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Step platform users

Newbie here with no plans to use anything other than steps. I can't justify the going price for ameristeps so am trying the bullmans steps and some diy steps using aluminum channel and bolts. Still hoping cranford (or someone else) comes out with their offering soon. Plan to use screw-ins on presets.
 
I've been an ameristeps guy the past two seasons, and even though I now have a predator there are some major perks to the ameristeps.

I can lock mine down tight enough with the cam buckle that they never make a peep. I also like that it's pretty simple to shift your tether and completely change your positioning.
Lighter weight, and I think they're pretty quiet too. You do get contact noise sometimes, but it's not metallic. I'm a big believer in what I call "sound profile." To me, the plastic steps clanking sound fairly natural, vs a cast platforms TINK.

However, I will say that the comfort level isn't quite on par with a platform for me. I sat 3 hours straight yesterday on the predator and never adjusted my tether once. I've done all day sits on steps, but it's just not as comfortable.
 
Here's a photo of my 5-step custom platform. Steps are cut from a 2.5" x 4" aluminum I-beam, covered in camo duct tape and a patch of non-skid tape on the 2.5" x 3.25" step area. Five steps on a ratchet strap weighs in at 47 oz. I could save 7.6 oz per step if I wanted to save weight but I like this setup for use in larger trees. They're a little noisier than I'd prefer so am thinking of brushing on a coat of Plasti-dip to see if that helps some. Any other ideas?

pu1s0lE.jpg
 
DaveH said:
Here's a photo of my 5-step custom platform. Steps are cut from a 2.5" x 4" aluminum I-beam, covered in camo duct tape and a patch of non-skid tape on the 2.5" x 3.25" step area. Five steps on a ratchet strap weighs in at 47 oz. I could save 7.6 oz per step if I wanted to save weight but I like this setup for use in larger trees. They're a little noisier than I'd prefer so am thinking of brushing on a coat of Plasti-dip to see if that helps some. Any other ideas?

pu1s0lE.jpg
Click to expand...

I have taken some old socks, cut them into four inch long tubes, and pull them over my aluminum brackets. Zero noise. I put the brackets around the tree and right before I tighten the brackets down completely I pull the socks off. Easy and cheap fix. Pete
 
Ive been a ring of ameristeps guy mostly. Tried the xop platform one year but went back to ring of steps. I’m just tired of the fiddle factor getting the ring of steps set and fighting that boat buckle. Gonna try the predator this year. I loved the wild edge Stepps as a platform but not setting the ones on the side.
 
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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I would agree 100% with you!! I love ameristeps. They have always been my go to on the public lands. On my private land setups i still use screw ins. I figured it out why my feet hurt and started to place more of my weight in the saddle problem solved. Platforms have there purpose but a good ring of steps definitely make it light and mobile. They work on every tree!!
 
I'm in limbo currently, I have used Cranford screw ins and ameristep ring of steps in the past but I'm trying out a lone wolf hand climber top this season so I'm not sure which way I'll go.
 
I’m new here and first set up a xop seat

I’ve decided to go with the ring of steps I have and have been really liking them
Lighter, easier and I can shift my position with just moving my tether around the tree
 
I used a ring of wild edge steps all season last year. They worked well. I got the kesttel last year as well and spend a lot more time sitting vs leaning in the sit drag. I also started drilling trees this year. One bonus to the bolts vs screw in steps is I can set them in pairs 2.5 to 3 inches apart. They are way more comfortable than a screw in set that way. I want to try a set of ameristeps I’m just too cheap. It isn’t the total cost of a ameristeps platform but just knowing I walked by dusty ameristeps sitting on bottom shelves on clearance for so many years I have a hard time paying up for them. I have a few somewhere so I guess I need to find them.
 
Nutterbuster said:
I've been an ameristeps guy the past two seasons, and even though I now have a predator there are some major perks to the ameristeps.

I can lock mine down tight enough with the cam buckle that they never make a peep. I also like that it's pretty simple to shift your tether and completely change your positioning.
Lighter weight, and I think they're pretty quiet too. You do get contact noise sometimes, but it's not metallic. I'm a big believer in what I call "sound profile." To me, the plastic steps clanking sound fairly natural, vs a cast platforms TINK.

However, I will say that the comfort level isn't quite on par with a platform for me. I sat 3 hours straight yesterday on the predator and never adjusted my tether once. I've done all day sits on steps, but it's just not as comfortable.
Click to expand...

which strap and cam buckle did ya get for the ameristeps?
 
On private I am all in on screw in steps. I have about 10 trees prepped on private land I hunt with screw in steps.
 
swampsnyper said:
Ive been a ring of ameristeps guy mostly. Tried the xop platform one year but went back to ring of steps. I’m just tired of the fiddle factor getting the ring of steps set and fighting that boat buckle. Gonna try the predator this year. I loved the wild edge Stepps as a platform but not setting the ones on the side.
Click to expand...
So what do you mean by fighting the boat buckle? I've never understood this when guys don't like it. To me it's the best thing since sliced bread. Damn it I'm going to have to make a video aren't I?
 
redsquirrel said:
So what do you mean by fighting the boat buckle? I've never understood this when guys don't like it. To me it's the best thing since sliced bread. Damn it I'm going to have to make a video aren't I?
Click to expand...
Let's first get the RS aider video out!! And the bear wanting your doe video ... any others?
Honestly before the Swaider and KNaider was introduced, I thought you had the best innovation of the 2018 year with your aider! Second place is pretty good!
 
Ah! You are completely correct!! You had that out during deer season last year!! My bad .... you won a special edition HangTime shirt!
 
redsquirrel said:
So what do you mean by fighting the boat buckle? I've never understood this when guys don't like it. To me it's the best thing since sliced bread. Damn it I'm going to have to make a video aren't I?
Click to expand...

The strap wants to roll over the edge and not stay squared where it weaves in and out of the buckle and that doesn’t let it snap shut. Trying to hold that square on cam over and have your steps stay where you want them is a pain on some trees. Then there is the issue on small trees that the cam buckle is where you need a step or takes up too much room to have steps evenly spaced.
I put up with it and make it happen, but there has to be a better way. Sometimes I wish I had a ratchet strap.
 
swampsnyper said:
The strap wants to roll over the edge and not stay squared where it weaves in and out of the buckle and that doesn’t let it snap shut. Trying to hold that square on cam over and have your steps stay where you want them is a pain on some trees. Then there is the issue on small trees that the cam buckle is where you need a step or takes up too much room to have steps evenly spaced.
I put up with it and make it happen, but there has to be a better way. Sometimes I wish I had a ratchet strap.
Click to expand...

I like the ratchet strap but I’m concerned about that clicking noise
 
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