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Making Aiders

M

Matt G.

Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2017
Messages
81
Location
SE LP Michigan
Hi guys.....

I'm new to saddle hunting, and have been working on procuring all the gear I need for my system. I hunt my 40 acres, on which I plan on using spurs or bolts. I also hunt a buddy's property, and the state land that it abuts. I picked up a set of Muddy Aerolite sticks for use on the state land where spurs and bolts aren't permitted.

I'd like to add two-step aiders to my sticks, but unsure how to go about this. I have a dozen or so of the cheap harnesses that came with the various stands I've previously used. I screwed around and made a one step aider using this material, but I dont love it, and wasnt able to come up with an intuitive way to make a two-step at all.

Can anyone share how to make a two-step aider? Materials, how tied, etc. I dont sew, so hopefully this isn't required. Safety/ease of use are my priorities, since this is all new to me.

Any advice is appreciated.
 
I have been through a few different webbing iterations and didn't care too much for them, so far my favorite is the most recent I made of 7mm static cord. I like the simplicity and versatility of the movable aiders. It certainly isn't the most lightweight, if that is a concern amsteel will be a good bit lighter.

It is a continous loop with double fisherman knots. It is a movable aider and the knot "wedges" in the stick standoff.

The middle step is tied in with figure 8 follow through.

Hose and tape fortify the steps.

Screenshot_20180521-213047_Gallery.jpg
 
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If you move it up onto every stick all of a sudden the weight and bulk become much less of an issue. I like the size of the loops, looks like it would be pretty easy to get your feet into going down, which seems to be one of the biggest issues. Nice work!
 
elk yinzer said:
I have been through a few different webbing iterations and didn't care too much for them, so far my favorite is the most recent I made of 7mm static cord. I like the simplicity and versatility of the movable aiders. It certainly isn't the most lightweight, if that is a concern amsteel will be a good bit lighter.

It is a continous loop with double fisherman knots. It is a movable aider and the knot "wedges" in the stick standoff.

The middle step is tied in with figure 8 follow through.

Hose and tape fortify the steps.

View attachment 4860
Click to expand...

Movable... this is genius!
 
elk yinzer said:
I have been through a few different webbing iterations and didn't care too much for them, so far my favorite is the most recent I made of 7mm static cord. I like the simplicity and versatility of the movable aiders. It certainly isn't the most lightweight, if that is a concern amsteel will be a good bit lighter.

It is a continous loop with double fisherman knots. It is a movable aider and the knot "wedges" in the stick standoff.

The middle step is tied in with figure 8 follow through.

Hose and tape fortify the steps.

View attachment 4860
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm just starting to tinker around with this, and your picture helped me realize a couple things about the crude prototype that I put together. First, I never thought about using one singular aider, figuring I'd make one for each stick. I also planned on attaching mine to the bottom set of steps, which would likely preclude me from using one moveable aider.

How long was the length of rope you used in order to get this length aider?

Thanks again for the info!
 
You'd have to play around with it, it might be too hard to move, no idea, but one is a lot less hassle/weight/bulk than 3 or 4.
 
Anyone have experience with using something like the black diamond 5 step aider as a movable aider?
 
elk yinzer said:
I have been through a few different webbing iterations and didn't care too much for them, so far my favorite is the most recent I made of 7mm static cord. I like the simplicity and versatility of the movable aiders. It certainly isn't the most lightweight, if that is a concern amsteel will be a good bit lighter.

It is a continous loop with double fisherman knots. It is a movable aider and the knot "wedges" in the stick standoff.

The middle step is tied in with figure 8 follow through.

Hose and tape fortify the steps.

View attachment 4860
Click to expand...

Where did you get your rope?
 
redsquirrel said:
The moveable aider was to the 2017 hunting season what the ernie xop platform was to 2016 :tearsofjoy:
Click to expand...

red you need to explain that for the other noobie's we have no idea what you are talking about other than I know what an aider and a platform are.
 
donnieballgame said:
red you need to explain that for the other noobie's we have no idea what you are talking about other than I know what an aider and a platform are.
Click to expand...
Lol! In 2016 the XOP seat was the new fad that everyone started using. In 2017 it was a single moveable aider. I look forward to seeing what 2018 brings :D
 
gabowhtr said:
Anyone have experience with using something like the black diamond 5 step aider as a movable aider?
Click to expand...

I have used one for two years. The six step one though. I put a rope extension to reach the top step on my stick.
The only thing I did not like is the steps are about 12 inches apart.
I have made an Amsteel aider with steps 16 inches apart. It is lighter and more packable. That is a @flinginairos idea


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
elk yinzer said:
I have been through a few different webbing iterations and didn't care too much for them, so far my favorite is the most recent I made of 7mm static cord. I like the simplicity and versatility of the movable aiders. It certainly isn't the most lightweight, if that is a concern amsteel will be a good bit lighter.

It is a continous loop with double fisherman knots. It is a movable aider and the knot "wedges" in the stick standoff.

The middle step is tied in with figure 8 follow through.

Hose and tape fortify the steps.

View attachment 4860
Click to expand...
What knot did you tie to join the two ropes together? Square knot?
 
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