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Hawk Helium sticks and HSP platform value leader.

It pains me to admit, but that looks like a solid stick when assembled with bolts.

I have other sticks and I've tried lots of different things, but I figured I'd piece this stuff together for a dedicated one sticking rig. Not the best tree biters, and not the lightest combo ever, but it works for a total cost around $90 or so with all the components. The holes on the platform don't line up with the holes on all of my sticks so I clearanced them a bit and the quick pins started to get a little loose, so bolting it made sense for my specific use case.
 
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.


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I am only guessing here but are I wrong to be concerned that platform stick combination with the strap that low below the platform would not likely remain in place and move if subjected to mild let alone significant side pressure?
 
I am only guessing here but are I wrong to be concerned that platform stick combination with the strap that low below the platform would not likely remain in place and move if subjected to mild let alone significant side pressure?

I purposely centered the rope cam over where the original versa button was so that I didn’t unbalance the moments about the attachment point. So far I haven’t noticed an issue on my practice tree and I never noticed an issue while I was hunting with it with the original cam buckle strap.
 
His one step aider? Looks like he just has some knots in it to keep it from pulling through. I would suggest running it through a hole closer to the stick. Thats ALOT of weight and torque on the tip of the step
 
Wondering if the hawk platform would be improved with an extension bolted to the front or back edge to really let you have some leverage around the tree.
 
I have other sticks and I've tried lots of different things, but I figured I'd piece this stuff together for a dedicated one sticking rig. Not the best tree biters, and not the lightest combo ever, but it works for a total cost around $90 or so with all the components. The holes on the platform don't line up with the holes on all of my sticks so I clearanced them a bit and the quick pins started to get a little loose, so bolting it made sense for my specific use case.
I just got my platform, painted it, and I have to say, with the plastic bushing on the platform mounted on the stick, just with the pins its a solid fitment. I will still probably switch out the pins for bolts, because I have 4 sticks and one will be a dedicated "top stick" until I get comfortable enough to one stick. But if someone were to stick with the pins only, I can't see being upset with how the platform and stick interface together.
 
His one step aider? Looks like he just has some knots in it to keep it from pulling through. I would suggest running it through a hole closer to the stick. Thats ALOT of weight and torque on the tip of the step

The sticks are rated for 300 lb. I would imagine that means that each step is capable of 300 lb since you have to stay on one foot to move the other. When I stand on the stick I’d say the center of the distributed load induced by my foot is about 1” inside of where the aider is attached. When using a single step aider each of the attachment points is supporting half of my weight which is about 115 lb. My only concern is the twisting moment induced by running through the stick, but I have seen no substantial wear after using them all season this way.

In short, I think it’s fine. I prefer it to be out that wide to get my boot in there safely. If I notice anything strange, I’ll be sure to change the attachment.
 
So how difficult is it to get into. Seems like coming up right under the platform would be tough?
 
So how difficult is it to get into. Seems like coming up right under the platform would be tough?
It is a small platform so it is no harder than stepping up to any other step. Just like with any other platform you should do it while strapped into a lineman's belt.
 
jakeller27 - can you provide the bolt/nut/washer details you used to permanently secure the HSP platform to the stick? Thanks!
 
If I remember correctly, I got either 1.75" or 2" 1/4-20 bolts and used a flat washer and a full nylock nut. I think I got bolts that were way too long and cut them off with a Dremel cutoff wheel, but I can't really remember. It has been so long since I have messed with it. I actually haven't even fiddled with the one sticking stuff and I've considered just selling off my kit.
 
I just saw a couple comments from a while back about the cam cleats and the aider. I ended up buying an amsteel aider that ties to the steps to keep the load in line with the step, and I did end up moving the cam cleat up to help with stability. It wasn't terrible, but moving it up to where the top hole is now the bottom hole worked well.
 
If I remember correctly, I got either 1.75" or 2" 1/4-20 bolts and used a flat washer and a full nylock nut. I think I got bolts that were way too long and cut them off with a Dremel cutoff wheel, but I can't really remember. It has been so long since I have messed with it. I actually haven't even fiddled with the one sticking stuff and I've considered just selling off my kit.
Did the same thing with the bolts & nylocks on the platform, but filled the void in the channel with cut-offs from a 1/2" thick cutting board & drilled thru to give it more support. Rock solid, can tighten it down with no play at all. Left the versa button on, but have a a cam cleat on this stick . I add the original hawk strap @ hunting height.
 
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
@jakeller27 How did those bolts work in stabilizing the platform? Were you able to stabilize and remove movement in that platform?
 
I have this same stick and platform to one stick. I’ve added a 3 step aider and lots of vet tape. I put a double layer of vet tape over the end of the stick, then slid the platform on. Put the pins back in and wrapped vet tape around them. It barely teeters and makes no sound. The platform is slick until you mod the surface…….vet tape is what I use on everything.
 
I have this same stick and platform to one stick. I’ve added a 3 step aider and lots of vet tape. I put a double layer of vet tape over the end of the stick, then slid the platform on. Put the pins back in and wrapped vet tape around them. It barely teeters and makes no sound. The platform is slick until you mod the surface…….vet tape is what I use on everything.
Scratch that, it creeked like crazy today…..I’ll be getting bolts
 
@jakeller27 How did those bolts work in stabilizing the platform? Were you able to stabilize and remove movement in that platform?

Sorry for the slow reply. It seemed to tighten it up some, but the platform still flexed a little bit - nothing that bothered me though.
 
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