I think the difference here is subjecting the carbon bolts - which are close enough to the limit that guys have broken them and which fail quickly and completely when they fail - to an extended and possibly awkward 1-ft load while drilling high. The difference vs the stepps is that the bolts themselves are a likely/realistic failure point, and using them in this manner exposes them to greater opportunities for uncontrolled loading.
If climbing spurs and bolts are illegal on public land I find it easier to conceal the bolts and drill on the walk out. Spurs being much more bulky and visible to the man.
At least one of you roguish people will give an honest answer. On a similar note I was reading some regs on some federal land I plan to hunt this year. It has some rather large trees. It’s against the rules to hunt from a tree that metal objects have been screwed or driven into. Carbon fiber isn’t metal so maybe I need to follow the whole 1/2” carbon bolt thread.
Think of it like taxes. There's always a loophole if you're willing to spend the time to find it.
I agree it's a reasonable method - as long as you keep loading in mind, and don't stretch out too much. My concern with the cf bolts is pretty much solely what happens if you slip/reflex catch a dropped drill/etc. and this leaves you a bit more vulnerable to that.Guys, remember I am NOT a big guy. Roughly 180lbs. I don't think I'm stressing these bolts at all. I'm not saying you have to climb this way or even try it, it's just an idea and another option. This is how new methods are born and you can adapt any method to fit your needs and hunting style. All I'll say is don't bash it too hard if you haven't even tried it lol. It's more solid than you would imagine and not hard to climb this way. You could easily do it with grade 8 bolts as well and eliminate drilling double the amount of holes. I'll try to get the video uploaded today, and since I did this Saturday I've come up with a way to not stand on one leg the whole time while drilling the next hole up
It seems like using the Versa strap would be easy to stand on two feet. Once you get on the bolt adjust your versus trap so your feet or roughly in the same position and stand on the strap and the bolt. I will probably use this method with grade 8 bolts at least a start cuz that's what I have. I'm still not sure slightly over 200 pounds if I'm willing to go to the carbon fiber route. I am definitely excited about drilling half as many holes.Guys, remember I am NOT a big guy. Roughly 180lbs. I don't think I'm stressing these bolts at all. I'm not saying you have to climb this way or even try it, it's just an idea and another option. This is how new methods are born and you can adapt any method to fit your needs and hunting style. All I'll say is don't bash it too hard if you haven't even tried it lol. It's more solid than you would imagine and not hard to climb this way. You could easily do it with grade 8 bolts as well and eliminate drilling double the amount of holes. I'll try to get the video uploaded today, and since I did this Saturday I've come up with a way to not stand on one leg the whole time while drilling the next hole up
I don’t think it’s that bad. Drilling 3’ apart means you’re only taking 1.5 foot steps. Where I think people will run into problems is trying to really stretch it out to the point where there is a surge of energy placed on the step trying to get to the next step.Guys, remember I am NOT a big guy. Roughly 180lbs. I don't think I'm stressing these bolts at all. I'm not saying you have to climb this way or even try it, it's just an idea and another option. This is how new methods are born and you can adapt any method to fit your needs and hunting style. All I'll say is don't bash it too hard if you haven't even tried it lol. It's more solid than you would imagine and not hard to climb this way. You could easily do it with grade 8 bolts as well and eliminate drilling double the amount of holes. I'll try to get the video uploaded today, and since I did this Saturday I've come up with a way to not stand on one leg the whole time while drilling the next hole up
You should send me those First Lite Gaiters!! They probably get lonely around all of that Sitka!! LOL
Yes I've considered getting the titanium off of eBay. I've just yet to do it. The only advantage titanium offers over the grade 8 is weight savings. 6 grade 8 bolts doesn't weigh much in my opinion. The other major factor with the metal is noise. Which would be my biggest reason for switching to carbon fiber. I'll probably just stick with metal for peace of mind. Whether that be the steel or titanium.
