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Platforms

Dopo87

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2016
Messages
182
Location
Pennsylvania
Hey guys, I super new to saddle hunting. I recently purchased the Aero Hunter saddle. I have the normal climbing options... tree steps, climbing sticks, and SteppLadders. I planned on using some of the SteppLadders for my platform. I see alot of people on here are constructing their own platforms. Is this more for comfort? And what are you using to get around the tree with your custom platforms?

Thanks in advance!
 
Hey guys, I super new to saddle hunting. I recently purchased the Aero Hunter saddle. I have the normal climbing options... tree steps, climbing sticks, and SteppLadders. I planned on using some of the SteppLadders for my platform. I see alot of people on here are constructing their own platforms. Is this more for comfort? And what are you using to get around the tree with your custom platforms?

Thanks in advance!

I am using a platform made from an XOP seat and brackets. With this set up I don't need anything else on the tree to shoot 360. it is stable enough I can push off the side to shoot around the tree. For right hand shots I can simply stand on the platform like a stand and rotate to the right and put my back against the tree. With a head level hook up on my tether it goes over my shoulder and actually holds me against the tree for a very stable shot!
 
Im looking at the stepp ladder for my platform. You can get a set of 3 for under $100.

A week ago you could have gotten a set of 10 for $85.

For the OP... you don't need a full platform either. Many people use a series of strap on or screw in steps.
So some folks will talk about platform and they are referring to steps.
Wasn't sure if that was clear.
 
Jim Stepps are nice, but its tricky if you want to set them all at same height. I fought to get 3 on same height.
 
Here's something I've been playing around with. Just standing on top of the Helium sticks were killing my feet. Attached this piece of railing to the top and it's much better.

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Jim Stepps are nice, but its tricky if you want to set them all at same height. I fought to get 3 on same height.

I don't sweat the same height. It has not hindered me. For the life of me, I cannot fathom all the energy and fabrication for other platforms. Top steps of stick and two or three Stepps, and I am good.

It does take a little initial tinkering to figure out how to set the stepps correctly, but once over the learning curve, it is easy peasy.

And I am 275 lbs "dry weight", and I have no issues with side pressure on the stepps.

But then again, different strokes for different folks.
 
Saddlemaster, that is too simple, inexpensive and effective.
Don't let my wife know about it....


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Saddle master I love the simplcity too Similar to what I did for a platform but wider and simplierIMG_2004.JPG. I find this type of platform easy on the feet.
 
The thing about the xop and lonewolf seats for platforms is that it sticks you out further off the tree which allows you to lean out and shoot around the tree with out the need to walk around the tree with additional steps strapped around the tree. Weight difference in minimum.
 
I think you mean $125

Yeah. I quoted the Cranford steps.
Later saw your classified ad and wished I hadn't posted anything about our transaction.

BTW, great deal on Cranford rope steps in the Classified, everyone!
 
I don't sweat the same height. It has not hindered me. For the life of me, I cannot fathom all the energy and fabrication for other platforms. Top steps of stick and two or three Stepps, and I am good.

It does take a little initial tinkering to figure out how to set the stepps correctly, but once over the learning curve, it is easy peasy.

And I am 275 lbs "dry weight", and I have no issues with side pressure on the stepps.

But then again, different strokes for different folks.

When using just stepps, nothings more irritating and hard on my lower back than my feet at different heights. The platform eliminates that issue. Using xop parts, the platform is pretty much a bolt together. Not much effort. Also makes for a great way to carry my sticks. Ive carried sticks with a shoulder strap, don't care for doing it that way.
 
When using just stepps, nothings more irritating and hard on my lower back than my feet at different heights. The platform eliminates that issue. Using xop parts, the platform is pretty much a bolt together. Not much effort. Also makes for a great way to carry my sticks. Ive carried sticks with a shoulder strap, don't care for doing it that way.

Interesting, I hadn't thought about this. The primary reason I want to try the Jim stepps is to vary the height so it's easier to walk around the tree. Plus I'm not in love with the ameristep/ratchet strap set up and have been spending more time on the top step of my leverage sticks.
 
I have no problem getting stepps at same height.... and i really don't worry if there not ... never had a problem. If I was planning on walking around the tree I'd make them go higher as I moved around the tree anyway
 
I am using a platform made from an XOP seat and brackets. With this set up I don't need anything else on the tree to shoot 360. it is stable enough I can push off the side to shoot around the tree. For right hand shots I can simply stand on the platform like a stand and rotate to the right and put my back against the tree. With a head level hook up on my tether it goes over my shoulder and actually holds me against the tree for a very stable shot!

Im hoping the built xop/platform provides more comfort to my feet...but the ability to move around the tree for right handed shots as explained by fling..is a huge bonus for me. While you can move around the tree on steps/screw ins - it takes to much motion...Where I hunt at least, you could never get away with that kind of movement when the deer are coming in. You can move maybe one step to left or right..but that is about it... But being able to just stand and slowely turn on a xop/platform...well that im really looking forward to.
 
When using just stepps, nothings more irritating and hard on my lower back than my feet at different heights. The platform eliminates that issue. Using xop parts, the platform is pretty much a bolt together. Not much effort. Also makes for a great way to carry my sticks. Ive carried sticks with a shoulder strap, don't care for doing it that way.

Now you've gone and done it, after I already spend my allotted 2016 hunting budget. Off to look at the parts list.

I never had the issue you describe, but I have been "sitting" using the whale tail of the GW.

I just got the sit drag to try that, might as well think about a platform also.




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Now you've gone and done it, after I already spend my allotted 2016 hunting budget.

You should know by now that if you hang around here there is no such thing as a budget. Or if there is, its always way over budget.
 
Im hoping the built xop/platform provides more comfort to my feet...but the ability to move around the tree for right handed shots as explained by fling..is a huge bonus for me. While you can move around the tree on steps/screw ins - it takes to much motion...Where I hunt at least, you could never get away with that kind of movement when the deer are coming in. You can move maybe one step to left or right..but that is about it... But being able to just stand and slowely turn on a xop/platform...well that im really looking forward to.

I shoot a crossbow, and a youth one at that. And I shoot either right handed or left handed. I only need about 1 step left or right To cover most shoot able areas (directly behind me is a no go).


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But being able to just stand and slowely turn on a xop/platform...well that im really looking forward to.

This is the best part about a platform. Oddly, I don't find them as comfortable as Ameristeps...I know I'm probably the only one, but the ability to maneuver for a shot is much improved.
 
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