As I said, I’m still testing, so this is my “beta” stick. I am experimenting with something a little different. I’m not drilling any new holes in my stick and I am leaving the versa button in tact and using it to take a lot of load off the cam cleat. I am using the Harken Micro Cam cleat for this stick (200lb rated, 400lb break strength). Interestingly, using the Harken Micro cam cleat, it lines up with the existing slots on the Hawk. So I oriented the cam up and down vs sideways. It mounts perfect. This allows me to bring the rope around the tree, wrap it around the versa button then down into the cleat. It can’t be holding much weight. It locks secure, is easy to disconnect and leaves the original integrity of the stick in tact. This allows the versa button to remain and be used if needed. At the top of the climb, I will tie the rope off to Secure the stick for the sit.
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I don’t think it needed it, but I added nylon spacers in the channel on the sides of the stick where the screws run through to make sure when the screws are tightened, the aluminum does not dent or pull in. My initial tests I didn’t have the nylon and it did fine. Just decided to add the nylon for improved rigidity.
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Again, I am just testing this concept. Disclaimer, I do not recommend anyone do what I do, do what you know to be safe.