Hawk helium sticks

[Tree hunter]

I don’t own any hawk helium’s . But might... it’s the season.
I have read about the problem with the cups breaking.
Anybody come up with a good preventative solution?

 

[Capttickle]

Most just need a little trim with a razor.

 

[Rickor]

I have 4- 30 " and 1- 20" Heliums and have not had a problem separating starting at the top. I have not used them in extended freezing weather and these arent used exclusivly.

 

[katiesmom]

I have Hawk minis and used them for the past two seasons with no problems.

 

[hauscaliber]

I just got a set of minis and they lock up good. Takes some effort to unlock them but they seem fine.

 

[GCTerpfan]

If they are too hard to get apart take some sand paper to the male end and a razor to trim out the female end. Trim and /or sand them until they hold together but come apart quietly.

 

[bfriendly]

No problems with mine. I have 3 36” and a short one. I added cam cleats to the short and one long one for 1 sticking….single step aider on all 3 longs, 2 step aider on short one. I’ve had no bending, No cracking no problems whatsoever…….did I tell you always toss it down then rappel? I have tightened up a step or two to keep friction when closing, but that’s it! I wouldn’t hesitate to buy them again, but I think mine will last a lifetime quite frankly.

 

[bfriendly]

If you are stacking them(been a long time) shave MOST of the inner part of the female end lip and they will be silent and sweet….forget about trying to figure out how to get them apart a certain way or method. Trim that plastic but leave a few notches or sections to hold them. Trim a little try it, trim a little more, try it etc….

 

[bfriendly]

Most just need a little trim with a razor.

Yep this^^ BTw- I used my dremmel and it took just a few minutes to do all three

 

[Maine Hunter]

I bought a 4 pack of the 20' Heliums this spring. I've had multiple practice sessions with them in my back yard. Mine came with Hawk's version of the versa straps and they work well (I prefer to use the trucker hitch method with the straps). I turned one into a one sticking stick with a cam cleat and 3 step aider. I use the extra Hawk strap to attach my platform, again with the truckers hitch. Very happy with them, especially for $125 from Amazon.

 

[Maine Hunter]

I trimmed the female cup with razor blade. Simple fix.

 

[BLR1970]

I also went with the Hawk 20" four pack, got them from Midway USA for $99.99. They also had the Hawk HSP stick mounted platform for $35.99, for that price got it to try for short sets. Like you did, also had to trim the cups for a better fit. On the HSP replaced the quick connect pins with grade 8 bolts makes it more solid to the stick and added grip tape to top of the platform. Only other mod to the sticks was added a tubular webbing single step aider to the first stick.

 

[jordy1327]

In any case, I wouldn't rely on the male/female cups that come standard on the sticks as your sole method of securing the them in transport, especially if you trim them out like others have suggested. I did the same thing, and I didn't have issues with them binding up, but they are just a weeeee bit too loose. I purchased some VOILE straps that I'll use this year, but I just found out about genesis 3d printing and the stick mule system they have for the heliums.

 

[Tree hunter]

In any case, I wouldn't rely on the male/female cups that come standard on the sticks as your sole method of securing the them in transport, especially if you trim them out like others have suggested. I did the same thing, and I didn't have issues with them binding up, but they are just a weeeee bit too loose. I purchased some VOILE straps that I'll use this year, but I just found out about genesis 3d printing and the stick mule system they have for the heliums.

Thanks I will look Genesis stick mule

 

[Tree hunter]

If they are too hard to get apart take some sand paper to the male end and a razor to trim out the female end. Trim and /or sand them until they hold together but come apart quietly.

Thanks

 

[elk yinzer]

Like your appendix or gallbladder you don't need them and you question why they're there in the first place.

 

[GCTerpfan]

Thanks

You should also consider moving the suction cups to the opposite side and stacking belly to belly if it works for your setup.