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Wild edge stepp problems, any info/insight

Jimmyfunk60

Jimmyfunk60

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2019
Messages
658
So I bought 4 wild edge steps and the knaider swaider and 5 step aider. I really want to love this climbing method but keep going back to my cut down sticks and movable 5 step aider. I know a lot of people say you have to try it for a while before it clicks or works well but I’m just not getting comfortable with them.. I have a rough time getting the right tension on them to keep them rock solid. The sticks are so much easier for me I’ve watched a bunch of videos on the stepps and feel I’m doing everything correct. I mostly private land hunt and will be using bolts so I won’t need a climbing method for much other than a few pieces of public I plan to hit this year. Has anyone else had the same problems/ feelings as me and then loved the stepps? At this point I’m about ready to get rid of them just because I know I’m more comfortable and confidant with my sticks.


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Break the stepps in. The ropes stretch. I found after a few times each being cranked down it gets easier to get them to stay tight.
 
I felt like you until I stretched the ropes for a day. The key for me was getting the rope almost too tight and then lifting the stepp up as high as I could before camming it over. Once I figured out the correct tension I love them. I haven't used sticks and I dont think I ever will. I really like my WE stepps
 
Had similar issues with new ropes. Bought 1/4" amsteel which will not stretch, need time to switch them out, but should eliminate the problem.
 
I try to only setup in trees with a thin bark. I find the steps are way easier to set up this way and are rock solid. Also what the others said about break in. Set them up in the yard and let them stretch for a day or two.
 
Jimmyfunk60 said:
So I bought 4 wild edge steps and the knaider swaider and 5 step aider. I really want to love this climbing method but keep going back to my cut down sticks and movable 5 step aider. I know a lot of people say you have to try it for a while before it clicks or works well but I’m just not getting comfortable with them.. I have a rough time getting the right tension on them to keep them rock solid. The sticks are so much easier for me I’ve watched a bunch of videos on the stepps and feel I’m doing everything correct. I mostly private land hunt and will be using bolts so I won’t need a climbing method for much other than a few pieces of public I plan to hit this year. Has anyone else had the same problems/ feelings as me and then loved the stepps? At this point I’m about ready to get rid of them just because I know I’m more comfortable and confidant with my sticks.


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Click to expand...


Yep.....that why you own these :) I prefer my DIY 20" sticks.
 
onestringer said:
Yep.....that why you own these :) I prefer my DIY 20" sticks.
Click to expand...

I think between u and the amount I’ve messed with them the ropes should be stretched.. my cut down sticks with rope mod is just so much easier to attach and use... the only thing I keep hanging onto is how much smaller these steps pack... but I’m thinking it’s not worth it for the limited use they will see..


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Yes the ropes are stretched. I had a buddy come over who loves the steps, even he couldn't get me to see the light. He did point out I was tying the knot wrong. The way I was tying the knot worked but made it difficult to adjust the slack or loosen the knot. Make sure you are tying the knot correctly. I do find my sticks easier and quieter, and since they are only 20" I find they pack extremely well.
 
as someone who didn't like the WE steps much at the beginning, I can tell you they get much better. IF you don't like them, swap to a climbing stick. But, imo, they are superior to a set of sticks in 3 ways. 1. pack-ability. 2. Ability to double as a platform. 3. Weight ( the exact amount of weight depends on exactly how many you use each climb and whether or not you're using them as your platform as well.)

I prefer climbing with my sticks, but I also like the low bulk of the WE steps.

I am most excited about the LW hand climber though.
 
I don’t think anyone loved their wild edge steps straight out of the box. It’s definitely easier to manage a five step aider with sticks. Three 20inch sticks with a five step aider and I can set my platform at 28 feet if I use the five step to get on my platform also. My favorite setup with wild edge steps is with a moveable one step aider or knaider. 7 steps would put me about the same height to platform and it feels like a much safer climb just a little slower.
 
I finally got time to take off a factory rope and replaced it with 1/4" amsteel today. I was already contemplating selling mine, but this solved the issues I was having. Rock solid, cams over and stays locked down now every time. I may buy a Perch if this continues and sell or trade my Predator.
 
Bwhana said:
I finally got time to take off a factory rope and replaced it with 1/4" amsteel today. I was already contemplating selling mine, but this solved the issues I was having. Rock solid, cams over and stays locked down now every time. I may buy a Perch if this continues and sell or trade my Predator.
Click to expand...
I've got 50' of amsteel laying around and thought about doing this. Do feel abrasion would pose a problem?

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I stretched my ropes for a few days and again for a week and they still had give in them. Would work with thin barked trees but if it was a rough bark tree the top would always pull away from the tree.. Never found a solution. Really wanted to like them but just never felt safe
 
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