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Hawk Helium Rope Mod

B

Bach55

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2019
Messages
231
Location
Indiana
Hey all, I’ve settled on Hawk Heliums for my climbing method as a new saddle hunter. I’ve seen some of the videos about cutting them down, etc, but I haven’t found one that explains the “rope mod” in detail. I’m talking about replacing the OE straps with either Amsteel or climbing rope. It does seem like it would be less bulky/loud. Does anyone know if there is a thread or YouTube video that talks about this in detail? If not, maybe people are willing to provide some feedback on a few of my questions?



  • It looks like splicing is the recommended way to create an eye for the Versa button. Is this because a simple “perfection loop” knot would lower the break strength of the rope?


  • Does anyone on the forum (or elsewhere) sell pre-spliced Amsteel for this purpose?


  • Can climbing rope be used instead of Amsteel? If so, what thickness rope have people found to work well?
 
I used climbing rope (figure 8 on a bite with overhand stopper) for sticks and primal steps. I bought a long length at sportsman's warehouse (50' of sterling 8mm i think). I do want to splice amsteel, but maybe after the season is over.
 
I just got a set of Heliums.... I ditched the buckle and use the straps "buckless." Check out @Nutterbuster YT channel... he has a great video showing how to use the straps without the buckle. I think he's using Muddys or Lone Wolf sticks (can't remember) in his video but his method works on Helium sticks too. I use the straps because they're less bulky and lighter than climbing rope and I don't like using amsteel on the tree (it's a little too slick for me). Getting rid of the buckles cut down the weight and bulk significantly.

If you're interested in working with Amsteel, check out @g2outdoors YT channel. He's got a video showing how to splice amsteel. It's VERY easy to do. I just made a secondary bridge out of amsteel I ordered from @DanO. I made some fids out of old arrows and followed G2's video. Like I said it's very easy and Greg's explanation is dummy-proof.
 
ThomasHemlock said:
I just got a set of Heliums.... I ditched the buckle and use the straps "buckless." Check out @Nutterbuster YT channel... he has a great video showing how to use the straps without the buckle. I think he's using Muddys or Lone Wolf sticks (can't remember) in his video but his method works on Helium sticks too. I use the straps because they're less bulky and lighter than climbing rope and I don't like using amsteel on the tree (it's a little too slick for me). Getting rid of the buckles cut down the weight and bulk significantly.

If you're interested in working with Amsteel, check out @g2outdoors YT channel. He's got a video showing how to splice amsteel. It's VERY easy to do. I just made a secondary bridge out of amsteel I ordered from @DanO. I made some fids out of old arrows and followed G2's video. Like I said it's very easy and Greg's explanation is dummy-proof.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had seen the videos on using the straps “buckle-less”. I will definitely consider that as we get into the season. My only concern was ending up with shorter straps and potentially limiting tree selection. I will have to watch G2’s video. I’ve seen it out there; I’m just not sure I trust myself enough to splice a primary piece of equipment (not a backup) like that with no prior experience.

Is the general consensus that a perfection loop (or something similar) is not fit for purpose? Is it just a function of lowering the break strength of the rope?
 
Bach55 said:
Hey all, I’ve settled on Hawk Heliums for my climbing method as a new saddle hunter. I’ve seen some of the videos about cutting them down, etc, but I haven’t found one that explains the “rope mod” in detail. I’m talking about replacing the OE straps with either Amsteel or climbing rope. It does seem like it would be less bulky/loud. Does anyone know if there is a thread or YouTube video that talks about this in detail? If not, maybe people are willing to provide some feedback on a few of my questions?



  • It looks like splicing is the recommended way to create an eye for the Versa button. Is this because a simple “perfection loop” knot would lower the break strength of the rope?


  • Does anyone on the forum (or elsewhere) sell pre-spliced Amsteel for this purpose?


  • Can climbing rope be used instead of Amsteel? If so, what thickness rope have people found to work well?
Click to expand...
@DaveT1963 has a great youtube video showing the rope mod. Splicing amsteel is super easy as well to make your own ropes (this way you can get the exact length you need). I've made daisy chains with 7/64" as well as the amsteel rope 1/4" that Dave shows in his video for mine. Not sure which one I'm going with yet (if either)
 
Gator said:
@DaveT1963 has a great youtube video showing the rope mod. Splicing amsteel is super easy as well to make your own ropes (this way you can get the exact length you need). I've made daisy chains with 7/64" as well as the amsteel rope 1/4" that Dave shows in his video for mine. Not sure which one I'm going with yet (if either)
Click to expand...
If you decide not to use the 7/64th I am interested in trying some out.
 
Bach55 said:
I think I bought 9’ sections. Had a one foot bury and roughly 4” for the eye. My goal was to have around 7-8’ of rope left for the tree.
Click to expand...
I did 9 feet as well. After tying a figure 8 on a bight, it probably left me about 8 feet.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
I have a set of the newer hawks that I just cut down. Plan to go with the 7/64 daisy mod. Does anyone know how well the factory "versa" button is with a daisy rope mod?
 
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