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Best of the "entry level" sticks?

ssramage

ssramage

Active Member
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
191
Location
Saint Simons Island, GA
For my purposes, I'm not sure it makes sense to go for the premium sticks right now. I'm just getting started and most of my hunting will be on private land. I'll do a few public hunts, but they'll be so few that extreme weight reduction isn't all that important.

I'd like a setup that's easy to use and will get me in the 15-18' range without a lot of gymnastics.

I was thinking 3 or 4 full size Hawks but wanted to ask the masses for advice first. Also, if anyone has any used sticks, feel free to shoot me a pm. Thanks!
 
I’m I’m basically the same boat as you. Just getting into saddle hunting, don’t know if I’ll like it, but still need a way up the tree.

I watched a ton of video reviews and I really couldn’t find a reason to not go with the Hawks other than they’re a little heavier and bulkier than the rest. For me, I too hunt on private land so I’m not planning to hike in too far. Bulk and weight didn’t mean as much this year as cost so I went full size hawk.

You can get a 3 pack on Amazon for about $100 TYD. That’s what I did.
 
If you want full length I think Hawks are hard to beat. I have xop sticks but have grown tired of the single steps.

I have two sets of API Huntin' Sticks that I cut down that I like a lot for the price. I was also able to make a few one sticks with the leftover steps and my XOP standoffs.

The novix minis look to be a good option if you don't mind single steps and want packability.
 
ssramage said:
I've looked at those but think I'd prefer a double step.
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I have both novix and hawk and I prefer the double step hawk even if it means a little bit of weight. At some point I will probably mod my novix minis w EWO double steps but that is a project for a later date.
 
That was me last year. I went with the hawks and had 2 sets. This year I am one sticking. I also used the hawks for some other setups where I have some lock ons. However, I hunt in a club on private land. So the money wasn’t wasted because I will still use them on my semi permanent set ups as well. It does confuse other members of my club to see sticks on a tree with no platform. I am the only saddle hunter there. Well, I did convert one person for this season.
 
I started with lone wolf sticks and couldn't get comfortable with the single step. Went to hawk minis knowing they have there issues and used them all last year. Combined with a couple Amstel aiders they're hard to beat for the price. If you're not in a rush you could wait and see what the Novix double steps are going to look like.

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This was me last season. Mostly private. I have 4 full size hawks. I'd go with the minis. Pack a little eassier. Go to double steps and buy a big 3 step aider for the bottom stick. Use the rest to get you were you need to be. Use them or don't when you climb. Get to the right height. Consider repelling down. I'm giving one sticking a go this year. But even if I take the Hawks, I will repell down. I always seem to strain my knee coming down fumbling for the steps. Or my lineman's belt goes tight and sucks me to the tree. Or just spend the extra money on feather sticks or what ever to be out from the tree more. Worth it if you ask me. I think someone still had some 20" shikars in the classifieds. I'd rather have those over the Hawks for the stand off distance.
If you buy a new set of hawks. Load each step at ground level pretty good before you go up the tree. I read a few guys on here had a bad step out of the box. There QC isn't the best. But seems most of the fails happened right away. Not after being used several times. So just inspect them good and test em at ground level first for your safety.
 
I found the Hawk minis on Rogers for $109 for the 4 pack so I scooped them up. I would love to have some of the nicer sticks but based on how often these will get used, it's hard for me to justify $100/stick when these are $28/stick. I can used those funds saved for other saddle goodies.
 
Og lone wolf, Proven effective and can be picked up cheap enough. Hold good value and are easy to modify. Second for me would be api but they are a distant second
 
I've been completely happy with Muddy Pro's. (4) of them were roughly $150. I carry three, with a 3 step aider on the bottom stick. They definitely aren't the lightest stick, but them and the platform is an easy carry. Super easy to put on the tree, and that setup gets me plenty high enough.
 
I'd recommend trying a single step before dismissing them. Double steps sticks are just miserable to pack for me. They're just to bulky
 
Teddy9871 said:
I'd recommend trying a single step before dismissing them. Double steps sticks are just miserable to pack for me. They're just to bulky
Click to expand...
That's where the Hawks really shine, the double steps fold into a fairly compact package. I used Hawk Heliums for a couple of seasons without issue. I started with full length sticks (that was the only Helium made at the time). Wanting them more compact, I cut them down to 22" with 20" step spacing--it's easy to do. I also added the rope mod. The suction cup "issue" is a non-issue as you are better off using 2 bungee straps to hold them together anyway. My .02.

EDIT: One last note, due to the double steps, I much preferred them over my Lone Wolf sticks.
 
I also have a set of API sticks which I would NOT recommend for the following reasons:
They are really heavy--the tubing they are made with has a thicker wall than most sticks
The non-folding double steps are awkward to pack/carry
The standoffs suck--they don't bite the tree well and hold the stick too close to the tree
 
Another thing I'd recommend is waiting for trophyline to release the lonewolf/novix double steps.
 
I was about to pull the trigger on the Hawks myself and then decided to buy some Beast sticks from the classifieds. I'm glad I spent the extra money they are really nice!
 
I would get 4 Novix minis and put 1 step aiders on them. I have Hawk sticks that I shortened myself. Full length Hawks aren't fun. Current Hawk quality is questionable it seems. The location of the hole that holds the step bolts is so close to the edge of the metal that it is a poor design and I expect mine to break there one day.
 
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