Completed my DIY Hawk Helium modification

[DHutch360]

Sticks look great! would be interested to see how high you actually reach to your top step with three full length sticks and the one step aider. I can't decide if I want to run 3 full like yours or 4 cut down to 24" with a two step movable aider. I've used 4 LW sticks for the past 15 years and seem to hit 19-20' every time.

 

[Docwaters]

First I added some flex seal in a few spots to try and quiet them down. Then grey primer for the base coat followed up by dark brown and tan and then some more dark brown via sponge method(G2 outdoors made a great video on this and that’s what I followed)


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I've used flex seal in the past and the smell never went away. Did you have any issue with that?

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[donnieballgame]

Finally finished modifying my Hawk Helium climbing sticks and thought I’d share what was done.

24” blaze orange gear ties

Camos great into the bark while in the shade. DIY camo job idea thanks to @g2outdoors

Camos great into the bark while in the sunlight

Not sure what to call this. Made this up myself. DIY loop on fig 8 for attaching to accessory hook on saddle while climbing(made of 7/16” black Amsteel Blue

LW Versa button & 8mm Black Amsteel Blue on figure 8(secure end) and safety overhand knot(fast cinch end). DIY idea thanks to @DIY Sportsman

Overhand knot followed up by small black gear tie for a little extra momentum while throwing rope around the tree(made this one up & not sure what to call it)

Step aider made of 1” webbing(non tubular) olive drab with 550 cord cobra weave. DIY idea thanks to DIY sportsman.

Only other idea I came up with during this project was that a small dab of Gorilla glue was added to each permanent knot on the step aiders and accessory loops.

They seem to stack nicely and don’t seem like they’ll be too cumbersome while strapped to my pack. I haven’t had the chance to do a complete climb with them yet but I imagine I’ll probably get up around 30’ with the four sticks.

Thanks to everyone that’s been sharing your ideas



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Those look awesome, and I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think you need to splice the Amstel, I don't think you can tie knots with it because of the significant loss in strength or because it will slip. @redsquirrel and @g2outdoors please back me up.

 

[ImThere]

It should without a doubt be spliced.


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[DannyAttacksTheMountain]

I've used flex seal in the past and the smell never went away. Did you have any issue with that?

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I have not. Then again I painted over it with primer as well as two other colors of paint. I also plan to wash em down with scent free detergent just before game day


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[DannyAttacksTheMountain]

Those look awesome, and I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think you need to splice the Amstel, I don't think you can tie knots with it because of the significant loss in strength or because it will slip. @redsquirrel and @g2outdoors please back me up.

That’s the good thing about the fig 8 on a bite knot


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[DannyAttacksTheMountain]

It should without a doubt be spliced.


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I’ll keep an eye on it


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[denots]

They are correct amsteel does not recommend using any knots that I am aware of on their rope. The only safe way to keep it from slipping is to lock stitch it, whip it, or a locking brummel. Nobody wants to see you get hurt brother. I noticed that knot and I apologize I should have mentioned something earlier. Thank you @donnieballgame for catching that.

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[DannyAttacksTheMountain]

Sounds good. Thanks for looking out. Thanks fellas


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[donnieballgame]

Sounds good. Thanks for looking out. Thanks fellas


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Splicing is actually pretty easy. Follow @g2outdoors video, link below, just make sure you cut the tag ends at an angle to tapper them before you "bury" them, I don't think g2 mentioned that or at least I missed it and now I have to redo my bridge.....because......OCD. I bought the Samson kit, it was about 40, but you can go the cheap route with some Walmart knitting needles, I think he mentions that in his video.

 

[redsquirrel]

The strength of amsteel can be reduced to 1/3 of the original strength when knots are tied in it.

 

[tam9492]

Finally finished modifying my Hawk Helium climbing sticks and thought I’d share what was done.

24” blaze orange gear ties

Camos great into the bark while in the shade. DIY camo job idea thanks to @g2outdoors

Camos great into the bark while in the sunlight

Not sure what to call this. Made this up myself. DIY loop on fig 8 for attaching to accessory hook on saddle while climbing(made of 7/16” black Amsteel Blue

LW Versa button & 8mm Black Amsteel Blue on figure 8(secure end) and safety overhand knot(fast cinch end). DIY idea thanks to @DIY Sportsman

Overhand knot followed up by small black gear tie for a little extra momentum while throwing rope around the tree(made this one up & not sure what to call it)

Step aider made of 1” webbing(non tubular) olive drab with 550 cord cobra weave. DIY idea thanks to DIY sportsman.

Only other idea I came up with during this project was that a small dab of Gorilla glue was added to each permanent knot on the step aiders and accessory loops.

They seem to stack nicely and don’t seem like they’ll be too cumbersome while strapped to my pack. I haven’t had the chance to do a complete climb with them yet but I imagine I’ll probably get up around 30’ with the four sticks.

Thanks to everyone that’s been sharing your ideas



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You ready to get rid of these yet? Got some WE I would trade...

 

[DannyAttacksTheMountain]

You ready to get rid of these yet? Got some WE I would trade...

Oh no. These are my go to’s on public land where I can’t use climbing spurs


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[aclawrence]

I’ve used guitar strings and floral wire for splicing my Amsteel and Zing it. I’ve never had any of the big stuff though.


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