ring of steps and leaning?

[raisins]

Hi,

I like light and compact, which favors a ring of steps. I've only used platforms so far. I lean probably 75% of the time and only sit for a break and change of pace.

How are ring of steps for leaners? I've read here that most people sit with a ring of steps.

-R

 

[thedutchtouch]

also interested in this somewhat, and it would be very helpful to know what kind of steps you're using when you answer. generally ring of steps = bullman or squrrelstep type to me, but i've seen some people talk about a ring of wild edge stepps, i'd think that expereince is much more similar to a small platform than the 1x3inch steps. hope that doesn't "step" on your toes too much, OP.

 

[Bigterp]

I lean most of the day on ROS, I’m using 6 squirrel steps in pairs or 4 plus the top of my stick. I don’t have any issues leaning.

 

[raisins]

I lean most of the day on ROS, I’m using 6 squirrel steps in pairs or 4 plus the top of my stick. I don’t have any issues leaning.

How does leaning on steps compare to leaning on a platform as far as comfort? Any tips on making it comfortable?

 

[Bigterp]

How does leaning on steps compare to leaning on a platform as far as comfort? Any tips on making it comfortable?

I don’t prefer any method that makes me have my feet together, then sitting is knees to tree. I try to setup so that a can straddle the tree to some extent. Usually the top of my stick is involved somehow, with either a platform or ROS. That makes it fairly consistent with different climbing methods (bolts, multiple sticks or onesticking)

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

Hi,

I like light and compact, which favors a ring of steps. I've only used platforms so far. I lean probably 75% of the time and only sit for a break and change of pace.

How are ring of steps for leaners? I've read here that most people sit with a ring of steps.

-R

I don’t know why people say they are mostly for sitters unless they are saying it hurts the arches in their feet. If you think about it, you stand up and walk the tree on a ROS to get off your shot, how is that any different than leaning out while waiting for the deer? In my opinion ROS favors leaners because you will stand up and lean for anything other than a strong side shot. If you’re a leaner, that is one less move to make before stepping around for a shot. If you lean and plan on keeping a little more weight on your feet, a good pair of boots can go a very long way. Some people laugh when I say this but steel shank loggers and Linesman boots were made so that the arches of your feet have structural support while standing on a thin piece of metal (spikes). A ring of steps is a thin piece of metal or plastic on the arches of your feet supporting some of your weight. So a good pair of steel shank loggers or linesman boots will make them more comfortable for a leaner. I’m not saying it’s a must have, just a tip for added comfort. I love squirrel steps and would recommend them to anyone who wants to reduce the footprint of gear they are packing or carrying.

 

[bodark]

I’m primarily a leaner and I had some API steps for about 2 seasons and ended up back on a platform. They were small and compact but I just couldn’t get comfortable on them for more than a few hours. I wanted to make a ROS work because they were so dang packable but the extra weight of a platform just wasn’t a big deal to me after a while.

I went the total opposite direction when the large platform craze hit and rolled with it.

 

[slonstdy]

I'm a leaner and never had an issue with my feet hurting or being uncomfortable on my squirrel steps and I do a lot of dark to dark hunts.
Whenever l hear someone complain that a ros hurts their feet I think to myself " Another one wearing crocs!"

 

[Flyerzfan10]

All i use is a ROS of bolts. You can’t get much narrower than that. I can sit all day. I like to be able to straddle the tree. If one of my feet get sore i will stick one knee into the tree and sit like that for a while to get the weight off my feet.

 

[Loopwing]

I wear 14/15 boots, I could never find a set of steps or multiples steps that fit my feet. I tried really really hard to make the steps work for me. I like the weight and simplicity. I climb on bolts most times but transition to a mission for my platform. Most times the mission is wider than the tree I am hunting, keeping your feet spread is not a problem on that platform

 

[philsanchez76]

I switched to a platform this year because it was uncomfortable leaning on ROS. I ended up sitting 90% of the time and when it was time to get into position for a shot, it required a lot of movement to go from a relaxed sitting position to a ready to shoot leaning position.

 

[tiderdan]

I love the combo of the scout platform on my api sick with a cranford step on each side. Best of both worlds in my opinion and light and compact to carry

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

I switched to a platform this year because it was uncomfortable leaning on ROS. I ended up sitting 90% of the time and when it was time to get into position for a shot, it required a lot of movement to go from a relaxed sitting position to a ready to shoot leaning position.

Hey I am just curious what type of boots were you wearing that made it uncomfortable leaning?

 

[philsanchez76]

Hey I am just curious what type of boots were you wearing that made it uncomfortable leaning?

Early and mid season have to wear muck boots for all the water. This totally explains the discomfort since those basically have no arch support. Later season I can wear danner hiking boots and those make it doable.

 

[Recurveaholic]

I am a leaner probably %90 of the time and I use the Silent Approach steps and have had no problems whatsoever! This year I am incorporating the Angled Scout onto my ROS and the few sits I have made in the yard I think it is gonna be a game changer and doesn't add that much weight so we will see!!

 

[Petrichor]

I am a leaner probably %90 of the time and I use the Silent Approach steps and have had no problems whatsoever! This year I am incorporating the Angled Scout onto my ROS and the few sits I have made in the yard I think it is gonna be a game changer and doesn't add that much weight so we will see!!

Was looking at the angled scout also. I just ordered the saddle hunter bundle from bullman. You like the silent approach?

 

[Recurveaholic]

Was looking at the angled scout also. I just ordered the saddle hunter bundle from bullman. You like the silent approach?

I love them but some people don't! I haven't had any problems with mine and I still use the ratchet strap that came with it!!!

 

[Petrichor]

I love them but some people don't! I haven't had any problems with mine and I still use the ratchet strap that came with it!!!

I tried out the ring at Rogers house and was in love. So I order the package. I’ve watched his videos and they seem super easy. Was looking at we stepps and they are cool. I didn’t like them for making a ring and I kinda wanted and all in one sort of thing. I don’t have any land and am all public.

 

[Recurveaholic]

I tried out the ring at Rogers house and was in love. So I order the package. I’ve watched his videos and they seem super easy. Was looking at we stepps and they are cool. I didn’t like them for making a ring and I kinda wanted and all in one sort of thing. I don’t have any land and am all public.

I can tell you from my experience don't get the WE steps I got some and did not like them at all!!! I would love to have the complete system from Silent Approach! Right now I have rope steps and they are ok but I one stick and have been working on a more compact way of climbing but hard to beat my one stick for compact because one of my one sticks is part of a rope type ladder that is discontinued now but it works awesome once you cut it into sections!!

 

[Petrichor]

I can tell you from my experience don't get the WE steps I got some and did not like them at all!!! I would love to have the complete system from Silent Approach! Right now I have rope steps and they are ok but I one stick and have been working on a more compact way of climbing but hard to beat my one stick for compact because one of my one sticks is part of a rope type ladder that is discontinued now but it works awesome once you cut it into sections!!

When I messed with the we steps they were ok. Once I got them and learned some tricks they were ok. If you got one really cammed they were really sturdy. But nothing I’d ever want to do in the dark. Silent approach Saddle package is ten steps and a ring with straps and a rachet for the ring. All in all is 7.5 pounds for everything. Three bags on a strap around the chest is perfect for my lumbar bag setup. Seems unbeatable (not in weight) but in size and ease of use. I’m looking forward and will do a review on how easy they are to setup on the first try. I also though American made climbing and ring for less than 200 is a bargain. I can’t afford the 1lbs sticks yet and am not at the point where I want to one stick. Super noob here.