adds good width between sticks. Due to the position of the amsteel locked Brummel at the bottom of each stick makes it very stable. Much more stable than I found with a one step aider, and certainly more stable than a multiple step aider. I'll try to post a pic soon.

 

[Islandshooter]

I've been using one or two step aides for years, just went to a three step this year ( bottom only). Trying the single movable for the rest of the sticks. Said all that just to say the old saying of "perfect practice makes perfect" rings true on aiders. I watched those guys at saddlepalooza go up trees with aiders/ladders and they never missed a beat!!! Smooth, quiet, confidant. That comes with practice. Or having a squirrel in your family tree somewhere! Good luck