Only used a platform, like it but want to try an ROS. Seeing how small all that stuff packs up for @Nutterbuster definitely makes me want to try that set up! I could probably ditch my pack.
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ROS or Platform ?
- Thread starter Trueblue
- Start date
Can't wait until a few more people try out the quick release (OCB) buckle and strap I'm supplying. I'd like to get some more real world feedback. It is basically the same buckle that IMMI has but without the plastic cover. It also has the vinyl hook on the strap end so should be the lightest possible strap for a ROS.Over Center Buckle
BoatBuckle Pro Series Bow Tie-Down with Loop End, 1-Inch x 36-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TNUQQG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ulSiCbY85GAYY
Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!
Phaco
Active Member
I think it comes down to personal preference...
If your looking to stay light, reduce bulk, mobile around the tree and walking to your tree (especially through thick stuff), and dont mind a little discomfort associated with ROS (there are remedies to this); then ROS would b the route I would suggest.
If you are not worried about the above, and prefer a more "comfortable" mode to stand then I would suggest a platform
If your looking to stay light, reduce bulk, mobile around the tree and walking to your tree (especially through thick stuff), and dont mind a little discomfort associated with ROS (there are remedies to this); then ROS would b the route I would suggest.
If you are not worried about the above, and prefer a more "comfortable" mode to stand then I would suggest a platform
I haven’t used the squirrel steps. I pick the ameristeps over a platform and the platform over wild edge stepps unless I’m using the wildbedge stepps as a climbing method and then I would use either wild edge or ring of steps. The immi boat buckle is as quiet to set up as the predator. A ratchet strap isn’t any louder or slower than the other methods. It just requires a little coordination.
SkylineReaper
Active Member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2018
- Messages
- 161
Ok guys I am still pretty new to saddle hunting so help me understand this. I am assuming that most of you using these two methods are climbing with sticks? I am just asking because the only method I have used so far is WE steps and I don't see why you would need anything else if you are using these. Like I said I have not tried anything else so I am not trying to hype up WE steps though I do like them for the most part there is definitely a learning curve and they take a little more time but I sure do like the pack ability to them.
Wild edge steps rock, and when I use them I use them to climb and as a platform as you describe. Makes too much sense not to.
If I'm using sticks, bolts (pictured), or spurs, I want my ROS. I had a gen1 predator and while it was easier on the feet if you were leaning and easier to put spurs on with, it was heavy, didn't pack well, and didnt offer the same shooting/positioning options.
@TheYote, Ring of Steps and post #22.
SkylineReaper
Active Member
- Joined
- Nov 5, 2018
- Messages
- 161
Thanks for the feedback
Ring of steps. Here’s a video that may help you.
Zach Parker
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2018
- Messages
- 16
How does the squirrel steps work?Dano's Squirrel steps and vtbow's carbon fiber bolts. 2.5lbs total, 30 ft climb height.
Everything else is wrong.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Zach Parker
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2018
- Messages
- 16
Are you using a wood pecked drill to use the carbon fiber bolts?
That’s exactly what he’s doing. There have been a couple guys broke some of the carbon bolts so read up before you order any. I’m a little heavy for them
My personal preference for a ring of steps is because I like to sit with my knees to the tree. While I certainly enjoy my predator platform but as a sitter it doesn’t leave me many options for sitting. The way I sit with my knees against the tree puts my legs in a weird angle to the tree and too much pressure on my knees. A couple steps on the predator strap may be the best of both worlds but I haven’t tried it yet.
Ring of steps.
Meant to post this here but ended up inasdverently posting it in the ROS thread. Thought I'd copy it to where I originally intended it. Apologies for the repeat.
I've been using a little bit of a hybrid approach this year. I climb the tree using the single stick method and use the Predator platform. I climb the tree with my back to the direction I want to be facing when I'm set up. At height I set the platform where I want it, approximately opposite of and at about the same height as the top of my stick. That way when I'm tethered in and standing with both feet on the platform my stick is attached to the tree at about my 11:00 position (standing at 6:00 and opposite side of the tree 12:00).
Being right handed I can shoot normally off the platform from approximately my 11:00 to 5:00 directions just by rotating my body and bridge.
To shoot between 11:00 and 2:00 I just step my left foot over to the top of my stick leaving my right foot on the platform. This lines my body up better in a normal shooting position and gets me partially around the tree.
If I need to shoot between 2:00 and 4:00 I step my right foot onto the top of the stick. Now I'm almost exactly on the back side of the tree from my start and can easily shoot to my normally off hand side.
This works on the tree size I generally hunt, up to about 18" in diameter. There is very little motion required, one or two small steps, and most of that motion takes place on the backside of the tree from my quarry. This method allows me the comfort of the platform while providing the ability to shift around the tree as if using a ROS. The downside is if the tree is bigger I have trouble getting clearance in one step to shoot backside. In those rare instances I resort to the spin on the platform method for my offside shots.
I've been using a little bit of a hybrid approach this year. I climb the tree using the single stick method and use the Predator platform. I climb the tree with my back to the direction I want to be facing when I'm set up. At height I set the platform where I want it, approximately opposite of and at about the same height as the top of my stick. That way when I'm tethered in and standing with both feet on the platform my stick is attached to the tree at about my 11:00 position (standing at 6:00 and opposite side of the tree 12:00).
Being right handed I can shoot normally off the platform from approximately my 11:00 to 5:00 directions just by rotating my body and bridge.
To shoot between 11:00 and 2:00 I just step my left foot over to the top of my stick leaving my right foot on the platform. This lines my body up better in a normal shooting position and gets me partially around the tree.
If I need to shoot between 2:00 and 4:00 I step my right foot onto the top of the stick. Now I'm almost exactly on the back side of the tree from my start and can easily shoot to my normally off hand side.
This works on the tree size I generally hunt, up to about 18" in diameter. There is very little motion required, one or two small steps, and most of that motion takes place on the backside of the tree from my quarry. This method allows me the comfort of the platform while providing the ability to shift around the tree as if using a ROS. The downside is if the tree is bigger I have trouble getting clearance in one step to shoot backside. In those rare instances I resort to the spin on the platform method for my offside shots.
I agree if you use a short tether it can limit mobility. For clarification, I am primarily a sitter but also spend considerable time leaning. I tie in my tether at about eye level standing on my platform. I still have plenty of tether length to walk halfway around trees of the size I describe.
I use a platform, ameristeps, and stepps. I'm comfortable enough to hunt on all of them.
When I climb with stepps, I use stepps as a platform. Just makes too much sense. I thread 1 ameristep on my last stepp, and that eliminates the need for 3 as a platform (I get by with two).
When I climb with bolts or rods, I alternate between gen2 predator, and ameristeps. Both take me the same amount of time to setup. The platform offers me two advantages - I can turn around to take a leak, and is slightly more comfortable when leaning/ability to stand for a minute. The ROS is lighter, easier to pack, offer the ability to move my "set" position around the tree without changing anything.
The two offer clear advantages over each other, but none are worth trading off the other to me. The exact hunting scenario dictates what I use.
When I climb with stepps, I use stepps as a platform. Just makes too much sense. I thread 1 ameristep on my last stepp, and that eliminates the need for 3 as a platform (I get by with two).
When I climb with bolts or rods, I alternate between gen2 predator, and ameristeps. Both take me the same amount of time to setup. The platform offers me two advantages - I can turn around to take a leak, and is slightly more comfortable when leaning/ability to stand for a minute. The ROS is lighter, easier to pack, offer the ability to move my "set" position around the tree without changing anything.
The two offer clear advantages over each other, but none are worth trading off the other to me. The exact hunting scenario dictates what I use.