A 100 mph slap shot generates 22.3 KN of force so hockey sticks are designed to take force better that other carbon fiber climbing stick alternatives. For the most part you can get broken ones for free but they are rectangular in shape. They are however the perfect size to fit inside aluminum square tubing. The aluminum is cut in a U shape and fits on the outside of the carbon and provides strength and a mounting point for a double step. Hockey sticks also have wooden plugs designed to be used as extensions so I put wooden plugs in the areas were a 1/4” grade 8 bolt is used. Plan is to use amsteel rope but the current weight is 28 oz but with DanO’s ultralight double step you can get it down to 22 oz. Worst case if you use all the API components you are still under 2 lbs, not bad for $100. So far they are rock solid but I plan to hunt with them 4 days this weekend.