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For those one sticking - are you using a separate platform, or a stick/platform combo?
- Thread starter condoor
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- Jun 28, 2019
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I one stick and use an EWO 15” one stick with the UP platform and the standard step/stand-off on the bottom. Last year I got the smaller top platform from EWO known as the LP or light platform for the top and the bottom platform known as the ULS or ultimate lower step. I put these upper and lower platforms on a modded Muddy Pro stick. Finally, I have added a three step Ultimaider (also from EWO). To this one stick. My 15” OG one stick has an integral one step 15” aider. Both are great one sticks and platforms and work like a charm.
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2020
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- 707
Depends.
short hunt or don't know where I'm going to hunt (set up on sign) I will use a Tethrd one stick and a ROS
medium length sit and I have a planned area I'll use a EWO with flat scout
long sit and/or late season (large boots) I will climb with the EWO flat scout and set up on a predator platform
short hunt or don't know where I'm going to hunt (set up on sign) I will use a Tethrd one stick and a ROS
medium length sit and I have a planned area I'll use a EWO with flat scout
long sit and/or late season (large boots) I will climb with the EWO flat scout and set up on a predator platform
I one stick climb on a modified short hawk helium and set up on a Trophyline EDP once I'm in the tree. I position the stick on the back of the tree to allow me to use it as a step if I want to walk around the tree to hide from and/or shoot at deer approaching on my weakside.
The video is a bit dated (i.e. equipment changes) but my overall setup hasn't changed very much.
The video is a bit dated (i.e. equipment changes) but my overall setup hasn't changed very much.
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I have a similar one stick to @woodsdog2, ewo stick with platform top/regular step bottom, 3 step aider, however I'll generally add a ring of 6 squirrel steps at height as well to give myself some more foot placement/movement around the tree options.
I also occasionally climb with regular climbing sticks and use a trophyline mission platform at height. Somewhat depends on where I'm going/how I'm feeling that day. I used to use the ROS with this platform as well but it's so big they aren't really needed, I can just turn around on it or lean off the side.
I also occasionally climb with regular climbing sticks and use a trophyline mission platform at height. Somewhat depends on where I'm going/how I'm feeling that day. I used to use the ROS with this platform as well but it's so big they aren't really needed, I can just turn around on it or lean off the side.
My one stick is a modified mission platform.
Iron_llama
Well-Known Member
I use a Rebel Fab 1-stick with integrated platform. I like it. I've also got an XOP platform that I've never used, and a ROS that I'm still forming an opinion on.
One observation I've made about saddle hunters is some of us get kind of dogmatic about our preferred climbing style. I think this is silly, and is counterproductive. SRT goes with stick climbing like peanut butter and jelly - climb your sticks, hang a pre-set, and the next time you can SRT that tree instead of messing with sticks. After an ice storm, the tree trunks are too slick to toe dig with an aider, so the thing to do is hang sticks (or hunt on the ground). So, as you're starting out, learn one thing at a time, but then learn (and practice, and get competent at) more than one thing. You can have a favorite that you use 85% of the time and alternate techniques you use the other 15%.
One observation I've made about saddle hunters is some of us get kind of dogmatic about our preferred climbing style. I think this is silly, and is counterproductive. SRT goes with stick climbing like peanut butter and jelly - climb your sticks, hang a pre-set, and the next time you can SRT that tree instead of messing with sticks. After an ice storm, the tree trunks are too slick to toe dig with an aider, so the thing to do is hang sticks (or hunt on the ground). So, as you're starting out, learn one thing at a time, but then learn (and practice, and get competent at) more than one thing. You can have a favorite that you use 85% of the time and alternate techniques you use the other 15%.
When I one stick I also use a platform. If I were doing a really quick hunt I'd consider just using the top but I like the foot room. I also like having my one stick set up at the same height, roughly, as my platform so I can walk around the tree. I care more about my in tree comfort than my walk in comfort, plus carrying a one stick and plaftform isn't overly strenuous.
rutjr
Well-Known Member
I have the EWO One Stick and platform. I also like my Open Shot climber seat.
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2018
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- 8,060
ShooterMike
Well-Known Member
I’ve been one-sticking for a few years now, and have tried a variety of ways to do it. What works for me, may not be what is right for you.
I’ve tried sticks with a separate platform, a scout on top of a stick and ring of steps, a stick and a ring of steps, a UP on a stick a monarch on a stick and both of those with a separate platform as well of ring of steps.
What I’ve found that I like best is, the Slick Rick one-stick and the Big BOB from OOAL. the platform size is just right for my feet, it allows me to adjust the angle, and packs easily. I’ve found that for me, a separate platform is just “one more thing” and I tend to fiddle-eff with extra stuff I don’t really need.
All last year I carried a ring of steps and maybe only used them two or three times with my Slick Rick and Big BOB, but never found a time that I “needed” them.
That’s me, and where I hunt. You and others may have different experiences though. Best I can say is get out and tinker. Find what you like for where you hunt. For me though, one stick with an integrated platform is what works best for me.
Semper Fi,
Mike
I’ve tried sticks with a separate platform, a scout on top of a stick and ring of steps, a stick and a ring of steps, a UP on a stick a monarch on a stick and both of those with a separate platform as well of ring of steps.
What I’ve found that I like best is, the Slick Rick one-stick and the Big BOB from OOAL. the platform size is just right for my feet, it allows me to adjust the angle, and packs easily. I’ve found that for me, a separate platform is just “one more thing” and I tend to fiddle-eff with extra stuff I don’t really need.
All last year I carried a ring of steps and maybe only used them two or three times with my Slick Rick and Big BOB, but never found a time that I “needed” them.
That’s me, and where I hunt. You and others may have different experiences though. Best I can say is get out and tinker. Find what you like for where you hunt. For me though, one stick with an integrated platform is what works best for me.
Semper Fi,
Mike
ShooterMike
Well-Known Member
I’ve done the SRT thing too, and keep a kit in my truck for certain trees. For SRT to be effective for me, I’ve found I need to have a preset loop over a branch. Trying to throw a line on “hunt day” isn’t practical. For some it might work, but not me.
Semper Fi,
Mike
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- Jun 28, 2019
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I will say though last season I traded for the gen3 tethrd one sticks and I did pick up a pursuit platform and used that system exclusively the later half of the season. I’m not sure I’m saving much time overall either way but it the sticks and pursuit platform are super light!!
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- Mar 8, 2022
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Since you've looked up srt now. Consider getting proficient with it and rappelling. You could one stick back down but rappel is faster and less work. I carry a Garda foot loop ( John rb has a YouTube and website, jrb tree climbing for details) in case I need to get to the ground and back up, like if you drop something or maybe nature calls you can rappel down and srt back up pretty quick and easy.
I use a separate platform, although for a few hours in decent weather I could probably just use my stick
I use a Eastern Woods Outdoors UOS 12" with a UP on top and a regular step on the bottom with a 3 step aider w/ 15" spacing and I am happy with this setup. Occasionally my shins will come into contact with the UP however that does not bother me. I like the compactness of the 12" when hiking in. For short hangs I just use my one stick, especially if I have a pretty good idea of how the deer are going to come in. If it is going to be a long hang I will bring my EDP and use both so I have better coverage around the tree. As I am sure you have figured out by now, there is no universally accepted best way. My best advice would be to find a meet up or seminar where you can try different options. As I am sure you can see in saddle hunting there is an A$$ for every seat. The confusing part is figuring out what seat is yours. 
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Iron_llama
Well-Known Member
That's really the thing with this sport. Not so much here but on the FB groups like half the posts are "best saddle and GO!". It doesn't work like that. If you and I have different back pain we'll need different saddles. If our ankles are ruined in different ways or have differently-sized boots we'll probably prefer different platforms. It really is a trial-and-error proposition. The good news is, there are a whole bunch of us who will be more than happy to meet up for an afternoon of show-and-tell and tree climbing and archery practice, so put your location in your profile and start making friends!As I am sure you can see in saddle hunting there is an A$$ for every seat. The confusing part is figuring out what seat is yours.
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- Jun 28, 2019
- Messages
- 8,130
Do you climb with this? Can you post a pic sometime if it?
Not sure where you are located, but if one of these is close, a good place to try alot of gear.
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