• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Hawk HSP Platform?

bigbuck247

New Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2022
Messages
36
How many of you have used the HSP platform that replaces the top step of the hawk helium sticks? It would not be my main platform and just used if I was going very deep on public and trying to stay as light as possible or used as a extra big top step to be able to slide to for odd angled shots. It would mostly be used for the later of the two so for that reason is it worth it? I'm almost as green as they get to a saddle with only one practice run so I figured some of you with more experience would know better.
 
I have 3. Get some grip tape for the top. And some of that quiet tape for the pins. Plenty good for me. And cant beat the price, when on sale. Midway usually puts them on sale b4 season.
 
I have 3. Get some grip tape for the top. And some of that quiet tape for the pins. Plenty good for me. And cant beat the price, when on sale. Midway usually puts them on sale b4 season.
Camofire has them for $30 plus shipping right now so not bad at all.
 
Right. Thats about what I paid. Ive got 3 of the 30" hawk sticks and 3 of the smaller hawk stix. My platforms are on the lil stix & left in the tree. That way I have platforms ready to go and just pack in the stix.
 
How many of you have used the HSP platform that replaces the top step of the hawk helium sticks? It would not be my main platform and just used if I was going very deep on public and trying to stay as light as possible or used as a extra big top step to be able to slide to for odd angled shots. It would mostly be used for the later of the two so for that reason is it worth it? I'm almost as green as they get to a saddle with only one practice run so I figured some of you with more experience would know better.
I drilled and put #8 bolts in place of the pins. You should put some gripping tape on the top. I also sprayed great stuff in the tubing to quite it down. Not my main stick but ok for a backup.
 
I didn’t have a great experience with the first run of the Heliums with the suction cups. But $85 is pretty tempting for a set of sticks.
I got mine at basspro and they price matched midway for $99.99 on the mini sticks. I took the cups and trimmed a little on the female end and they fit 100% better now and it doesn't take near as much pressure to separate them.
 
I got my Hawk minis and HSP from Midway then done a few mods. Trimmed the cups out, switched the pins for grade 8 bolts, grip tape on top and added a single step tubular webbing aider to the first stick. Will be using with a Treehopper Recon sling and two strap on steps on each side of the platform.
 

Attachments

  • 20220817_211737.jpg
    20220817_211737.jpg
    673.9 KB · Views: 52
  • 20220817_211641.jpg
    20220817_211641.jpg
    567.6 KB · Views: 53
I have a mini Hawk stick (original 3 step cut down to 2) with an HSP on top that I got super cheap. Some others have mentioned swapping the pins for grade 8 bolts, but I suggest taking it one step further.

Even with the bolts installed and tightened, I had more front to back flex than I was happy with, so I drilled a 3rd hole and added another bolt:

Screenshot_20220818-102725.png

There's still a little bit of flex, but it is notably better with the 3rd bolt installed. I DIYed this setup for long walks and short sits. It is super light, and rides nice lashed to my pack:

Screenshot_20220818-103334.png

The area between the standoffs is the perfect size for lashing my outer coat when walking.

I wouldn't recommend the HSP for all day or really long sits, but for short sits, it's "good enough". I use it on days I know I'll sit for a few hours in the morning, then spend the rest of the day still hunting or participating in mini drives.

It is light enough, once I strap it on my pack and lash it down tight, I forget it is there. Then if I find myself in the middle of a drive, I can pop it on the tree and be up around 12-15' in two quick moves. Just high enough for a better view above the brush, out of the deer's immediate view, and hopefully out of the Fudd crossfire. :tearsofjoy:
 
DB4x4 I did put the the 3rd bolt thru the platform as well. The only way to get it solid. I DIYd a 2 step aider for 1 sticking. Like you said short sits ok just not enough real estate for me as is. It packs sweet on my old cat quiver! Nice and light! Take care.
 
I ran one last year. Used it more than my tethrd predator. This year I switched sticks though. I did keep the hawk as a backup though because I liked it so much.
 
Back
Top