Looking to make first climbing stick purchase

[fireman43]

First post, Im brand-new to the saddle hunting world, but excited to get into it. Everything is ordered, I only have sticks left to order. Ive read a million great posts and learned a lot. I have decided I want helium sticks, seem best for the money and the way I will hunt. Im looking to be in the 20' range for hunting height. I was all set to get 3 30" sticks (maybe cutting them down depending on how they work for me stock), but I went into the rabbit hole, now Im wondering if I should get the 4 20" instead?? I plan on using a CAYG aider like Davet no matter what sticks I go with. So, knowing what you do now, what would you get and why?

 

[MFD205]

Just buy one and the skies the limit.

 

[Semper_Fi13]

I have had a couple different types. I really love my LWCG minis with cable aiders. They are very light weight and unbelievable how small they pack together.

Sent from my LG-LS998 using Tapatalk

 

[Bigterp]

Welcome to the site! This a personal preference topic. I’ve owned nearly all production sticks made...... that said it completely depends on budget & what’s important. If price is most important then your selections are going to be a little heavier & lower manufacturing quality. If you get into premium sticks then , your talking lower profile, lighter weight & tighter tolerances. I know that’s not a direct endorsement. If budget wasn’t biggest concern then I’d go, DanO , Beast, Ooal

 

[five]

Most premium (also, most expensive):
Catalyst GWB $160 (per stick)
EWO Ultralight Climbing Stick $115 (per stick)
OOAL Shikar $115 (per stick)
Beast Climbing Stick $80 (per stick)

Other popular options:
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks 4 Pack $210
Hawk Helium 20" 4 Pack $130 [new this year, look on forum, a few issues around]
Muddy Pro Sticks 4 pack $170 [original brown sticks are preferred, but both have cam cleats, which some prefer]
API Huntin' Sticks 3 pack $100

XOP is mentioned occasionally and some people have talked about the plastic climbing sticks by stacked outdoors and you'll see them in YT videos occasionally. Another thing you see pretty regularly, is people making their own sticks from DanO, on that EWO link above, just go up a level to climbing stick parts to see all the various components.

I think that covers most of the sticks I see around here most often, by far the easiest way to get setup, is to check the classified section on this site or Macks PW or the daily deals on camofire. But basically just search on this forum there are pros and cons for every stick and probably a half dozen youtube videos or more on each stick that you can watch.

 

[Apex7]

I have 4 lonewolf stick with 2 of them with a non folding step on the top. 3 Helium full length sticks and the ones I like the best which are the Muddy pro sticks .

 

[MNarrow]

Most premium (also, most expensive):
Catalyst GWB $160 (per stick)
EWO Ultralight Climbing Stick $115 (per stick)
OOAL Shikar $115 (per stick)
Beast Climbing Stick $80 (per stick)

Other popular options:
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks 4 Pack $210
Hawk Helium 20" 4 Pack $130 [new this year, look on forum, a few issues around]
Muddy Pro Sticks 4 pack $170 [original brown sticks are preferred, but both have cam cleats, which some prefer]
API Huntin' Sticks 3 pack $100

XOP is mentioned occasionally and some people have talked about the plastic climbing sticks by stacked outdoors and you'll see them in YT videos occasionally. Another thing you see pretty regularly, is people making their own sticks from DanO, on that EWO link above, just go up a level to climbing stick parts to see all the various components.

I think that covers most of the sticks I see around here most often, by far the easiest way to get setup, is to check the classified section on this site or Macks PW or the daily deals on camofire. But basically just search on this forum there are pros and cons for every stick and probably a half dozen youtube videos or more on each stick that you can watch.

Great list and I would stick LWCG in with the premium!!

 

[Ontariofarmer]

Most premium (also, most expensive):
Catalyst GWB $160 (per stick)
EWO Ultralight Climbing Stick $115 (per stick)
OOAL Shikar $115 (per stick)
Beast Climbing Stick $80 (per stick)

Other popular options:
Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks 4 Pack $210
Hawk Helium 20" 4 Pack $130 [new this year, look on forum, a few issues around]
Muddy Pro Sticks 4 pack $170 [original brown sticks are preferred, but both have cam cleats, which some prefer]
API Huntin' Sticks 3 pack $100

XOP is mentioned occasionally and some people have talked about the plastic climbing sticks by stacked outdoors and you'll see them in YT videos occasionally. Another thing you see pretty regularly, is people making their own sticks from DanO, on that EWO link above, just go up a level to climbing stick parts to see all the various components.

I think that covers most of the sticks I see around here most often, by far the easiest way to get setup, is to check the classified section on this site or Macks PW or the daily deals on camofire. But basically just search on this forum there are pros and cons for every stick and probably a half dozen youtube videos or more on each stick that you can watch.

Great summary


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[TNbowhunter]

I have 3 30” Hawk Helium’s, and I’m happy with them. I didn’t use an aider last year, but I’ve added a 2-step aider to my gear this offseason to use on my bottom stick. I expect that combo will get my platform to 15-18 feet high comfortably (I don’t like stretching to get higher—not worth the added risk to me).

That said, I’m moving more toward pre-setting for bolts this year on private land, which is another great, light, cost-effective option for places you’re allowed to drill into the trees.

 

[raisins]

First post, Im brand-new to the saddle hunting world, but excited to get into it. Everything is ordered, I only have sticks left to order. Ive read a million great posts and learned a lot. I have decided I want helium sticks, seem best for the money and the way I will hunt. Im looking to be in the 20' range for hunting height. I was all set to get 3 30" sticks (maybe cutting them down depending on how they work for me stock), but I went into the rabbit hole, now Im wondering if I should get the 4 20" instead?? I plan on using a CAYG aider like Davet no matter what sticks I go with. So, knowing what you do now, what would you get and why?

I would go with 4 20" sticks and a CAYG aider. I have full lengths that I cut down. Unless you enjoy that sort of thing and have a drill press, then you might as well skip the exercise.

 

[rhagenw]

I have the api sticks and while they are affordable and serviceable I wish I went with the “buy once cry once” on private I use screw in steps with a homemade wrench