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WildEdge SteppLadder

Congratulations on your growing family! I have some of Jim's original Stepps and your mention of the new rope (amsteel) caught my attention. I just checked your website which still shows the polypropylene replacement ropes. When will the new amsteel replacement ropes be available?...cost? I've never worked with amsteel before, does it require an initial "stretching" period similar to the polypropylene? Thanks.

I read his update as the new rope being just a tighter braid (i.e thinner to address the feedback about the bulk others have posted) - not amsteel - but I could be wrong
 
Set up 4-5 stepps as a platform all on the same level
Climb to 20 ft with no aider and set platform, real time
Tear down from 20 feet real time
Climb to 20 feet with aider and set platform real time
Tear down from 20 feet with aiders real time

Thanks,
Boswell

ditto
 
Set up 4-5 stepps as a platform all on the same level
Climb to 20 ft with no aider and set platform, real time
Tear down from 20 feet real time
Climb to 20 feet with aider and set platform real time
Tear down from 20 feet with aiders real time

Thanks,
Boswell

Dang, chit just got real. Lol
@bigasports I hope you been practicing!!!
Why 4-5 for a platform how big are the trees where you hunt?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
ALSO - Wild Edge is putting their money where their mouth is, and agreed to sponsor SaddlePalooza in February. We need to support the companies, like Wild Edge, that support our forum!!!!
That's great. Is that the big secret we were waiting on one more phone call before you announced it?

I'm not saying that the stepp ladder is fast or the best climbing system. I think where they excel is run and gun hunting. Not because they are fast but because I can put everything I need in a backpack and go scouting. Should I find a spot that looks promising I can turn a scouting trip into a hunting trip. That's one thing I like about saddle hunting in general. When I used a climber I would scout areas for that perfect spot for next weekend. I wouldn't carry a stand with me because I didn't want to make a lot of noise. When I found a spot I would try to find a way to get in quietly that would work with the wind. As luck would have it most of the time it was a couple weeks before I could hunt it again. Now I can carry everything I need to hunt and when I find that spot go ahead and hunt it. I have a couple carbines and handguns that are easy to get through the woods with. Maybe I need a takedown recurve to take on these early season hunts.
 
Why 4-5 for a platform how big are the trees where you hunt?
They aren't that big, but I like pretty much a solid ring around the tree. I have 5 modified from YEARS ago, most of the time I only need 4.
Thanks,
Boswell
 
I like to see a company that responds to customers on a forum like this as well as listening to requests for a smaller rope and providing what we are looking for just like new tribe did with the kestrel wildedge is stepping up to the plate and for that reason Im glad I purchased there product and look forward to what they may bring to the table in the future
 
Congratulations on your growing family! I have some of Jim's original Stepps and your mention of the new rope (amsteel) caught my attention. I just checked your website which still shows the polypropylene replacement ropes. When will the new amsteel replacement ropes be available?...cost? I've never worked with amsteel before, does it require an initial "stretching" period similar to the polypropylene? Thanks.
The new rope is not Amsteel. It is still 100% Polypropylene. The only difference in the new rope besides the slight color change is that it is braided a lot tighter which created a thinner rope which allows the ropes to fit easier in the carry bag. In the past a lot of guys on the site where looking for and suggesting amsteel rope due to it being smaller so I agreed and made the change!
 
When I preset trees, 90% of time I do so with Jim Stepps. By fall those things are locked in like crazy and they don't move. My feet enjoy the extra support and the animals don't bother with the ropes. I really wish they would figure out a way to add a small platform to one and four prongs........ with the soft barked trees I hunt that would the fantastic. Guess I will have to buy some more since they sponsor this site.
 
I like to see a company that responds to customers on a forum like this as well as listening to requests for a smaller rope and providing what we are looking for just like new tribe did with the kestrel wildedge is stepping up to the plate and for that reason Im glad I purchased there product and look forward to what they may bring to the table in the future
Thanks Tree Demon! We are just a family that is obsessed with the outdoors just like all of you all! We love hearing ideas and suggestions from everyone on this site and appreciate every bit of advice! Ive learned more from this site about improving products than any other site out there! I appreciate everyones time! Keep the ideas flowing and feel free to contact me anytime at Andrew@wildedgeinc.com for any specific questions that need a fast answer.
 
That's great. Is that the big secret we were waiting on one more phone call before you announced it?

I'm not saying that the stepp ladder is fast or the best climbing system. I think where they excel is run and gun hunting. Not because they are fast but because I can put everything I need in a backpack and go scouting. Should I find a spot that looks promising I can turn a scouting trip into a hunting trip. That's one thing I like about saddle hunting in general. When I used a climber I would scout areas for that perfect spot for next weekend. I wouldn't carry a stand with me because I didn't want to make a lot of noise. When I found a spot I would try to find a way to get in quietly that would work with the wind. As luck would have it most of the time it was a couple weeks before I could hunt it again. Now I can carry everything I need to hunt and when I find that spot go ahead and hunt it. I have a couple carbines and handguns that are easy to get through the woods with. Maybe I need a takedown recurve to take on these early season hunts.

Eric, every single time I step foot into the woods to scout, check a camera, new property etc I always have a set of stepps with and a lineman's belt. When scouting large properties and going to the thick miserable spots that deer love there is no way you could possible carry a set of sticks when scouting like we do in CT. Here is a pic of Bobby carrying a set of 12 stepps while we were scouting. I also had a set of 16 on my back. Also you will see a pic of my kayak set up I use to get in to within 50 yards of bedded deer on islands, therefore noise is a make it or break it factor. When it comes to the speed of the SteppLadder I would challenge anyone using any other method of climbing systems to a race!!
 

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Dang, chit just got real. Lol
@bigasports I hope you been practicing!!!
Why 4-5 for a platform how big are the trees where you hunt?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
To expand on the question about how many stepps to use as a platform it is all personal preference and depends on the situation. Personally when I have the luxury of taking my time and setting a set in advance of a hunt I will almost always carry a set of 16 stepps and an aider. This way when I get to my desired height I usually have 3-4 stepps for a platform and two stepps above me, one stepp to grab onto and for my camera arm and another stepp to hang a bow hanger and my gear. Sometimes I use the Aider and sometimes I don't, it all depends on the tree and the mood that I am in and how high I really want to get. It all depends on the tree and the person more than anything, I like to usually get up into cover of a tree, a crotch or a limb that I can also use to my advantage. I always feel that the more stepps for a platform the better so that you don't have to look down at your feet while moving around the tree for different shot opportunities. When Run and Gun set ups come into play I may only use 2-3 stepps for a platform. The beauty of the SteppLadder is the fact that you can design your own climb. This is also true with the Aider, there is no exact or correct way to ascend and descend a tree with the aider, in reality it depends how tall you are, how flexible you are and how much of a monkey you are! The best way to figure out your technique is to try it yourself. I will post a few videos of my personal techniques as soon as I get a chance. Just always remember that the only right way is the way in which is most comfortable and safe for you. The Aider is great for early season Run and Gun situations, however when you are bundled up like the michelin man in late season you will curse yourself when you have to bend your knees past a 90! The Aider is also a good tool to always have in your pack incase you forget your lineman's belt or bridge, the aider can always save you in a pinch and it is nothing to carry.
 
Have you guys considered changing the actual material of the step from metal to a military grade plastic or a lighter material with resonable strength would be nice to get 16 steps down to the 2 lb range
 
Hi Everyone, I apologize for the lack in response to this forum, my wife and I just welcomed our son Bow to the world a month ago and things have been a bit crazy around here not to mention it being our busy season! I will take some time later today to sit down and re read through these questions so that I can properly answer them. Keep the questions and ideas coming and I will do my best to answer them. My team and I have been working on a whole library of new videos that I will post links to on this forum as soon as they are done. Feel free to make a list of the basic video topics that you guys would like to see and I will be sure to post them on this forum.

The biggest thing about the SteppLadder to keep reminding yourself is that when done properly it is impossible for the Stepp to be unstable! Also always remember that when the Stepps come new in the box you are going to have to get the stretch out of the rope but camming the stepp over a few times and then you will be good for the whole season. I also wanted to let all of you amsteel fans that we have switched to a tighter braid of rope which is half the thickness of the older rope which means it fits in the bag effortlessly and is still the same strength!

All my best,
Andrew Walter | President |
Wild Edge Inc.

Cool name!!! Now your next son you can name Arrow.
 
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