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Calling All Ameristep Users!

redsquirrel said:
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I like this one the best. My suggestions would be to remove the hole and then move the slot down. I'd put it 2/3 up the step. I don't think the teeth need to be so aggressive but I also don't think it would really hurt. I would not go more than 1" wide on the step. You will really start to loose the packability of the steps. I would suggest for anyone who wants a wider step to take 2 and put them together to make a 2" step, @huck72412 has done something like this with ameristeps before.

I would also stick with a 1" slot. @Nutterbuster if you go to a larger slot that also means you have to go to a larger buckle. A 1" slot can work just fine.

Just for a little perspective on why I feel strongly about keeping the steps narrower (besides better packability). I learned to saddle hunting standing on screw in metal ameristeps. How thick are they? Maybe 3/8"? I also stand on the tree bolts all the time. So my needs in a strap on step aren't a wide step to stand on, they are a step that is easily packable for mobility but stable on the tree.
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I"m with @redsquirrel on the width as well. I"ve been standing on cranford t's and actually find them more comfortable than my ameristeps. Also, one of the biggest advantages of steps to me is packability. Making them bigger just doesnt make sense to me...
 
I agree that the slot should probably be moved down

it seems like it’d be more secure on tree that way


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Ok, he's working on some more drawings and I'll pass along the feedback. Do we need two versions - 1" slot and 2" slot or do you all want to slug it out and pick one?
 
DanO said:
Ok, he's working on some more drawings and I'll pass along the feedback. Do we need two versions - 1" slot and 2" slot or do you all want to slug it out and pick one?
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Honestly, a 2" slot of steps is unproven....
 
I'll say that @redsquirrel has been doing this a long time, and had the advantage of seeing pretty much every variation that has come along. I'd take his opinion very seriously. If you make a step ole papa buys, you can bet I'm gonna have to have one too.

I'd still like to see a 2" strap though. :)
 
2" slot with an optional 1" plug secured by a set screw?
 
I'm not opposed to a future step with a 2" slot. But I just feel like it would be a leap right now without anyone ever having used one. But that would still require a 2" buckle which adds more bulk and weight.
 
A 2" strap and 2" buckle will most likely also require more leverage to get it as tight as a 1", but I bet the throw arm is similar dims to the 1" -- with 2x as much friction on the bark to overcome.
 
Vtbow said:
A 2" strap and 2" buckle will most likely also require more leverage to get it as tight as a 1", but I bet the throw arm is similar dims to the 1" -- with 2x as much friction on the bark to overcome.
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I actually used a 2" buckle on a 1" strap when I first started using an OCB. It worked well but it was huge compared to the boat buckle.
 
redsquirrel said:
I actually used a 2" buckle on a 1" strap when I first started using an OCB. It worked well but it was huge compared to the boat buckle.
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Cool, well thats one part of the equation tested, which is good! Yes, the 2" ones I have that hold my 17' aluminum fishing boat on the trailer are huge, and heavy...
 
Also, I think the big thing is having something available. Anything beats nothing. I would like to see a smaller, more packable alternative. To me a big part of the ROS advantage is the weight and packability.
 
How much more trouble would it be to leave the sides flat but hollow out the bottom side of the step. Seems like with flat sides you could glue felt to the sides eliminating a lot of noise. It also seems like it would require machining on a different axis thus raising the cost. I would definitely like to try a Strap on ring of steps. I thought the wild edge steps as a platform worked well but were really just getting me by until an adequate platform became available. I’ve got close to 30 hours on the predator now. Well made but I’ve decided the platform is ok for short sits but my wild edge steps are better for longer ones. I like to spend a good bit of time sitting and don’t like having my knees straight into the tree directly above my toes.
 
3.5ECOBOOST said:
Haven't got on a ROS yet but did you know they do make 1.5" webbing? Lighter than 2" but little stronger than 1".
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I don’t see where heavy duty one inch would ever not be strong enough.


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