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Primal cam over V steps

The strap came on the step, and we are removing the cam buckle which I would deem to be the weak point in the system. The webbing itself should be plenty strong. I weigh 160ish and I've jumped on these plenty. With a proper cam over, these steps shouldn't be going anywhere!
 
What are you guys using to help you get the most height out of your steps? 5 step aider? Knaider/Swaider? I'm trying to decide the route I want to go. My steps should be here next week.
 
CRogers said:
What are you guys using to help you get the most height out of your steps? 5 step aider? Knaider/Swaider? I'm trying to decide the route I want to go. My steps should be here next week.
Click to expand...
I used just a knaider last season, worked real well. I tried a longer aider (not full swaider style, but similar) and went straight to the ground, flat backed... Decided that wasn't for me. I'll stick with the same set up this season, just added 4 more steps to my bag for extra height when needed.
 
5 step Kailas aider for me. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of attention while using, but I like it. Mine is yellow for easier visual contact climbing in the dark
 
I've been trying to decide if I want to go with knaider/swaider or just a 5 step.
 
Having tried 5 step, knaider/swaider and knaider alone I am going with the knaider. Never got comfortable with the swaider. Got to where I could use the 5 step even after a kick out with cart wheel (luckily my linesman’s belt caught me prior to impact) I kept at it but didn’t feel comfortable using it above my first step. Using it that way I only “gained” one step so knaider solo. I can move a bit over 3’ per step with the knaider comfortably. I’m carrying 7 steps and the plywood insert for a platform. Zero kick outs with it and like having the step above to grab as I climb. Repelling down is much better than climbing down with any of these methods; however, coming down on the knaider isn’t too difficult. Regardless plenty of practice is in order!


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I may go knaider route, I like the idea. I just got my steps in this afternoon and have been playing with them. I really like the webbing. My only complaint is sometimes it takes a minute to get the not undone, where I could see rope would probably be easier but would take up more space in a pack. My only other complaint, and this may just be me, is when you can the step over the webbing makes a slight pop. I'm still a fan though. I plan to experiment with a knaider and aider and once I decide what I'm most comfortable/efficient with this will be my go to climbing method.
 
fbwguy said:
5 step Kailas aider for me. It takes a lot of practice and a lot of attention while using, but I like it. Mine is yellow for easier visual contact climbing in the dark
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I bought a 4 step aider and was going to try it with my Primal steps. Do you use one and move it up with each step?
 
cmbetke said:
So I did some more experimenting with using the webbing! In the first picture you can see how I have the strap girth hitched around the standoff and middle bar. That’s just how they came I only swapped sides.
I started thinking what if I undo the girth hitch and just had the strap where the bar goes through the eye of the webbing....see second and third pictures. This may not look like a huge difference, but man the steps cam over wayyyyyy easier. Just run the strap as you would the rope and tie WE knot. Seriously night and day difference. I tried on a 8” tree, and about a 2’ tree.
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Girth hitch on left side works fine for me but you need to make sure that the rope/strap is routed UNDER the cross bar, see attached. Then you don't have to resew the strap on the step. Make sense?
 

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I tried my Primal steps with the 4 step aider today. I had trouble getting my feet into the aider loops. Then my toe slipped from the tree and swung to the side. I need more practice. I decided to try each step about knee height apart without the side swinging aider. It takes me several tries to get the steps just tight enough. Doing 8 of these steps will take a while and gets me to 8 feet.:)
 
bj139 said:
I tried my Primal steps with the 4 step aider today. I had trouble getting my feet into the aider loops. Then my toe slipped from the tree and swung to the side. I need more practice. I decided to try each step about knee height apart without the side swinging aider. It takes me several tries to get the steps just tight enough. Doing 8 of these steps will take a while and gets me to 8 feet.:)
Click to expand...
Don’t give up, it takes practice but it will come! Keep your toes planted against that tree to avoid the side slip
 
fbwguy said:
Don’t give up, it takes practice but it will come! Keep your toes planted against that tree to avoid the side slip
Click to expand...
I will keep trying. I have had the easiest climbing with one sticking and SRT/RADS.
 
I'm finding these primal steps don't bend anymore than the 2 dozen WE steps I have.

It's making me want to buy a few dozen more and use them on my presets as well. It's alot easier carrying 8 of these into the woods than it is 20' steel sticks.

Then just carry 3 steps into get me that first 7 feet. I just wish these were a more natural color.
 
I run primals on presets no buckle the only problems I have had is when I took down a preset and moved to a different tree the webbing was very difficult to work back out. I still prefer sticks for climbing but for platforms they work out nice and don’t break the bank.
 
I’m still using my LW sticks for climbing and the primal for a plywood platform and hand grabs. I found that undoing the girth hitch and using the bare loop made camming way easier as well. I’m 235lb and once set, these steps feel solid and safe to me.


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