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Best ring of steps??

AKMonkey said:
Thanks for the thoughts. I used a combination of bolts and screw-in Ameristeps (round rod) this year for both climbing and for my ROS. I found them uncomfortable for the ROS after an hour or so unless I put in enough steps, close enough together to bridge two steps with each foot. All that "screwing around" while perched on my top step became frustrating and sometimes painful on my feet. That convinced me to try a strap-on ROS. I'm hoping that it will be quicker, easier, and more comfy, at the acknowledged expense of additional bulk.
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The bullman steps are definitely easier, as it is just a strap and go. I found that i really had to double up the steps to not have as much slipping from side pressure. So mine were set up kind of like a Y formation on the tree, that is why I thought about using the bolts as a platform. I have been considering the Squirrel Steps, but the $$ makes it hard to pull the trigger. I guess buy once, cry once!!
 
AKMonkey said:
Anybody here try the new treehopper steps yet? They look lighter, quieter, and cheaper, but a little bulkier than squirrel steps. Supposedly they nest together to be more compact than other plastic steps. It looks like that wouldn't really work if they are rigged up on a strap, though. Anyone have experience with them? Any other observations on them?
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I have 5 on an OCB strap. They don’t settle tight together like the SS ones do. Other than that they are light and stable on the tree. They handle side pressure well.
 
I will be the odd man out and say that I use Wild Edge steps as a ring and enjoy them. I did not have a mobile climbing method when I bought my saddle and figured I could use the WE steps as a climbing method and platform as is.

I was looking at the squirrel steps and looked like they provided some advantages over other options. Like I said I went with the WE steps for ease and one purchase to do two jobs
 
Letemgrowitllshow said:
Do you have a link to them? Can't find on the interwebs
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Just as @AKMonkey said. Email Mark at Treehopperllc.com and he’ll get right back to you. Very responsive.
Also, here is a link to another post where I put up pictures.

Slings and MORE from Treehopper

There is no box stitch on those 2 bottom cross ladders. That is for the leg straps to slide thru. I wonder if they didn't get put in the package by mistake? Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk I sent an email and asked about the leg loops. I'll let you know when I get a response. I hope to...
saddlehunter.com
 
HvilleSaddle said:
I will be the odd man out and say that I use Wild Edge steps as a ring and enjoy them. I did not have a mobile climbing method when I bought my saddle and figured I could use the WE steps as a climbing method and platform as is.

I was looking at the squirrel steps and looked like they provided some advantages over other options. Like I said I went with the WE steps for ease and one purchase to do two jobs
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How has that worked out for you and how many WE stepps do you use? I got my saddle and lines, now I need a way up the tree and something to stand on. The 8pack (5 to climb, 3 to platform) of WE for ~125 +S/H seems like a great value especially paired with a DIY knaider Swaider. Would probably be ~$140 all in from my estimation. would put my total cost for all tree related saddle gear at ~435.
 
I use treehoppers and like them a lot. Light to carry in a shoulder bag. Inexpensive also.
 
Squirrel steps are by far and away the best ring of steps.
 
Cavman66 said:
How has that worked out for you and how many WE stepps do you use? I got my saddle and lines, now I need a way up the tree and something to stand on. The 8pack (5 to climb, 3 to platform) of WE for ~125 +S/H seems like a great value especially paired with a DIY knaider Swaider. Would probably be ~$140 all in from my estimation. would put my total cost for all tree related saddle gear at ~435.
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So I have used 8 steps, 5-6 to get to height and the rest for the platform. On long sits I found they would not stay tight and work loose but it was also bark and diameter dependent. Where I hunt I didn’t want to be too high or shooting lanes get tight and cluttered. As a climbing method they pack to a low profile but take a while to attach to the tree. For the price it’s hard to beat. I tried the Knaider Swaider a bit and I kept putting too much torque on the steps and they would slip loose and un-cam.
when they cam over they are rock solid but again it takes more time to set up and tear down. I now hang one at about my waist and one at my head, using the one at my head height I pull myself up with one foot on the lower step and hang the next step at my head...repeat. Over the past few days I got to try out the predator platform (killed a buck) and wow. I get it, so much easier to setup and makes a consistent platform no mater the tree size. I was also way more comfortable on the platform. I will be getting the platform for next year but if your trying to save $ the WE steps are hard to beat. But if I was to go off what I know now, a set of sticks (3min) and a platform. Best of luck.
 
Best ring of steps are the ones I have for sale right now. No seriously... they're the best ones. You should go buy them.
 
I used the squirrwl steps and OCB th8s entire season...very quick, quiet and compact...See DanO @ Eastern Woods Outdoor DanO is the ManO
 
Romulan said:
has anyone compared the SS to Treehopper steps...just curious how the Treehopper stands up to the SS - thanks
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the tree hopper steps are bulkier and take up a lot more room in your pack. The SS I love and the steps I personally use but they need to be silenced. That is a must. Out of the package they are wind chimes.
 
Romulan said:
I looked at Mark's website and couldn't find the width of each step - do any of you know the width of each step? Thanks
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Just measured a new one for you

width across step tread 1 3/8"
width across back "wing" at top of step (can see online in pics) 2 9/16"
weight without strap 4.90 ounces

Great steps. I use 12 of them to climb. Cost half what squirrel steps do (which matters more when you need 12).
 
Ring of steps is going to be hard on the I use ridge runner platform with one squirrel step and my climbing stick on the opposite side to move around tree.
 
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