Ideal Single Stick?

[Westdesign03]

Going to add food for thought here... the cam cleat is great, when it works. If folks continue to use it without tying off each time you connect the stick, it will come loose on you at some point when you least expect it (ask @mtsrunner about his shin). I use a LW strap on mine and leave it connected the entire climb, I just slide it up the tree, and have zero chance of dropping the stick or the need for a backup connector rope. As with every saddle hunting option, you give up something to get something, so only you can decide which tradeoff is worth it to you. The strap is not perfect either, but fits my need and tradeoff equation.

I’m also doing the LW strap on my stick. Had no trouble at all sliding it up the tree. Sure don’t want to lose the stick while I’m up there so this was the logical choice for me. Also I am going to use a connector rope to the stick just because sh*t happens despite your best efforts and I really just don’t want to be caught up a tree with no way down. Though I will have my rappel setup with me. But would just like to avoid the whole issue anyways. I really don’t have the luxury of someone coming to help me out of the tree outside of dialing 911 either. Again would love to avoid that one too. I guess I’m just all about redundancies and safety measures especially with stuff like this.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I have picked up sticks off the ground with a doyles hoist and gear grappler. Just use a cam buckle and don't worry. Second backup is a rappel line.

 

[enkriss]

I am gonna spend sometime practicing one sticking. Tried it out and it was easier than I thought it was going to be.

Ordered some Sterling HTP, ATC and a VT prussicto give rappelling a go.

 

[Westdesign03]

I am gonna spend sometime practicing one sticking. Tried it out and it was easier than I thought it was going to be.

Ordered some Sterling HTP, ATC and a VT prussicto give rappelling a go.

I’m going the exact same route. I was surprised how easy one stick seemed to be. Also looking forward to rappelling.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gumbymedic]

Does anyone use a Sterling Hollow Block as an Auto-block on Oplux? I have one but it doesn't seem to grab as quickly as the Jammy in the video.

 

[Gumbymedic]

It’s just a flesh wound.

What are you going to do, bleed on me?

 

[Arrowsquirrel]

Does anyone use a Sterling Hollow Block as an Auto-block on Oplux? I have one but it doesn't seem to grab as quickly as the Jammy in the video.

I've been using it with oplux. I'll agree it doesn't grap real well but it's working for me.

 

[Aaronpaul14]

Does anyone use a Sterling Hollow Block as an Auto-block on Oplux? I have one but it doesn't seem to grab as quickly as the Jammy in the video.

I’ve been playing with it lately also. Can’t get it to grab as French prusik but seems better with options DanO lists.

 

[SecretAgentMan]

I grew up in Mansfield


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mansfielllllld, Homme Center. Where we stop to shop!

I’m south of you around Mtn. Home.

 

[robstewart]

I have picked up sticks off the ground with a doyles hoist and gear grappler. Just use a cam buckle and don't worry. Second backup is a rappel line.

Since having my single stick drop off while hunting off it and a ROS leaving me to self rescue, I simply switched to always using a 30’ rope as a tether when climbing single stick so can rappel down in an emergency. This led me to the realization that rappelling down is simply always the best way to come down!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SecretAgentMan]

Since having my single stick drop off while hunting off it and a ROS leaving me to self rescue, I simply switched to always using a 30’ rope as a tether when climbing single stick so can rappel down in an emergency. This led me to the realization that rappelling down is simply always the best way to come down!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve tried it that way too. I use distel and tender on my tether. What I don’t like about using the rap line as a tether is that I’ve got to take that setup off every time, so I can yank my rope down when I’m on the ground. And then put it back together next time I hunt.

Unless, I’m missing that there’s an easier way.

 

[robstewart]

I’ve tried it that way too. I use distel and tender on my tether. What I don’t like about using the rap line as a tether is that I’ve got to take that setup off every time, so I can yank my rope down when I’m on the ground. And then put it back together next time I hunt.

Unless, I’m missing that there’s an easier way.

I use a Safeguard. I did this because I too didn't like transitioning. I put a stopper knot in at the top. I do not use a blocker/third hand when rappelling as it's simply not needed. If I suddenly let go the device binds up and I stop.

 

[bj139]

I get on the top step and push my tether all the way up. Then I lower myself using my safeguard until I can reach the stick and take it off. Then I use my SRT setup to go all the way up to the top of my tether and attach the stick so I can step on the bottom step, climb up and repeat.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow. Great idea. This is like brainstorming without me having to think. But don't you fear you will be left in no man's land between the one stickers and the SRTers?

 

[robstewart]

Wow. Great idea. This is like brainstorming without me having to think. But don't you fear you will be left in no man's land between the one stickers and the SRTers?

I’m a cross dresser lol. I do both Single Stick and SRT depending on the situation. In one case I did single stick up the tree then left a paracord loop and did SRT the next hunt! I’m flexible lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bj139]

I’m a cross dresser lol. I do both Single Stick and SRT depending on the situation. In one case I did single stick up the tree then left a paracord loop and did SRT the next hunt! I’m flexible lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I was going to try my single stick with a platform on top, instead of my Primal step platform. I could still do SRT or one stick whenever I get the urge. I'll have to weigh both. The Primal step is more compact. Maybe time to finally cut a stick.

 

[always89y]

I like a 20 inch stick with about 19 inch step distance and 19 inch aider. Also use the cam cleat with 1/4 amsteel. Last season I was 270lbs and never had a problem. I use my rappel line and safeguard to climb (no issues with wet ropes freezing here in East TN). I like a stick mounted platform. Something with a little angle for relief is nice. I've started making my own, but there are now some good options available commercially.

 

[Redoak47*]

Does anyone know the weight and step spacing of the new LWCG double step? Going to get one of those or cut 1 of my beady sticks down.And what is the trick with Srt tried it couldn't get the hang of it.

 

[dalton916]

That’s my stick and platform. @DanO offsets and double steps and a scooter platform. Works great.

 

[bj139]

Does anyone know the weight and step spacing of the new LWCG double step? Going to get one of those or cut 1 of my beady sticks down.And what is the trick with Srt tried it couldn't get the hang of it.

You must press downward with your leg to be most efficient climbing. The rope should run close to your crotch to do this. Stay as vertical as possible by pulling the rope into your chest. Pushing sideways with your leg is no good.

 

[iamcorey]

Here is how I do it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Are you using anything to battle gravity with that delta link? When i've practiced 1 sticking with it, the link always falls even after cinching tight. The whole climb up I'm fighting gravity with that thing. I've love to figure out how to use the link for getting around branches without it moving down after setting.