I had to reduce my step distance on my Skeletor climbing sticks to protect against something happening to my knee on a cold day. I can do full length steps but sometimes I feel I have too much angle on my knees so reducing two inches feel so much better.I’ll be turning 77 May 6. Been saddle hunting for three years. When I first started I could not do more than a 14 inch step comfortably. I have an artificial right knee and it was a little limiting. But now, after a lot of practice and workouts I can do 18 inches with no problem. I tried one sticking but it’s just not for me. I use sticks or Bullman steps and don’t go much more than ten feet. But I love it.