Helium Stick Modification - a closer look

[kenn1320]

Im really liking these helium sticks, gonna put my LW sticks up for sale.

 

[ADKMtnTrapper]

I have Heliums that i modded identical to DaveTs as well i dont have a scale accurate enough to tell you how much they weigh but the main reason i cut them down is because having them 6 inches shorter makes a big difference when i am packing them through the brush.

I have been using the 1 stick method when i am walking the mountains and having a compact setup has made a huge difference.

Thanks. I like the muddy's when using the GW, as they are shorter. I am in the middle of making a three step aider so I can try the 1 stick method.

How many step aider do you use with the shorter Helium? And what are spaces between steps?

I plan on three step aider with 16" between steps.

I have a 2 step aider and there is about 22" between my steps. My aiders are probably around 18" steps. The first few climbs it took me about 10 mins to get to 18ft. And about 15 mins to get down.

I will say with the 1 stick method the trick is to let gravity and the leverage against the tree do the work. And think every step through ao you dont cause yourself extra work!

 

[sojourner]

I have Heliums that i modded identical to DaveTs as well i dont have a scale accurate enough to tell you how much they weigh but the main reason i cut them down is because having them 6 inches shorter makes a big difference when i am packing them through the brush.

I have been using the 1 stick method when i am walking the mountains and having a compact setup has made a huge difference.

Thanks. I like the muddy's when using the GW, as they are shorter. I am in the middle of making a three step aider so I can try the 1 stick method.

How many step aider do you use with the shorter Helium? And what are spaces between steps?

I plan on three step aider with 16" between steps.

I have a 2 step aider and there is about 22" between my steps. My aiders are probably around 18" steps. The first few climbs it took me about 10 mins to get to 18ft. And about 15 mins to get down.

I will say with the 1 stick method the trick is to let gravity and the leverage against the tree do the work. And think every step through ao you dont cause yourself extra work!

Thanks. Somehow I missed this post. I may finish my aider today.

 

[kenn1320]

I did the single aider mod like Dave. I thought finding that water poly tube was going to be a challenge, but Lowes sells it in 24" lengths. I cut mine into 8" long, where Dave used 6" I believe. I also ran my 1" tubular webbing through the hole in the steps, closest to the stick and over hand knotted behind the stick. This keeps my aider attached to the stick at all times and the steps still fold up. I had my aiders at 21" (maybe longer) and on a full size stick it allowed me to lay the tubing above the versa button for packing. It worked great for packing, but not for climbing. With warm clothes on, I just couldnt get my foot up high enough and had to use my hand to lift my foot. I dont know what length they are right now, but I shortened them considerably. In shorts I can use just the top and bottom steps, so 30" or so. :lol: Once again the sticks performed great and the aiders gave me the extra height. I need to rethink packing now as the plastic tube below the versa button is too thick and wont work. I havent tried these using the one stick method yet either.

 

[redsquirrel]

I did the single aider mod like Dave. I thought finding that water poly tube was going to be a challenge, but Lowes sells it in 24" lengths. I cut mine into 8" long, where Dave used 6" I believe. I also ran my 1" tubular webbing through the hole in the steps, closest to the stick and over hand knotted behind the stick. This keeps my aider attached to the stick at all times and the steps still fold up. I had my aiders at 21" (maybe longer) and on a full size stick it allowed me to lay the tubing above the versa button for packing. It worked great for packing, but not for climbing. With warm clothes on, I just couldnt get my foot up high enough and had to use my hand to lift my foot. I dont know what length they are right now, but I shortened them considerably. In shorts I can use just the top and bottom steps, so 30" or so. :lol: Once again the sticks performed great and the aiders gave me the extra height. I need to rethink packing now as the plastic tube below the versa button is too thick and wont work. I havent tried these using the one stick method yet either.

Kenn, I started working on my helium mod last night. I am not cutting my sticks down because I can not reach much farther than the steps anyways, maybe 3 inches max, the same thing with my lone wolfs. I can reach a bit farther without hunting clothes, but I'm short anyways :lol: . To save a little weight I removed one of the steps from the middle and bottom of each stick. I really just wanted the double step at the top. I am also going to use the camo form lite to keep them quiet.

Besides the video has Dave posted any information on his whoopie slings? Did he make them or pick them up somewhere? I'm looking at some hammock camping ones but wondering if I'd be better of making them myself.

 

[redsquirrel]

I did the single aider mod like Dave. I thought finding that water poly tube was going to be a challenge, but Lowes sells it in 24" lengths. I cut mine into 8" long, where Dave used 6" I believe. I also ran my 1" tubular webbing through the hole in the steps, closest to the stick and over hand knotted behind the stick. This keeps my aider attached to the stick at all times and the steps still fold up. I had my aiders at 21" (maybe longer) and on a full size stick it allowed me to lay the tubing above the versa button for packing. It worked great for packing, but not for climbing. With warm clothes on, I just couldnt get my foot up high enough and had to use my hand to lift my foot. I dont know what length they are right now, but I shortened them considerably. In shorts I can use just the top and bottom steps, so 30" or so. :lol: Once again the sticks performed great and the aiders gave me the extra height. I need to rethink packing now as the plastic tube below the versa button is too thick and wont work. I havent tried these using the one stick method yet either.

Kenn, I started working on my helium mod last night. I am not cutting my sticks down because I can not reach much farther than the steps anyways, maybe 3 inches max, the same thing with my lone wolfs. I can reach a bit farther without hunting clothes, but I'm short anyways :lol: . To save a little weight I removed one of the steps from the middle and bottom of each stick. I really just wanted the double step at the top. I am also going to use the camo form lite to keep them quiet.

Besides the video has Dave posted any information on his whoopie slings? Did he make them or pick them up somewhere? What thickness amsteel is he using?

 

[kenn1320]

I used the 2 middle steps a lot, cause I set the next stick and the top platform from them. I find the stock steps a comfortable distance apart, but wish they were about 18" apart. Daves video says 1" tubular military webbing with a water knot.

 

[redsquirrel]

I used the 2 middle steps a lot, cause I set the next stick and the top platform from them. I find the stock steps a comfortable distance apart, but wish they were about 18" apart. Daves video says 1" tubular military webbing with a water knot.

Gotcha. I use the bottom and middle steps like the lone wolf, but the top is nice to have 2 for setting your next stick, so I thought I could shave a little weight.

 

[DaveT1963]

No updates posted yet I'm still hunting lol. I cut mind to 21 inches for two reasons. One they do weigh less and i get get as high with these as i do with stye step lone wolfs. The second reason is because carrying around the long sticks, especially on a stand or attached to pack the longer sticks catch on more brush.

For my platform, i am filling the area of the stick, behind the platform bolt, with bondo with chopped fiberglass matt.... This keeps the tubing from collapsing with my fat rear on edge of platform. I'm tweaking some more stuff and I'll post videoa later his winter.

 

[redsquirrel]

No updates posted yet I'm still hunting lol. I cut mind to 21 inches for two reasons. One they do weigh less and i get get as high with these as i do with stye step lone wolfs. The second reason is because carrying around the long sticks, especially on a stand or attached to pack the longer sticks catch on more brush.

For my platform, i am filling the area of the stick, behind the platform bolt, with bondo with chopped fiberglass matt.... This keeps the tubing from collapsing with my fat rear on edge of platform. I'm tweaking some more stuff and I'll post videoa later his winter.

Dave, did you make or buy your whoopies? How thick are they?

 

[DaveT1963]

Ok i don't have a"whoppie". Seriously got to be a better name then that makes me think of that "Moran" on the view....

The one I'm using right now is a new tribe aerohunter that I've modified. I am designing my own and will make it this summer based on all that I've learned over last three years..... It won't be for everyone some will hate it some will like it..... But i know what works best for me.

I am about to load a video to help folks make their own adjustable bridge that you can modify while hunting.

 

[redsquirrel]

Ok i don't have a"whoppie". Seriously got to be a better name then that makes me think of that "Moran" on the view....

The one I'm using right now is a new tribe aerohunter that I've modified. I am designing my own and will make it this summer based on all that I've learned over last three years..... It won't be for everyone some will hate it some will like it..... But i know what works best for me.

I am about to load a video to help folks make their own adjustable bridge that you can modify while hunting.

LOL Dave, if you are referencing "the view" we aren't on the same page! :lol:
I went back and looked at your video and I guess you are just using the "rope mod" to attach your sticks to the tree. I thought you were using "whoopie slings". Many hammock campers use them to attach their hammock to the tree. It is the same thing that the cranford rope steps use. I am thinking about making a 1/4 inch "whoopie sling" out of amsteel to hold these to the tree. It should be super light weight.

 

[DaveT1963]

For a 22 inch stick with rope 2 pound 3 oz

 

[DaveT1963]

For a 22 inch stick with ropes 2 pounds 3 oz.

 

[redsquirrel]

I have some info to add to this post. I did the versa button mod and drilled the bottom to guide the 2 bolts Dave pointed out. I could only find the versa button with the exposed allen head bolt. I was going to throw it on the drill press and counter sink it, but felt there was a benefit to using it as an alignment pin like LW. I used a 3/8" drill bit for the versa button clearance hole and a 1/4" for the rear 2 bolts. I used duct tape on the stick i was marking. I aligned where i wanted the hole for the versa button with one stick on top of the other and smacked it with a rubber hammer. This transfered the head of the versa button bolt location to the tape. I then center punched and drilled. I used 1/4" first and followed that up with the 3/8". I only went deep enough to allow the whole head to drop into the stick. Once that was done, i put tape on other end, inserted the versa button bolt in the other stick and whacked it to transfer the 2 bolts to the tape. This wasnt a hard mod in my opinion. Thanks for the idea Dave!

Kenn- if you get a chance can you post a pic of your sticks nestled together? I put my versa buttons on last night and I haven't drilled the hole for them sit in because I am trying to get everything lined up. The way I am putting them together right now I don't see myself needing the 2 holes because the nut from tree bracket will stop it before it gets to those bolts. Unless you only have 1 tree bracket surrounding your stick and the other hanging off (I forget how they came from the factory). Anyway if you can post a pic that would help. Thanks!

 

[DaveT1963]

my sticks with ropes are 2 pounds 2-3 ounces

 

[kenn1320]

I have some info to add to this post. I did the versa button mod and drilled the bottom to guide the 2 bolts Dave pointed out. I could only find the versa button with the exposed allen head bolt. I was going to throw it on the drill press and counter sink it, but felt there was a benefit to using it as an alignment pin like LW. I used a 3/8" drill bit for the versa button clearance hole and a 1/4" for the rear 2 bolts. I used duct tape on the stick i was marking. I aligned where i wanted the hole for the versa button with one stick on top of the other and smacked it with a rubber hammer. This transfered the head of the versa button bolt location to the tape. I then center punched and drilled. I used 1/4" first and followed that up with the 3/8". I only went deep enough to allow the whole head to drop into the stick. Once that was done, i put tape on other end, inserted the versa button bolt in the other stick and whacked it to transfer the 2 bolts to the tape. This wasnt a hard mod in my opinion. Thanks for the idea Dave!

Kenn- if you get a chance can you post a pic of your sticks nestled together? I put my versa buttons on last night and I haven't drilled the hole for them sit in because I am trying to get everything lined up. The way I am putting them together right now I don't see myself needing the 2 holes because the nut from tree bracket will stop it before it gets to those bolts. Unless you only have 1 tree bracket surrounding your stick and the other hanging off (I forget how they came from the factory). Anyway if you can post a pic that would help. Thanks!

I will post a pic tonight. You wont need those 2 holes if your running your aider through the step and tying the knot, since the knot keeps the sticks from contacting each other. I also added loop side velcro to the insdie of the "V" so there is no clank in that area when unstacking them. I didnt take a measurement, just eyeballed and marked with the tape/hammer transfer method. This means you might want to mark your sticks with a marker to know what order they fit together. I did find some variation in mine, hence the numbering for best fit. While I wish I had some sort of alignment for the rear, its not needed when you have the versa button bolt head locator up top.

 

[redsquirrel]

I have some info to add to this post. I did the versa button mod and drilled the bottom to guide the 2 bolts Dave pointed out. I could only find the versa button with the exposed allen head bolt. I was going to throw it on the drill press and counter sink it, but felt there was a benefit to using it as an alignment pin like LW. I used a 3/8" drill bit for the versa button clearance hole and a 1/4" for the rear 2 bolts. I used duct tape on the stick i was marking. I aligned where i wanted the hole for the versa button with one stick on top of the other and smacked it with a rubber hammer. This transfered the head of the versa button bolt location to the tape. I then center punched and drilled. I used 1/4" first and followed that up with the 3/8". I only went deep enough to allow the whole head to drop into the stick. Once that was done, i put tape on other end, inserted the versa button bolt in the other stick and whacked it to transfer the 2 bolts to the tape. This wasnt a hard mod in my opinion. Thanks for the idea Dave!

Kenn- if you get a chance can you post a pic of your sticks nestled together? I put my versa buttons on last night and I haven't drilled the hole for them sit in because I am trying to get everything lined up. The way I am putting them together right now I don't see myself needing the 2 holes because the nut from tree bracket will stop it before it gets to those bolts. Unless you only have 1 tree bracket surrounding your stick and the other hanging off (I forget how they came from the factory). Anyway if you can post a pic that would help. Thanks!

I will post a pic tonight. You wont need those 2 holes if your running your aider through the step and tying the knot, since the knot keeps the sticks from contacting each other. I also added loop side velcro to the insdie of the "V" so there is no clank in that area when unstacking them. I didnt take a measurement, just eyeballed and marked with the tape/hammer transfer method. This means you might want to mark your sticks with a marker to know what order they fit together. I did find some variation in mine, hence the numbering for best fit. While I wish I had some sort of alignment for the rear, its not needed when you have the versa button bolt head locator up top.

Thanks Kenn. Any pics you take would be helpful to give me ideas

 

[kenn1320]

Shows the location of the velcro on the V brackets. Only needed on 2 of the 3.



How I use a strap to carry the sticks and the 3 Jim Stepps. If you look close you can see some of the velcro on the Jim Stepps
to keep them from clanking together. I place the velcro on 6 places on 2 of the 3 steps so no metal on metal when they are
nested for transporting.

 

[Buckhorn70]

How do you attach to the tree with the ropes.... How do the ropes tie off?