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Hawk Helium sticks and HSP platform value leader.

Disaster

New Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2021
Messages
15
I wish I knew what I know now before spending as much as I have on climbing hardware and stands. Having said that, with a few mods the Hawk Helium sticks and HSP platform make a great value starter set.

You can find a 4 pack of 2 foot sticks for $100-110 on sale. The HSP platform will runs $45-50. Add a 3-5 step aider for $20-40 and you can get more height or save a step completely.

Now for the mods.

1. Dump the buckle on the sticks.
Remove the buckle and instead wrap the strap under the loop and around the retainer hat like you would a rope. A second loop holds it even more securely against slipping and is easier to remove vs. a half hitch. You can even do it with bulky winter gloves on. Considerably faster and more secure than those buckles and getting rid of the buckles saves weight and prevents clanging noises. Of course you do loose maybe 8"-10" of tree circumference capability but you could always keep the buckles in your pack for insurance and I haven't had an issue yet with the trees I use.

PSX_20210121_124523.jpg

PSX_20210121_124536.jpg

PSX_20210121_124551.jpg

2. Add grip tape to the HSP platform surface.
A careful application of grip tape will increase traction and prevent squeaks between your footwear and the platform. The sandpaper surface stair/ladder tape works great and is $15-20 for a 25-40 foot roll.

PSX_20210121_123522.jpg

That is it. $200-$240 depending on how good you do with sales.

Are there better sticks? Sure.

I'm not a fan of the folding steps which are prone to get bends in them. The suction cup stick attachment system was poorly executed, is difficult to use and prone to failure.

But neither of those items are show stoppers and I can't think of a less expensive effective multi-stick system.
 
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Thanks for posting. Inspired me to order some grip tape and continue to improve this setup. It's not bad at all, but it is slick and needs the tape. Also gonna get some slotted squirrel steps to put on the sides.
 
Thanks for posting. Inspired me to order some grip tape and continue to improve this setup. It's not bad at all, but it is slick and needs the tape. Also gonna get some slotted squirrel steps to put on the sides.
Really strange how they made the surface smooth on both their small platforms. My boots would squeak loudly when I adjusted my position. Not very conducive to whitetail hunting! The tape completely fixed that issue and the added grip is a bonus.
 
How does the platform attach to the stick...hard to see in the pic. 2 pins? The tolerance is close enough to were the platform doesn't have any play?....if u had all ur weight off 1 side and transferring to the opposite side the platform doesn't "teeter" from 1 side to the other a little bit?
 
This is my exact setup.
2021 will be my first season saddle hunting, and what you laid out is exactly what I will be trying for my first year.
platform should be here today, I'm interested to see how sturdy the attachment is to the top of the sticks. I assume you could swap out the pins for grade 8 bolts and some washers if you wanted. I cant see ever taking the platform off the top step once it goes on there?
 
5eaa24fb703bf0e64f56ad12abb1ff8b.jpg


To expand on this one a little bit more, I’m using this setup for one sticking now. I added a cam cleat and I’m just using that one step aider for now (although I’ve got a two step amsteel aider coming today). It weighs in around 3.9 lb and seems to be working well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
5eaa24fb703bf0e64f56ad12abb1ff8b.jpg


To expand on this one a little bit more, I’m using this setup for one sticking now. I added a cam cleat and I’m just using that one step aider for now (although I’ve got a two step amsteel aider coming today). It weighs in around 3.9 lb and seems to be working well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This is exactly what I want to try eventually.

right now I am going to stick with running 3 sticks and the platform, and see how I feel. Once I get comfortable, this setup looks ideal, because I usually have to hike a mile plus into public land to get to some spots.
 
How does the platform attach to the stick...hard to see in the pic. 2 pins? The tolerance is close enough to were the platform doesn't have any play?....if u had all ur weight off 1 side and transferring to the opposite side the platform doesn't "teeter" from 1 side to the other a little bit?
A pair of push pins. But it slides over the stick so the pins are just for retention, not weight bearing. The platform flexes a little but doesn’t make any noise. I move all around on it including leaning against the edges which is why I wrapped the tape over the sides.
I initially bought Hawk’s mini platform but much prefer this. One less thing to carry and mount.
 
This is my exact setup.
2021 will be my first season saddle hunting, and what you laid out is exactly what I will be trying for my first year.
platform should be here today, I'm interested to see how sturdy the attachment is to the top of the sticks. I assume you could swap out the pins for grade 8 bolts and some washers if you wanted. I cant see ever taking the platform off the top step once it goes on there?
I’m happy with the pins so far but you are correct. It’s never coming off so bolts are an option.
 
5eaa24fb703bf0e64f56ad12abb1ff8b.jpg


To expand on this one a little bit more, I’m using this setup for one sticking now. I added a cam cleat and I’m just using that one step aider for now (although I’ve got a two step amsteel aider coming today). It weighs in around 3.9 lb and seems to be working well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I almost bought a couple different rope systems. Then I thought...”Hmmm...wonder if the included strap would work?” It did and was free. :)

I use a purchased 5 step aider looped over the button to get me at a 6 foot starting height and then just two more sticks but I definitely want to try the one stick method for run and gun...or bow.
 
It pains me to admit, but that looks like a solid stick when assembled with bolts.
 
5eaa24fb703bf0e64f56ad12abb1ff8b.jpg


To expand on this one a little bit more, I’m using this setup for one sticking now. I added a cam cleat and I’m just using that one step aider for now (although I’ve got a two step amsteel aider coming today). It weighs in around 3.9 lb and seems to be working well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How did you attach the rope ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
How did you attach the rope ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's just tied with an overhand loop knot (at least that's what I call it) like I would use for a rope mod. It's some leftover Muddy safeline rope that I had that seems comparable to the rope they use on their sticks with rope cams. I ziptied the rope to the stick to keep it from sliding down.
 
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