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Bit the Bullet
- Thread starter bigjoe
- Start date
Another nice thing about the bolts is you can't tell someone is using the tree. I also like the XOP climber seat top but not sure what it's rated for and it leaves tracks. I went back to a tree I had drilled last year and couldn't find any sign I had drilled the year before. You made the right choice I fell out of a Summit Open Shot on my face from 15'. With the saddle your tied off the whole time I feel much safer then any other elevated hunting devise I have used. You might slip and get skinned up a little but if you take your time it's very safe. A lot of guy's on here like stick's and I use them also but I have gotten hung up on sticks and always look at the steps and think how easy they could gut you with a slip.
Sorry to hear about your mishap. Unfortunately it is the risk we all take. I too had a fall several seasons ago and have not been in a tree since. Well other than to retrieve my stand.
I had a set of lone Wolf steps I donated them to a younger hunter. I have size 14 feet, so I did not have a whole lot of room using them.
I am going to try several systems and or combine some. Definitely looking at the XOP platform. I like the idea of the wild edge.
I had a set of lone Wolf steps I donated them to a younger hunter. I have size 14 feet, so I did not have a whole lot of room using them.
I am going to try several systems and or combine some. Definitely looking at the XOP platform. I like the idea of the wild edge.
donnieballgame
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 31, 2017
- Messages
- 1,872
It might cost a little more up front but I went to the XOP hand climber as my platform and climbing method and added SRT, so if it's a preset location I have some 550 cord in the tree to pull up my rope and I climb the rope, if it's a new spot I jusy climb with the XOP. Btw I'm a size 13 and I don't have any issues with the XOP. SRT is nice because you can setup a tree in 5 minutes.
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Size 14 is Large. Even Wide Edge will be small to stand on. The XOP i'm speaking of is not a Platform it is the top half of the XOP hand climber. It might be to small for you. But you could use any climber bottom half. You just use your saddle as the top of the climber. Attach bottom to tree climb on attach tether to tree clip saddle to tether with biner and ropeman1. Reach as high as you can tighten tether slide ropeman up tether till it gets tight put knees against tree and lift feet as high as possible stand up and repeat. You can come down the opposite way or rappel thats much easier. Just something else you might consider especially if you have used climbers in the past.
I haven't tried SRT figure i'm to old. But like the concept.
I have a summit Goliath.
The only thing I do not like about the base is I had it slip one time on me. I was trimming trees in our yard. I was tied in and sitting in the top of the stand. Neighbor called me and asked he bring me s ladder. I was embarrassed but in no danger. (Sitting on the top bar and the base was not snugged in.) Since then I always had straps attached from base to the top.
That being said I I am looking at all options. I like the idea of using an SRT. I am familiar with ropes from years ago. Not going up just repelling.
The only thing I do not like about the base is I had it slip one time on me. I was trimming trees in our yard. I was tied in and sitting in the top of the stand. Neighbor called me and asked he bring me s ladder. I was embarrassed but in no danger. (Sitting on the top bar and the base was not snugged in.) Since then I always had straps attached from base to the top.
That being said I I am looking at all options. I like the idea of using an SRT. I am familiar with ropes from years ago. Not going up just repelling.
Don't discount SRT because it looks difficult. I'm a self described "old fat guy" (55 and 250#) and to me SRT is the easiest, quickest way to get set up in the tree for Saddle hunting. The biggest issue I have with it is that I'm a run and gun hunter who rarely sits in the same trees so presets aren't preferred and finding trees readily suitable for getting the rope into with a throw bag limits my tree selection. Seems like there's either no low branches or too much brush at the base. For this reason I've been playing with some other options but haven't settled on one yet. The latest is the Wildedge steps but I still need to work on my technique some.
Yes your right. On the platform you have to incorporate a strap to put your boots in. I tie a line maybe 3mm from that strap to tether carabiner. It needs to be the right length so coming down you can't come down farther than you can reach up and loosen the tether or you will have to climb back up to slide teather down. Also when climbing up with the tree usually being larger at the base you have to hang from tether to adjust size of traction belt as tree get's smaller in diameter. You slide to side of tree pull up on the 3mm rope readjust traction belt set back on tree climb back on and keep climbing. Some trees you have to readjust two or three times. Another reason to rapell down.
I haven't looked into SRT at all because I didn't think I was fit enough. I will do more research on this and maybe find another way to climb. Thanks for the info.
I use a Ropeman 1 on my bridge that allows me to shorten the bridge for climbing and rappelling and lengthen it for comfort when hanging for hunting.
So you undo one side of the bridge and attach a ropeman?
Can you send me picture of your set up when you have a chance.
PJC
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2016
- Messages
- 2,539
You don't need to untie the knot to install a ropeman. They can be installed anywhere on a rope. The sides rotate so you slip it over the rope and slip a carabiner through the holes on both sides of the ropeman. You'll see when you have one in your hands.
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PJC
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2016
- Messages
- 2,539
There is a good thread on this forum called Ropeman Safety. It has a lot of good information and suggestions and solutions for staying safe using a ropeman. Good stuff for us to know. Very helpful to me as a newbie.
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Here is my setup. I buy the rope pre spliced in one end, and put a stopper knot on the other end. Mine is too long right now, but I plan on shortening it.
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Boy I have no idea but it's more than I'm ever gonna, need
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