Are there more advantages to cutting climbing sticks other than portability? I just dropped 100 on Helium Hawks and it hurts me to cut them just because I don't want to carry the extra weight.
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Cutting Sticks
- Thread starter SouthernTierHunter
- Start date
I think weight is only one part of the portability equation. For me at 5’8”, when I strapped the regular length sticks to my backpack they would either smack the back of my legs when I walked or catch on brush and branches over my head. Maybe it’s not as big a factor for taller guys, but with my cutdown heliums I hardly know they’re on my pack. I feel like I can slide through the woods without snagging on stuff.
I finally cut mine 2 weeks ago and it came down to weight, space, and most important, not losing any climbing height using a simple aider with the cut sticks. All credit goes to DaveT1963 and others here for the how to info. Check out his latest video here for a full run down: https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=7611&share_fid=104184&share_type=t
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
A few advantages to me
1) My pack frame is 26", so packing a stock stick, 34" long, it protrudes 8" and catches on brush. My cut down version is 26" long folded, so it fits in my pack perfectly.
2) Climbing the tree, I go up in on trip, lashing 2 sticks to my saddle/harness. The bulky stock sticks are generally more cumbersome and clang into my ankles. The cut-down sticks feel much more streamlined while climbing. Even hanging them in the tree, the shorter sticks feel more pleasant to work with.
3) By reducing the length, the pivot point between the attachment and bottom standoff are decreased. This decreases the likelihood of kickouts.
1) My pack frame is 26", so packing a stock stick, 34" long, it protrudes 8" and catches on brush. My cut down version is 26" long folded, so it fits in my pack perfectly.
2) Climbing the tree, I go up in on trip, lashing 2 sticks to my saddle/harness. The bulky stock sticks are generally more cumbersome and clang into my ankles. The cut-down sticks feel much more streamlined while climbing. Even hanging them in the tree, the shorter sticks feel more pleasant to work with.
3) By reducing the length, the pivot point between the attachment and bottom standoff are decreased. This decreases the likelihood of kickouts.
I can tell you why I did it many years ago (think I was one of the first that started promoting and modifying helium sticks ?) I did it because there is so much wasted stick with 15-16 inch steps. That and I wanted lighter equipment and I got tired of carrying 3 foot long brush grabbers. I have ALWYAS preferred a stick with two steps at same height. I used LW for decades but never like the one step thing. So when heliums first came out I grabbed 6 sticks and started making a stick specific to my step up height all the while trying to keep weight and length in mind. I started with a 22 inch stick and eventually moved up to a 24 inch stick. I used the amsteel rope and versa button combo I had used for years on LW sticks.
So to answer you questions - I cut mine to be as efficient and lightweight as possible - the foot aider and then carry as you go aider evolved over the years to further enhance them.
So to answer you questions - I cut mine to be as efficient and lightweight as possible - the foot aider and then carry as you go aider evolved over the years to further enhance them.
When you guys cut your 3 step sticks do you cut just below the second step or do you cut at a consistent length and drill everything? I've been thining about cutting mine down.