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Aiders for one stick

jgleas114

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jan 18, 2022
255
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35
Just purchased a Sh1kar one stick now looking to purchase an aider. Leaning towards a 3 step at 15 inches. There are so many options/brands/material types out there. What do you run on your one stick set up. Any tips or suggestion when it comes to brand etc?
 

Dmathews87

Well-Known Member
Aug 30, 2022
775
1,416
93
36
SE Louisiana
I run amsteel aider (2 step) it works and overall no real complaints. At times i wonder if i should have gotten the aider which almost everyone seems to use from eastern outdoors...the ultimaider..it does look really nice and a bit more sturdy.
 

goodfelg

Member
SH Member
Oct 22, 2022
80
154
33
61
Missouri
I use the ultimaider on my OOAL Big BOB. 2 steps at 15 inches, and for me it's perfect. I tried using all 3 steps at 15 inches but only used that 3rd step on the first move, then it just got in the way so I removed it (short arms and legs LOL). I find the core pieces in the webbing shift sometimes, but that's mostly from how I pack it up, so now I just slide them into position when I set the stick before I climb, takes no time just something to be aware of.
 
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Apex7

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jan 6, 2017
3,744
2,734
113
64
Pittsburgh Pa
Just purchased a Sh1kar one stick now looking to purchase an aider. Leaning towards a 3 step at 15 inches. There are so many options/brands/material types out there. What do you run on your one stick set up. Any tips or suggestion when it comes to brand etc?
I have Custom Amsteel products 3 step 15 inch aiders on my Big B.O.B one stick. Custom Amsteel products makes really nice aiders.
 

DOMMA

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2019
280
249
43
57
I tried single and dual Amstel aiders and did not care for them. They are difficult to find with your foot when descending, especially in the dark. They are light and flimsy and move quite easily. You can easily push them out of place with your boot and their is not enough material there to make a decent, open target.

After reading a bunch of reviews, I purchased Backwoods Mobile Gear GC-One 3-step aider. It seems to work much better than the Amsteel as they have enough weight and firmness to hang straight down and retain their open shape. Backwood Mobile Gear or the EWO UltimAider are the way to go.
 
Last edited:

Kayl

Well-Known Member
Mar 20, 2021
331
386
63
Wisconsin
DIY Ultimaider
3- 60" pieces of tubular webbing
6- 1" webbing glides (Australpin)
4- Ultimaider links
Steps are 3/8" pex
 

Apex7

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jan 6, 2017
3,744
2,734
113
64
Pittsburgh Pa
Ultimaider is the way to go!!
I tried single and dual Amstel aiders and did not care for them. They are difficult to find with your foot when descending, especially in the dark. They are light and flimsy and move quite easily. You can easily push them out of place with your boot and their is not enough material there to make a decent, open target.

After reading a bunch of reviews, I purchased Backwoods Mobile Gear GC-One 3-step aider. It seems to work much better than the Amsteel as they have enough weight and firmness to hang straight down and retain their open shape. Backwood Mobile Gear or the EWO UltimAider are the way to go.
I have both and used both and for one sticking I use the amsteel aiders over the Ultimaiders. They are easier to work for me when one sticking.
 

tim_dawg22

Well-Known Member
Oct 7, 2018
341
308
63
Homemade two step 1/4” amsteel aider works great for me. I put a 7” piece of air hose on each step to stiffen it and keep it open.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

DOMMA

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2019
280
249
43
57
I have both and used both and for one sticking I use the amsteel aiders over the Ultimaiders. They are easier to work for me when one sticking.

I can see this if you are repelling down which is probably the case. I struggled finding the Amsteel steps when climbing in the dark.
 

Kayl

Well-Known Member
Mar 20, 2021
331
386
63
Wisconsin
I have both and used both and for one sticking I use the amsteel aiders over the Ultimaiders. They are easier to work for me when one sticking.

For me it was the exact opposite. The amsteel was a pain while the ultimaider is easier to get my foot in and hangs better.
 

jcassell207

Member
Oct 26, 2021
84
85
18
38
I feel like the Amstel aider I am using collapses around my foot when you apply weight. It just doesn't give me that "warm and fuzzy" feeling, so I am starting to look for something with a more sturdy step inside.....