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Ideal Single Stick?

eighties

eighties

New Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2020
Messages
18
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
I want to play around with single sticking and I've got some spare stick parts lying around, so I was planning to build a dedicated single stick. Problem is I've never single stick climbed, so I don't know what's ideal. What do you more experienced folks like in your stick? Length, step spacing, attachment method, aider, etc.? The spare steps I have are fixed doubles, so that part is figured out. Thanks.
 
I think my 1 Hawk Helium stick is around 21" and step space is about 18".
I don't really use the top step much.
When I get all the way on the top step and move the tether to max height I can't reach the stick.
Staying on the bottom step to move my tether up is about the right height for me.

I would like to modify from a strap to a rope cleat but other than that I like my stick.
 
I don’t really have an ideal length. I started with a 32” & it’s probably the easiest to climb with, but have since whittle it down to a single step 9” stick with a 2 step aider. I have tried all attachments & keep going back to a LW buckle strap. On everything else I prefer amsteel daisy chain, but for single stick the strap is best for me.
 
I’ve tried single stick one time with a hawk helium and it was enough for me to decide to also try single sticking.

For single stick, I ordered 1 beast stick in the shorter length. I think it’s 19” or something. Don’t remember. But the reasons I wanted to go with a beast stick is: 1- I like nice things and these sticks are really nice and I can’t afford a whole set but I can afford one single stick, 2- it’s extremely solid and I like the design of the steps and how it holds onto the stick more than just by the bolt, 3- I love how light weight they are, 4- they’re double step.

I went with the shorter stick for better pack ability and I feel like the shorter reach between the steps would be better for me.

I also ordered a custom AmSteel products single step aider to go on the bottom of the stick to help with climbing.

Also I think I will be going with just the LW tree stand strap on the stick. I don’t mind the buckle and I felt like it was convenient to be able to adjust the strap length just by the buckle button real quick while climbing.

I haven’t tried all this stuff with the beast stick yet, but I anticipate it being a pretty sweet system when I finally get it all together.


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The most important part for me is the cam cleat. It makes reaching down, releasing the rope and advancing the stick much easier. I've tried all of the rope and strap attachments, and I probably wouldn't one-stick if I couldn't use the cam cleat. I like 21-22 inches between steps with a single step aider, but this is going to be your personal preference and how far you want reach. Don't forget winter clothing can limit your flexibility.
 
Does anyone know if there’s a cam cleat made to fit the beast sticks?


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Last edited:
I did this to one stick a few times then started climbing SRT and went to a platform made out of a Primal step instead.
I should retest one sticking and report on the results.

My One Stick Helium Stick Mods

Do not attempt this at home. For information only. Platform I made a platform from an aluminum fence post insert which is used to strengthen vinyl fence posts for lock attachment and such. My platorm is 12 inches long. It seems to work fine. I still need a platform for when I climb SRT...
saddlehunter.com
 
I believe there are 2 key elements to a good one stick.
1. Cam cleat
2. Double step aider
I have built 3 sticks to one stick, 12”, 14” and 18”. I prefer the 18” only because it fits my pack the best. If I had a different pack or just carried my stick in, I might prefer one of my other sticks.
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. I'm definitely going with the cam cleat. Not sure on the length and step set up yet and there doesn't seem to be consensus. I guess I'm just going to have to try a few things out and see what I like best. I think I'll just start by putting a few different fixed aiders on my cut down api sticks and see what works best. Thanks for the advice.
 
reggoh75 said:
I think my 1 Hawk Helium stick is around 21" and step space is about 18".
I don't really use the top step much.
When I get all the way on the top step and move the tether to max height I can't reach the stick.
Staying on the bottom step to move my tether up is about the right height for me.

I would like to modify from a strap to a rope cleat but other than that I like my stick.
Click to expand...

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.


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onestringer said:
I believe there are 2 key elements to a good one stick.
1. Cam cleat
2. Double step aider
I have built 3 sticks to one stick, 12”, 14” and 18”. I prefer the 18” only because it fits my pack the best. If I had a different pack or just carried my stick in, I might prefer one of my other sticks.
Click to expand...

Or a daisy chain instead of a cam cleat. Personal preference.


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robstewart said:
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.


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Click to expand...

That’s a good idea. I’m going to try this for trees that I can’t pre-set.
 
In building a single stick also. Thinking I will buy a harken cam cleat. Was wondering if I need a micro or standard size?
 
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.
 
Bwhana said:
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.
Click to expand...

It’s just a flesh wound.
 
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