• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Aider Advice Needed!

M

MarylandMatt

New Member
Joined
Aug 14, 2022
Messages
3
So I'm suffering from paralysis by analysis....I'm a newbie to the saddle-scene and its like drinking from a fire hose of information. I just bought skeletors and I think I've settled on getting a 3-step carry-as-you-go (CAYG) webbing aider since in hunting in my old climber I liked the option of getting high in the tree. I'm about 6'2", 190lbs, in average shape with average flexibility and balance.

So far I like the looks of the 1) Ultimaider 2) Backwoods GC-one (I know this was made for the Tethrd one sticks but figure it should work for min) and 3) the Backwoods multistep aider. Before I commit, I'm debating the different step heights as I'm leaning towards #3. So my questions are these:
1. What step height would you recommend if I got a Backwoods multistep aider? They offer 14, 16, 18, and 20. I've read a bit about being bundled up limiting flexibility and thus step distance and am just guessing on this one.
2. I like the versatility of the Ultimaider (to address question #1) but I'm wondering if anyone has tried using it as a carry as you go aider? I was thinking of doing this so I could modify the step height as needed.
3. Since the Backwoods GC-One attaches to two points on the top step while the Backwoods multistep attaches via one loop over the top standoff, is there a big difference in stability/kickout?

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
Welcome… I would take my time about aiders being that you have not used sticks before…especially anything more than 1 step aider… I have tried different ones and although they do what they are designed to do they can be a little unsettling…especially coming down… I have been using cable aiders… for me they allow me more boot room coming down..
 
I’ve tried a few, personally, I like any multi step aiders on the bottom stick. After that every stick after that has a cable aider on it. this way if I kick out I’m no more than 4-5 feet up.

Step distance is a personal preference, have mine at 15. Which is nice an easy early season, but once the layers start going on, 15 becomes a little less easy.

Cable aiders also seem to be the easiest to climb down but i rappel out of the tree. It’s a little extra gear and takes a bit of time to cleanup but the comfort factor is worth it IMO
 
I have a 3 step aider on the bottom and 16" single on each stick after. I repel down. I'm 6'2" 245 pounds. This gets me up to my feet around 26' if i wanted. its nice to have shorter steps between the stick and next aider.
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I've practiced a little with using a pressure relief strap (which you get with harnesses) to see how an aider works and feels and for a one step aider, I didn't think it was too bad (except I need to add a fuel line for the step). Sounds like most who replied will use a multistep on the bottom stick but only a single step further up the tree for safety reasons. I've heard good things about using cable aiders...I just know I hunt in some areas with a super open forest where its easy to get busted by deer. That's why I like going high...realizing that a saddle is different being behind the tree. Being new to the saddle game, I'm not sure I'm ready to learn rappelling yet but figure I'll get there eventually.

One thing I'm thinking of doing is just using one step of a multistep moveable aider until I get more comfortable with it. By using some nite ize gear ties on the lower steps I can cinch them up so they don't get caught on things until I'm ready to use them.

Has anyone tried using/modifying the Ultimaider for use as a moveable aider? I was thinking that it wouldn't be that hard to just loop it differently with the buckles to create a loop to go over the top standoff. Then I could modify the step height as I learn what works and what doesn't. I would love it if Backwoods would make a multistep moveable ultimaider.:) Maybe I should patent that idea...LOL
 
My aider setup is gonna look like this. Cable aiders on each stick. Then I’m gonna try a Backwoods Mobile Gear Adjustabke Versa aider to get the bottom stick higher, and then if the tree allows for it it needs it. Use that aider in combination with my cable aiders to get more out of each stick.
 
I hate aiders, other than the single step wire versions. Not sure if those are available for skeletors, likely they are.

Also not a huge fan of carry as you go personally, but your experience/opinion may vary. Whatever you do practice as much as you can to get comfortable.

All that said, I'm using a 3 step fixed aider this season, I'm trying to learn one sticking, the 3 step aider is... Necessary but annoying. EWO.
 
Bowtie747 said:
My aider setup is gonna look like this. Cable aiders on each stick. Then I’m gonna try a Backwoods Mobile Gear Adjustabke Versa aider to get the bottom stick higher, and then if the tree allows for it it needs it. Use that aider in combination with my cable aiders to get more out of each stick.
Click to expand...
How did this out for you? Using cable aiders on each of the sticks and one versa aider in your foot?
 
Maverick1 said:
How did this out for you? Using cable aiders on each of the sticks and one versa aider in your foot?
Click to expand...
I really liked it! Used it all season. Will be next as well. Cable aider on each stick and yes the moveable on one foot. I went to the steps, not the versa button on my sticks though with the foot aider. I can get 17-20’ feet with 3 sticks! I feel secure with it too. Some might not but I didn’t have any shady stuff happen this season.
 
Bowtie747 said:
I really liked it! Used it all season. Will be next as well. Cable aider on each stick and yes the moveable on one foot. I went to the steps, not the versa button on my sticks though with the foot aider. I can get 17-20’ feet with 3 sticks! I feel secure with it too. Some might not but I didn’t have any shady stuff happen this season.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update. I've been using cable aiders for the last couple of seasons. Did some experimenting with using cable aiders and the movable aider on the foot last months. Seems to work well going up, haven't really tried it going down in the dark. By my math (step distance, height, and space between sticks) - I figure I should be able to get about 18' with 3 sticks, so about the same as what you were describing. And 24' with 4 sticks. I think I am going to try this setup this fall. Would be nice to eliminate one stick from the equation!
 
I use two sticks with a 3 step fixed aider on first and a 2 step aider on second stick. I put my platform about 1-1.5' above my last step and that puts me around 16'. I would not want to climb down in the dark with the aiders. I rappel so I don't have to worry about it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top