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Preset trees w/screw in steps - Platform, or EWO stick?

P

pupham

New Member
Joined
Aug 16, 2022
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1
Hey all,

I’m looking to preset some trees this off-season with screw in steps. I only own a EWO one stick with an angled platform. For those of you in a similar situation, would you just use that stick as your platform, or would you buy a separate platform for those instances?

TIA!
 
pupham said:
Hey all,

I’m looking to preset some trees this off-season with screw in steps. I only own a EWO one stick with an angled platform. For those of you in a similar situation, would you just use that stick as your platform, or would you buy a separate platform for those instances?

TIA!
Click to expand...
I vote for a big comfy platform, more time in the tree being comfortable means a greater chance of success in my opinion.
 
Preset with bolts, ring of bolts, JX3 hybrid.

Or preset with bolts, and one of them fancy millennium hang ons with the big comfy seat with a back.

Climbing method weight is gone. Climbing effort is gone. Reap the rewards and be comfy!
 
For presets on private I just put 4 bolts at the top and use that as my platform. Then you only need to carry in your saddle. Have done multiple all day sits with no problems. I sit mostly so the weight is in my saddle and not on my feet.


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I have several trees prepped like that around my neighborhood and I carry my Seeker with me to those. You should be able to pick something up on the classifieds now that most seasons have ended and the new models are about to emerge. I put a cheap padded strap on mine and just sling it over my shoulder.
 
I suggest bolts too if you can preset. There are several long threads on them, everything you could possibly want to know (search tree bolts revisited). They are cheaper than screw ins and I am almost certain stronger. You can get them out too after a few years where screw ins will often have the tree grow over them and then they are there for good. Use grade 8, 6 inch long by 3/8". If you are a sitter, a ring of bolts at the top should be fine, space them about 8 inches apart and use as many as the tree needs.

John Eberhart has several videos about setting up trees for saddle use with spikes. This one shows the set up process. He uses spikes but if you are over 165 pounds or so, use grade 8. Post season scouting, finding and setting up a Maple in a bedding area - YouTube
 
If you are planning to preset whether with bolts or screw in steps, I would wait until late summer at this point. Spend the time now to scout and prep shooting lanes if needed though. Even climb and prep trees, just wouldnt leave steps or bolt now.
 
A ring of screw ins if you dont want to use bolts. Try to put the 1st pair where you will be comfy then space the rest 6-8 inches apart.
 
There has been a lot of discussion on here regarding preset platforms. Two of the cleverest/cheapest I've seen involved ratchet-strapping and old car tire (cut to fit around the tree) or flexible marine exhaust hose around the tree. But the "easy button" is probably to use either bolts or screw-in steps to simulate a ROS. Second place is a cheapo hang-on stand placed so you could alternate between sitting on it as intended, or climbing up a bit and using the seat as a platform.
 
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