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Cranford's "EZY Saddle Scaffold" ring of strap on steps

ImThere said:
My experience is pretty much the same as yours. I use a ratchet strap on all my steps I think OCB sucks. When I say I think OCB sucks I really mean I know OCB sucks


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You are 100 percent correct. My ocb sucks the steps tight down into the bark nice and tight.
 
I also had a negative experience with squirrel steps on thick barked oak. The back and forth side pressure would cause them to dig deep into the bark. Once that happened they were just loose. Ameristeps on the same tree with the same strap in the same spot where solid.
 
I will keep my ameristeps. They are awesome on the tree. Less so on the way to the tree. The new Cranford will be stable like ameristeps and much more compact. The squirrel steps and earlier aluminum steps are light and compact. They don’t feel stable but once you get used to the squishy feel and trust them they are ok.
 
Among the options, it seems there are 3 desires: stability on tree, ease of transport (weight/packability), and low price. The best options offer 2 of the 3.
 
I will stick to my predator platform and let you guys figure out the mobile step platforms. I used to use them exclusively, but cussed at them the entire time knowing there had to be a better way. I have broke a ratchet trying to get them tight enough some wouldn't "squish" when i moved around the tree. As soon as I started DIYing platforms, I crap canned the mobile steps on a strap and Jim Stepps - I have never regretted that decision.... not once. Now days the Tether'd boys keep me in a fresh supply of quality made platforms.... and I finally do not have to waste endless hours trying to build one from salvaged stand parts. I am a happy dude.
 
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@DaveT1963 we all know how happy you are:) For some of the many new guys who are shopping on a budget they can get into this new ring of steps and your favorite helium sticks for the price of the predator. I have the predator and prefer a ring of steps. The predator is still in my opinion the best pivot style platform out there. No one will know which they like better until they try them and right now this is the cheapest way to try a decent ring of steps. It’s also the first budget offering for a saddle specific item in a while.
 
EricS said:
@DaveT1963 we all know how happy you are:) For some of the many new guys who are shopping on a budget they can get into this new ring of steps and your favorite helium sticks for the price of the predator. I have the predator and prefer a ring of steps. The predator is still in my opinion the best pivot style platform out there. No one will know which they like better until they try them and right now this is the cheapest way to try a decent ring of steps. It’s also the first budget offering for a saddle specific item in a while.
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EricS said:
@DaveT1963 we all know how happy you are:) For some of the many new guys who are shopping on a budget they can get into this new ring of steps and your favorite helium sticks for the price of the predator. I have the predator and prefer a ring of steps. The predator is still in my opinion the best pivot style platform out there. No one will know which they like better until they try them and right now this is the cheapest way to try a decent ring of steps. It’s also the first budget offering for a saddle specific item in a while.
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Ummm dude - I was not talking about the steps but the debate on the ratchet strap verses OCB. I used both and both had a lot to be desired unless you have a perfect symmetrical hard tree.

Things usually have a way of coming around and what works will work despite all the bloviating. It either works for you or it does not. If I had a desire to purchase a mobile ROS, which I don't, but if i did, it would be these new steps as it is obvious where the design is far superior to quiet down that mushiness. I just happen to like a platform far better. I also like a nucanoe better - but sure enough as soon as I post that and give my reasons I will be lectured on why I am wrong. To each his own. Enjoy your ROS I hope that bring you years of great hunts.
 
Weight, Ease of Use, Packability, Cost ... Choose 3. There's actually way more categories but you get the point. This is the name of the game. We are all trying to find what works for the individual hunter. If there was one solution that fit all categories we would just buy it and be done. For beginners, I would think cost and ease of use is important to them. For experts maybe weight and packability.
 
I can not wait for some video reviews, I am very interested in these! Just do not understand why the angle on the steps, as well as would they make noise while positioning around the tree? VERY interested though!
 
John Eberhart said:
Finally!, Cranford is ready to ship the “EZY Saddle Scaffold“ (ring of 4 folding steps on a ratchet strap).

Cranford will begin shipping on July 15th and Dennis (owner of Cranford) has set up an email address at: saddlescaffold@ezyclimb.com to which you can order by sending your name, address, and phone number to get on the list to order. Dennis will reply as to what you want. That will be the easiest way to take orders in the order they are received.

The EZY Saddle Scaffold will NOT be on the Cranford website at this time and for right now there are just over 100 Scaffolds available along with some singles and the pricing will be as follows:
4 step set with strap -$59.90 (I suggest ordering at least one additional step to add to the ring)
Single step no strap -$11.97
Single strap-on step -$13.02 (I would not suggest a full set of these for climbing as that many ratchets and straps would be a bit heavy and cumbersome). Cumbersome and weight is the same reason I'm not a fan of some of the other popular strap-on steps that simply take up too much space for freelancing.

As always, Cranford had the EZY Saddle Scaffold steps independently tested for weight bearing load. Two Scaffold sets were tested and each test was on an individual step while strapped to a tree in a hunting situation and the results were quite surprising. The first test per step was with 300 pounds, then 450 pounds, then 525 pounds and finally with 600 pounds with no implications of failure. Wanting to determine a load failure per step they kept going up and failure per step was between 850 and 950 pounds.

The buckle on the strap is a ratchet which does make a little noise and the steps fold up when not in use or during transport.

I've had 2 sets of these for over a year and once securely strapped to a tree, these steps DO NOT MOVE at all. No downward movement away from the tree and no side movement whatsoever. These steps are more solid than screw in steps, they simply do not move once in place due to the wings on them that slightly bite into the bark.

Several seasoned hunters on the saddle hunter forum were sent a set to try and all feedback was very positive.

As a side note, I'm not in any monetary manner affiliated with Cranford Manufacturing and have no other reason to endorse all their fine products other than they are the best products made for climbing trees and now for hunting from a ring of steps on while saddle hunting public land where screw in steps are not legal. View attachment 13353View attachment 13354View attachment 13355
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I ordered a set within 6minutes of the post...I have the squirrel steps and love them, but I always like a backup or just like to add to my quiver of tools I'll use in the future. I plan on giving these two a good comparison and evaluation this hunting season. I'll bet I'll like the squirrel steps in the end but maybe I'll have another option when I forget to pack my arrows...inside joke...anyway let's give them a chance based on use in the field
May The Magic of The Whitetail Forever Enrich Your Life20190715_144054.jpg
Just recieved my set of five steps and a strap...these are going to be awesome... very nice quality for sure...wish I had these this morning while I was out in the woods this morning. I will say the strap is robust to say the least and the ratchet is stronger then you might need and does carry some weight... I'll try and set these up today and take a pic or two...
 
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