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Hawk Helium and Predator Platform kicking out

High8

High8

New Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2020
Messages
29
I have Hawk Helium sticks that have been modified with 1/8 amsteal daisy chains and amsteal aiders. Anyone ever have problems with the bottom of ththe stick not gripping the tree well? Unless I have all my weight on the stick the bottom wants slide side to side. I am also having trouble with my Predator platform getting a good bite. I have pretty much strictly been practicing in my over size Oak tree that I have in my yard, so maybe the size and hardness of the tree is causing this? Any thoughts or info would be much appreciated, since I am brand new to this and dont want to like or feel safe with my setup! I'm trying to post pics of what I have but it will now allow me to and says file to big no matter how I try to upload it.

Thanks Matt
 
High8 said:
I have Hawk Helium sticks that have been modified with 1/8 amsteal daisy chains and amsteal aiders. Anyone ever have problems with the bottom of ththe stick not gripping the tree well? Unless I have all my weight on the stick the bottom wants slide side to side. I am also having trouble with my Predator platform getting a good bite. I have pretty much strictly been practicing in my over size Oak tree that I have in my yard, so maybe the size and hardness of the tree is causing this? Any thoughts or info would be much appreciated, since I am brand new to this and dont want to like or feel safe with my setup! I'm trying to post pics of what I have but it will now allow me to and says file to big no matter how I try to upload it.

Thanks Matt
Click to expand...
Make sure you’re setting your chains in right when you set the stick. I made a video on it.
 
For the sticks: See @Hunter260 's excellent video demonstration of daisy chain install above.

For the Predator Platform: Try the "toe kick" method to make it super tight to the tree. It is demonstrated in Mark Dohring's YouTube video linked below. View starting at about 8:20 into the video to get right to the demo of the toe kick...

Toe Kick Tightening Predator Platform
 
@Hunter260, thanks for the video, that method when allowed depending on tree diameter really locks the sticks down. Also, the toe kick method worked like a dream, my Predator Platform is a rock once I do that! Thanks again for all great help this site provides for a newbie like myself. Counting down the days!
 
New to saddle hunting and the toe kick is going to be a beg help for me as I have struggled a few times to get the platform solid in my test runs depending on the tree.
 
I have gotten less kickout with a carry as you go aider draped over the top standoff vs an aider hanging from the bottom steps.
 
ofor said:
I have gotten less kickout with a carry as you go aider draped over the top standoff vs an aider hanging from the bottom steps.
Click to expand...
You’ve been lucky. The worst kickout you’ll experience is when your weight is on the top step. I like the cayg and use it my self but the risk for bad kickout is there. One can minimize the risk by being diligent in keeping their weight centered.
 
No it does not, you just reverse the process and they come right off. I personally was able to get mine as tight as the video, but I believe that was due to the diameter trees I was working with.
 
I second the buckle-less method for hawk sticks. I’ve had a bad kick out while standing on the top step using a versa strap.
 
I kept having kickouts with my mini hawks and a daisychain with a two step aider on the bottom steps. Took off the button and put on a cam cleat with some TRC and no more kick outs. Nice and tight
 
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