Best Sticks to use.

[Semper_Fi13]

Is that the predator platform?

No it's a LW Assassin.

Sent from my LG-LS998 using Tapatalk

 

[mattsteg]

What exactly am I modifying on the heliums if I went that route. The Muddy pros are currently looking appealing to me, any reason they shouldn't be? Thanks for all the responses.

I think a lot of people shorten them.

Muddy pros I think have the reputation as a nice design, but heavy. I'm not really a stick guy.

From my perspective - ideally I space steps 2+ ft apart, but I don't want to carry and maneuver anything that long around - especially with things like standoffs poking out to make for a somewhat awkward package. The 4-pack from muddy's claimed total weight of 10 pounds that'd get me nearly 20 squirrelsteps! At my preferred spacing of around 2 ft...8 squirrelsteps get me higher than the muddy sticks, more quickly, at under half the weight and far less bulk. The drawback is the price is higher. Especially if your natural step spacing is more 15-20 than 24-28.

 

[parkersdad]

For me it came to this:

1. I'm a huge Infalt supporter
2a. They are lighter than any other sticks I've found that a) have equivalent stride length and b) have double step (~1.6lbs each w/out the strap/buckle)
2b. The double step is nice IMO for standing/locking in your platform but also helps hold the CAYG aider better than a single step ...again IMO
3. Since I'm using Amsteel Daisy chain, the BEAST sticks bite harder on the tree which is preferable with the slight sag from the daisy chain (whether amsteel or versa strap)
4. I also like the no moving parts and how well they stack together.

I feel the same as you, however, about some of the other products/methods. I'm down to these sticks or my spikes and actually prefer spikes when I can use them because there is no limit to height and they are uber compact. Some guys love multi step aiders but I absolutely am terrified of those ...so I think its all a matter of what works for you. Good news is, it's a great time to be in our sport with the innovation that is taking place. There are products for everyone. And more coming all the time!

I like Dan Infalt myself I just can’t get on board with his sticks. I hope you have a great season whatever climbing method you use.

 

[IkemanTX]

What exactly am I modifying on the heliums if I went that route. The Muddy pros are currently looking appealing to me, any reason they shouldn't be? Thanks for all the responses.

My pre-hawk helium sticks...

Cut down to 22”, versa button added (recessed bolt), amsteel rope mod instead of strap and buckle.
These are very inexpensive mods, and really make the sticks hard to beat...

New dyneema 2-step aider I am putting together to run with them.

................................................................................All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx

 

[Hoytstringmusic3]

What exactly am I modifying on the heliums if I went that route. The Muddy pros are currently looking appealing to me, any reason they shouldn't be? Thanks for all the responses.

I have the muddy Pro's and overall really like them, they do have a few downsides, with the positives.

Positives
From an ease of use standpoint. I think they are better than the buckle and loop on some of the other sticks. Also, for a small weight increase, I like the cleat better than rope and a versa button.

Step height is perfect for me, no need to modify

I think they bite better into the tree, compared to other models. My cousin has the lone wolfs and XOP. I have used them and the muddy sticks are a more sold stick. Disclaimer, have not tried the heliums.

Negatives

I think the folding step is a negative. I found that over time some of the screws loosen and the steps will smack together or smack open creating a metallic sound. Not good at all when trying to set up close to deer. I did add some hockey tape and it helped but still isn't perfect. I also tightened them but over time they are back to being loose.

The folding double step also adds a considerable amount of weight when compared to a fixed double step. I ended up putting the Dan O double steps on my muddy sticks and really like them now.

It is a lot of money to spend to buy the muddy sticks just to replace them with other steps. I was able to find some used muddy sticks on craigslist for cheap and tried the Dan O double step on them. After I did that, I was sold. I use two sticks with a 3 step aider and my XOP seat platform and can get 18-20' comfortably.

Hope this helps you in your decision. Good luck!

 

[Nkilla12]

What's wrong with the helium's straight off the shelf? I'll be getting my sticks mid season and won't be modifying them this season. So torn between the muddys and heliums right now! I know at some point all have to make a decision for myself and stop asking so many questions, but just trying to milk and information and insight I can out of you guys. Thanks!

 

[DaveT1963]

Modded Heliums 100% for me. Beast sticks are next if you want to spend the coin. There is nothing. zip, zilch, that the beast sticks do that Heliums don't and for 1/3 the price. And the weight savings is about 3/4 of a pound IF YOU MOD the beast sticks with amsteel. I've got 3 working sets of heliums been using them since day they were released.

 

[DaveT1963]

What's wrong with the helium's straight off the shelf? I'll be getting my sticks mid season and won't be modifying them this season. So torn between the muddys and heliums right now! I know at some point all have to make a decision for myself and stop asking so many questions, but just trying to milk and information and insight I can out of you guys. Thanks!

nothing, but a long stick is a pain in the arse in heavy brush..... just easier with a 23 inch stick imo

 

[parkersdad]

I agree I love my Heliums but the Muddy Pro sticks are a lot easier in the brush

 

[Dewey]

I like the Beast sticks but I may be a little biased. LOL

Besides biting into trees like crazy Beast sticks are super lightweight and no moving parts to wear out. If you hunt a lot you know exactly what I’m talking about. LW sticks are notorious for washers loosening up/wearing out, bolt holes in tubes wearing egg shaped and steps wearing at the pivot bolt stop causing them to angle downward making them slip hazards. I suspect the same wear issues plague other brand of sticks as well. It’s so nice not having to worry about that stuff anymore.

Sure Beast sticks are a little more bulky with fixed double sticks but I hunt in thick nasty stuff and honestly it hasn’t been an issue when packed properly.

 

[coltduncan65]

Muddy sticks are in stock on Amazon right now for 139.99


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[25ftup]

My pre-hawk helium sticks...

Cut down to 22”, versa button added (recessed bolt), amsteel rope mod instead of strap and buckle.
These are very inexpensive mods, and really make the sticks hard to beat...

New dyneema 2-step aider I am putting together to run with them.

................................................................................All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx

How many sticks are you running and how high are you getting with the aider?

 

[PhilSch]

How many sticks are you running and how high are you getting with the aider?

22" Heliums with one single step aider (moved to each stick): 3 sticks: 17 feet, 4 sticks 22.5 ' to top step. Add another 1.5' or so to platform

 

[parkersdad]

I Change my mind off and on but the Stacked outdoors sticks are awesome with no moving parts as well

 

[Cody]

I am using Heliums right now, but Dan has an order of beast sticks coming out in a few days if youd like to go that route. Your timing couldn't be better for them. But if that's what you want pay close attention everyday to the site cause they'll go quickly.

Where will i be able to see when he gets them and what do they cost?

 

[Dewey]

I Change my mind off and on but the Stacked outdoors sticks are awesome with no moving parts as well

Are those molded plastic? Wonder how they hold up in sub zero temps? I would be pretty nervous about that.

 

[coltduncan65]

Are those molded plastic? Wonder how they hold up in sub zero temps? I would be pretty nervous about that.

I believe they did research on that particularly, and found the sticks performed better at colder temperatures.

As far as how cold they tested at, I'm not sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I Change my mind off and on but the Stacked outdoors sticks are awesome with no moving parts as well

I noticed you were on the Muddy in your recent "Live from the saddle" post.

I'm the same way. Always tinkering and changing!

I do think the S.O. stick is better to stand on than the Muddy (with JX3). The Muddy is a better 1-stick climber given the cam cleat IMO. Tradeoffs.

 

[parkersdad]

I noticed you were on the Muddy in your recent "Live from the saddle" post.

I'm the same way. Always tinkering and changing!

I do think the S.O. stick is better to stand on than the Muddy (with JX3). The Muddy is a better 1-stick climber given the cam cleat IMO. Tradeoffs.

You hit the nail on the head

 

[Bourdeau]

DIY......1.2 pounds with extra long rope...add a 5 step aider...4 of these makes 28 feet easy! At sub 5 pounds!