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Platform Options for a New Guy

kenn1320 said:
Amazing you guys dont get any shifting. Some of mine shift just normal climbing.
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You do have to be extra sure that you get a good tight cam over on that platform step. I take a little more time setting that step compared to the climb only steps. Occasionally I have to reset it after I stand on it and find it wiggling a little. You know right away when you need to do this. It's not a big deal you just lengthen your tether (Ropeman1 helps here) and drop down to reset step. I use the wood platform for leverage to help make a secure cam, while going slowly and trying not to bend the step standoffs. Then just climb back up on your rock solid platform.

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The predator platform is ridiculously easy and fast to set up. And rock solid. And in my opinion, you don’t need an extra step so get around the tree. You can shoot 360 from it. Check out YouTube videos on shooting 360 from a platform


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That WE stepp/platform looks pretty cool. As long as side pressure isn't an issue, that looks like a viable option. The Predator is a great option for people who don't want to mess with DIY. There are still lots of other options too like the LW Hand Climber, the XOP DIY kits, or a number of any other DIY routes you could take.
 
g2outdoors said:
That WE stepp/platform looks pretty cool. As long as side pressure isn't an issue, that looks like a viable option. The Predator is a great option for people who don't want to mess with DIY. There are still lots of other options too like the LW Hand Climber, the XOP DIY kits, or a number of any other DIY routes you could take.
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Does Tethrd sell platforms and posts separately for the diy guy?
 
kenn1320 said:
Say what? Plywood is strong cause they alternate grain with each layer. On a platform I would think you want the grain front to back. Otherwise you could snap the board easily.

Also for guys with this mod, why stand on the end, that's like standing on a step. I keep both feet flat on platform, no pressure issues.
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Definitely want to go front to back with the grain. I was able to break the platform fairly easily with grain left to right (see second pic).IMG_1636.jpgIMG_1637.jpg
 
Piney said:
Definitely want to go front to back with the grain. I was able to break the platform fairly easily with grain left to right (see second pic).View attachment 8022View attachment 8023
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I agree, grain should go front to back. However with plywood, its already alternated. Look at the end of the board in your first picture. You can see end grain, side grain, end grain, side grain. 3/4" should have 5 layers and if so, then yes orientate it such that your front to back on the 3 layers.
 
kenn1320 said:
I agree, grain should go front to back. However with plywood, its already alternated. Look at the end of the board in your first picture. You can see end grain, side grain, end grain, side grain. 3/4" should have 5 layers and if so, then yes orientate it such that your front to back on the 3 layers.
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Yes grain is alternated for strength. They use lesser grade veneers for the middle layers which has voids that creates weak spots (see pic). I'm a third generation carpenter so I knew better than to use the one with grain going the wrong way. It was a small scrap I had laying around.

IMG_1638.jpg
 
Stimputello said:
Hey all,

I'm a bow hunter and I'm pretty sure I'm going all into a Saddle Hunting system as opposed to the hand-me-down climber I own for a few reasons, the biggest reason is probably the fact that it's hard to find a good climber tree with good sign in the public land I hunt. Now I have been looking into the different platform options you all have posted about and I can't seem to make a decision, so I was hoping to get some people to chime in and see what they think about the system I plan on running.

I'm already planning on buying Wild Edge steps (10 or 12) with an aider as a climbing method and potential platform option, or supplementary steps.

So here are my options:
  1. Extra Wild Edge Steps (2 or 3) as a platform and to allow movement around the tree.
  2. Tethrd Predator Platform because I feel as if I'd be much more confident (and familiar) on a platform that's similar to a hang-on.
  3. Tethrd Predator with extra Silent Approach Steps to comfortably scoot around the tree.
  4. Ring of Silent Approach Steps

I'm currently leaning towards the Tethrd Platform just because of ease of setting up, but any info would be awesome.

I'm not too worried about the extra weight as all of these systems are already way lighter and more compact than my ancient 30lb+ climber. I'm most worried about comfort, confidence with the system, and set up time in a tree. I know it'll take time to get used to saddle hunting in general, so I'm not sure if I'm headed in the right direction. Any and all information is welcome, let me know what works best for you, even a different system!

If any of you also use anything similar, let me know how it feels for you. The more info the better!
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I got the ring of silent approach steps I tried it out in the yard works great! I tried using wild edge steps in the yard too but I think they would take to long to setup on a hunt and they can’t attach to pine trees so I’ll be using a silent approach ring of steps & lone Wolf sticks to climb with I’m all about getting set up in the tree as fast and safely as I can.
 
Stimputello said:
Hey all,

I'm a bow hunter and I'm pretty sure I'm going all into a Saddle Hunting system as opposed to the hand-me-down climber I own for a few reasons, the biggest reason is probably the fact that it's hard to find a good climber tree with good sign in the public land I hunt. Now I have been looking into the different platform options you all have posted about and I can't seem to make a decision, so I was hoping to get some people to chime in and see what they think about the system I plan on running.

I'm already planning on buying Wild Edge steps (10 or 12) with an aider as a climbing method and potential platform option, or supplementary steps.

So here are my options:
  1. Extra Wild Edge Steps (2 or 3) as a platform and to allow movement around the tree.
  2. Tethrd Predator Platform because I feel as if I'd be much more confident (and familiar) on a platform that's similar to a hang-on.
  3. Tethrd Predator with extra Silent Approach Steps to comfortably scoot around the tree.
  4. Ring of Silent Approach Steps

I'm currently leaning towards the Tethrd Platform just because of ease of setting up, but any info would be awesome.

I'm not too worried about the extra weight as all of these systems are already way lighter and more compact than my ancient 30lb+ climber. I'm most worried about comfort, confidence with the system, and set up time in a tree. I know it'll take time to get used to saddle hunting in general, so I'm not sure if I'm headed in the right direction. Any and all information is welcome, let me know what works best for you, even a different system!

If any of you also use anything similar, let me know how it feels for you. The more info the better!
Click to expand...
I used the Predator platform all year. I cannot overstate what a game changer I found it to be. It was light and compact to carry, easy to set up and solid on the tree. I did add a daisy chain amsteel rope mod to replace the strap but other than that it was an awesome improvement.
I climbed all year using a single stick with a single step adier and to supplement my ability to shoot around the tree I left the climbing stick attached to the tree at about my 10-11o'clock position on the tree. With my right foot on the predator I could step over onto my climbing stick with my left foot and shoot almost all the way around to my 4 o'clock position in a normal stance.

Without a doubt the Predator platform was the single biggest enabler for me this year.
 
boyne bowhunter said:
I used the Predator platform all year. I cannot overstate what a game changer I found it to be. It was light and compact to carry, easy to set up and solid on the tree. I did add a daisy chain amsteel rope mod to replace the strap but other than that it was an awesome improvement.
I climbed all year using a single stick with a single step adier and to supplement my ability to shoot around the tree I left the climbing stick attached to the tree at about my 10-11o'clock position on the tree. With my right foot on the predator I could step over onto my climbing stick with my left foot and shoot almost all the way around to my 4 o'clock position in a normal stance.

Without a doubt the Predator platform was the single biggest enabler for me this year.
Click to expand...

Amsteel daisy chain?
 
Bowhunter05 said:
I got the ring of silent approach steps I tried it out in the yard works great! I tried using wild edge steps in the yard too but I think they would take to long to setup on a hunt and they can’t attach to pine trees so I’ll be using a silent approach ring of steps & lone Wolf sticks to climb with I’m all about getting set up in the tree as fast and safely as I can.
Click to expand...

The more I use the WE Stepps for a "platform" the less I can imagine going with something else. I haven't timed myself, but I don't feel like it takes me long at all. I don't use more than 3 steps. I try to space them evenly around the tree. I don't recommend half-assing the camming, but the truth is there is more margin for error when using them as a ring of stepps because they support each other and most of the time your weight is split between the saddle and more than one step. I've had them settle on me and then after that there is no issue.

At most you're paying $20 per Stepp. So $60 for a rock solid platform/ROS is quite a good deal.

Even thinking of using WE Stepps for presets. Can even chain them is worried about theft!

I was concerned about pine trees too, but that has not been an issue in Massachusetts. Pines here have not been as soft or sappy as I feared. YMMV
 
pesqimon said:
The more I use the WE Stepps for a "platform" the less I can imagine going with something else. I haven't timed myself, but I don't feel like it takes me long at all. I don't use more than 3 steps. I try to space them evenly around the tree. I don't recommend half-assing the camming, but the truth is there is more margin for error when using them as a ring of stepps because they support each other and most of the time your weight is split between the saddle and more than one step. I've had them settle on me and then after that there is no issue.

At most you're paying $20 per Stepp. So $60 for a rock solid platform/ROS is quite a good deal.

Even thinking of using WE Stepps for presets. Can even chain them is worried about theft!

I was concerned about pine trees too, but that has not been an issue in Massachusetts. Pines here have not been as soft or sappy as I feared. YMMV
Click to expand...
I hunt all up and down Delaware some of my better spots are just pine woods
pesqimon said:
The more I use the WE Stepps for a "platform" the less I can imagine going with something else. I haven't timed myself, but I don't feel like it takes me long at all. I don't use more than 3 steps. I try to space them evenly around the tree. I don't recommend half-assing the camming, but the truth is there is more margin for error when using them as a ring of stepps because they support each other and most of the time your weight is split between the saddle and more than one step. I've had them settle on me and then after that there is no issue.

At most you're paying $20 per Stepp. So $60 for a rock solid platform/ROS is quite a good deal.

Even thinking of using WE Stepps for presets. Can even chain them is worried about theft!

I was concerned about pine trees too, but that has not been an issue in Massachusetts. Pines here have not been as soft or sappy as I feared. YMMV
Click to expand...
I hunt all up and down Delaware and some of my better spots are just pine woods. I only have 3 WE steps and the silent approach ring steps. there awesome as a platform I would imagine WE steps to be more quiet setting up though. might go with that and lone Wolf sticks to climb with. Save silent approach ring steps for pine trees lol
 
kenn1320 said:
Guess a guy could opt for birch ply, which cost more but wont have the voids like that. Lets hope we dont see anybody using OSB. lol
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Ha! Right? That'd be embarrassing...

Hey, uh, I gotta go do something real quick. BRB.

Seriously though, glad I read this. I was actually eyeballing a piece of scrap OSB in my basement.
 
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