I would not use this idea withOUT actually securely camming the step over. That is what would actually give it the stability you'd need, ESPECIALLY if you try to put side pressure on it. Not camming it over (in my opinion) could possibly leave the rope with the ability to work its way out of the knot.
The way the guy had it in that video was just loosely on the tree. Out of the three points of contact, both of the top "legs" of the step would not be touching the tree. I like and would trust the setup in the other pics more that that which was in the posted video.
There is no problem camming the step over with a no hole version. You can do it with or without the board in place.
I am a plywood platform survivor.
There are a couple other threads here on versions of this concept that some guys with a death wish like me used last season.
I'm not good at finding and posting them so you'll have to search yourself (plus I don't want you to die and feel responsible).
I liked my plywood platform a lot, but I suppose I wouldn't if I died. Keep in mind that I'm only a one season saddle hunter and if I keep using the plywood platform that's probably all I'll ever be. I definitely don't recommend you using such a comfortable, easy to build and use, and cost effective method because you could die.
The video you posted was the exact one that sparked my interest in having near death experiences and lead me to the similar build of a no hole version that goes on a currently unavailable Primal v-step (probably discontinued due to too many deaths).
2019 is the year of safety here at saddlehunter.com and I support that whole heartedly, so do not undertake such risky ideas because you could die and ruin your whole life.
Seriously, always use climb rated gear, stay tethered to the tree at all times, and avoid plywood platforms like the plague, which is the only surer way to die.
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He had it up on Instagram , he has been testing it , says it's cool. Andrew the owner doesn't use one but with everyone asking about platforms he designed one. Looked simple like a square platform with cross bars but unless you follow wild edge on Instagram gram you won't know . There are a few new things coming out from them , I think they just have a ton of work. saddle hunting exploded all at once and everyone was scrambling to get climbing systems. Maybe try to call them, I think that is as direct as you can get to get info
My plywood platform is a piece of scrap I had leftover in garage, but I think it was an expensive hardwood plywood. It is stiff and heavy. No flex at all by itself. I weigh 215 and it feels solid to me. Hunted all archery on it with no issues. I'm never on it unless I'm tethered so the death defying aspect of it doesn't bother me too much.
Don't take my previous jesting too seriously. The guys on this forum are in the right to express caution and safety first. Don't do anything you can't accept the risk for and extensively test everything you think you can handle at ground level before trusting it at hunting height.
Also, the Primal v-step is far superior to the WE step for this application, simply because the cross bar is mounted lower on the V so a 3/4" board fits in between them level. WE stepps force an upward angle which is akward (but they are great to climb with and Andrew from Wild Edge rocks!). Not sure if/when the Primals will come back available for purchase.
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Sorry. I only have the one I bought to make my platform. I bought WEs to climb with. Others on here bought the 4 pack of Primals when they were for sale (to climb with and use as platform). Not sure if they are coming back for sale or not.
