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Step platform users

redsquirrel

redsquirrel

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Feb 19, 2014
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Die hard step platform user here. Screw in steps, bolts and strap on steps when mobile.

Who else is with me?

Please keep this thread devoted to step platforms. We have 1000 threads on other platforms so I will delete anything related to them here.
 
I have some cranford strap on steps I've been considering as a platform. One at 4 and 6 for main position?
 
It’s all I have ever used. I have 5 ameristeps on a strap and I tried steps also.
My go to is ameristeps.

I have always been on the mindset if I carry a platform I will just leave the loc on together and sit in it. Lol

I plan on trying to build some off of Denots thread from last year.


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I started using screw in tree steps back in 2003 or 2004 with my treesuit. I did that for a few years until I got hold of some strap on ameristeps. Been using them since. I plan to use them most of this year too. I like how light they are.
 
I used ring of screw in steps back when I first started. I would have 3 maybe 4 spots prepped. When I became a bit more mobile i went to the ameri steps. I love using them they are quick, easy to use and with the boat buckle very quiet.

Last season I had my original set of 5 ameristep and boat buck fall off while walking in the woods...my backup set has a ratchet strap which I’m not excited about but will be using until I order another buckle.

I will say out of all the steps I have tried it’s very hard to beat the ameristep.
 
How do you guys like screw-ins for your step platform? This is my first year saddle hunting and I have a few screw in presets to get to height, but thinking of using screwing ins for a preset platform.

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Screw in steps made my feet hurt but I am usually in a tree wearing waders. Waders don't have the best foot support though.
 
Have used ameristeps for years. Messed around a little last year with WE steps as a platform want bad, I did order a predator to try. I liked the assassin after it was in the tree just didn't like hauling it there. Won't get rid of my ring of steps.
 
Letemgrowitllshow said:
How do you guys like screw-ins for your step platform? This is my first year saddle hunting and I have a few screw in presets to get to height, but thinking of using screwing ins for a preset platform.

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This is what I did for my preset trees last year (1st season in a saddle). I'd recommend a boot with a good, stiff sole for standing on screw-ins for a few hours.

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Dry Bones said:
This is what I did for my preset trees last year (1st season in a saddle). I'd recommend a boot with a good, stiff sole for standing on screw-ins for a few hours.

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I wear $20 tingly rubber boots, not the best support, but probably worth a try for the presets. Thanks for the insight!

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IMHO the reason that steps hurt people's feet is that they don't have enough weight in the saddle. I probably have 90% of my weight being supported by the saddle. I mostly just use the steps to move myself around the tree or to take pressure off my butt for a while. I use screw in steps all the time.
 
redsquirrel said:
IMHO the reason that steps hurt people's feet is that they don't have enough weight in the saddle. I probably have 90% of my weight being supported by the saddle. I mostly just use the steps to move myself around the tree or to take pressure off my butt for a while. I use screw in steps all the time.
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Are you a sitter or a leaner? I haven't gotten my saddle yet, but I assume I will do both since I am probably 60/40 in a lock on setup. I just don't see how leaning will be comfortable the whole time, but if you are saying 90% of your weight is in the saddle while leaning then it makes more sense.

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Live2huntt said:
Are you a sitter or a leaner? I haven't gotten my saddle yet, but I assume I will do both since I am probably 60/40 in a lock on setup. I just don't see how leaning will be comfortable the whole time, but if you are saying 90% of your weight is in the saddle while leaning then it makes more sense.

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Sitter. If you're leaning in the saddle you're going to have a lot more weight on your feet.
 
I have settled on using a my ring of furniture brackets on a ratchet strap for all preset locations and will use a ring of Wild Edge Steps for the run and gun. I was all set for ring of furniture brackets for run and gun as well because I can set them fast, but the Steps are more compact in the pack when hiking and climbing. I have gotten very comfortable setting Wild Edge steps, so the time issue is no longer a factor for me.

I have found a way to be a sitter and a leaner so I can take pressure off of my feet. I use a fairly long tether so I can move completely around most trees, taking advantage of the ring of steps.
 
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I’m going screw in steps on private and aluminum furniture brackets on a ratchet strap for run and gun. I am thinking of make my own ameristep knock offs from 6061 aluminum.
 
Screw in cranford t's and 5 ameristeps on a cam buckle strap. Simple, solid, compact. Tried several different platforms this summer and just didn't need the extra space.
 
I have used Crandford screw ins for years both with my treesaddle and my mobile loc on setups.They are comfortable enough as I don’t stand all the time and just use them to position myself when shooting.90% of the time I only use 4.Thats enough for me to shoot around the tree.The ability to be versatile and compact is the appeal of the saddle for me not 360 shooting anyway.If I sat in these little bitty trees a lot of these guys prefer the poor ole deer gonna think there is one more monstrous squirrel shaking that tree when I move a little.HEHE
 
4 ameristeps on a ratchet or ocb strap most of the time for me.

I have put rubber fuel line on bolts and screw-ins before to make them a bit more comfortable on the feet.

Tried a platform for the first time on a hunt yesterday- I really missed being able to step around the tree! Plus once it got light I realized I wanted the platform more to my 3:00 position but no way I was gonna put my spurs back on and get down to move it! Don’t have that prob with steps so much....
 
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