Disaster
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2021
- Messages
- 15
I wish I knew what I know now before spending as much as I have on climbing hardware and stands. Having said that, with a few mods the Hawk Helium sticks and HSP platform make a great value starter set.
You can find a 4 pack of 2 foot sticks for $100-110 on sale. The HSP platform will runs $45-50. Add a 3-5 step aider for $20-40 and you can get more height or save a step completely.
Now for the mods.
1. Dump the buckle on the sticks.
Remove the buckle and instead wrap the strap under the loop and around the retainer hat like you would a rope. A second loop holds it even more securely against slipping and is easier to remove vs. a half hitch. You can even do it with bulky winter gloves on. Considerably faster and more secure than those buckles and getting rid of the buckles saves weight and prevents clanging noises. Of course you do loose maybe 8"-10" of tree circumference capability but you could always keep the buckles in your pack for insurance and I haven't had an issue yet with the trees I use.
2. Add grip tape to the HSP platform surface.
A careful application of grip tape will increase traction and prevent squeaks between your footwear and the platform. The sandpaper surface stair/ladder tape works great and is $15-20 for a 25-40 foot roll.
That is it. $200-$240 depending on how good you do with sales.
Are there better sticks? Sure.
I'm not a fan of the folding steps which are prone to get bends in them. The suction cup stick attachment system was poorly executed, is difficult to use and prone to failure.
But neither of those items are show stoppers and I can't think of a less expensive effective multi-stick system.
You can find a 4 pack of 2 foot sticks for $100-110 on sale. The HSP platform will runs $45-50. Add a 3-5 step aider for $20-40 and you can get more height or save a step completely.
Now for the mods.
1. Dump the buckle on the sticks.
Remove the buckle and instead wrap the strap under the loop and around the retainer hat like you would a rope. A second loop holds it even more securely against slipping and is easier to remove vs. a half hitch. You can even do it with bulky winter gloves on. Considerably faster and more secure than those buckles and getting rid of the buckles saves weight and prevents clanging noises. Of course you do loose maybe 8"-10" of tree circumference capability but you could always keep the buckles in your pack for insurance and I haven't had an issue yet with the trees I use.
2. Add grip tape to the HSP platform surface.
A careful application of grip tape will increase traction and prevent squeaks between your footwear and the platform. The sandpaper surface stair/ladder tape works great and is $15-20 for a 25-40 foot roll.
That is it. $200-$240 depending on how good you do with sales.
Are there better sticks? Sure.
I'm not a fan of the folding steps which are prone to get bends in them. The suction cup stick attachment system was poorly executed, is difficult to use and prone to failure.
But neither of those items are show stoppers and I can't think of a less expensive effective multi-stick system.
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