A platform has advantages a ring of steps just doesn't.
1 it's more surface area for your feet. Which translates to less pain and fatigue on long hunts
Not for me. Platforms make me stand "ballerina style" with my toes pointed (ankle strain) and my feet close together. I like to man-spread. Even in thin-soled Muck Fieldblazers, I can sit all day without foot discomfort.
2. It's much easier to add clothing on cold hunts.
Curious about this. Adding a top is no big deal no matter what you stand on. As far as adding pants, curious if you're putting them on over or under your saddle. I'm assuming under, which would necessitate removing or loosening waist and leg straps? Not something I would advocate. I don't have a lot of experience in brutal cold (high teens is as low as it gets here), but I've never had to add bottoms in a tree.
3. It's easier to install without any noise. I hated how the ROS felt like a string of sleigh bells while I tried to get them strapped around the tree.
Vet wrap. Done. $8 at Tractor Supply for 4 big rolls. Wrap your steps, carabiners, sticks, wild edge steps, whatever. Replace as needed.
4. It's easier to install the platform tightly to the tree. OCB buckles and ratchet straps work, but aren't as easy
Extremely subjective. Cam buckles are easier than OCBs and ratchets, yes. But I found camming the predator to be problematic on some trees. Nothing works perfectly every time, but I'd guess that I could set my ROS as easily and quietly as anyone else could set a platform.
5. When you stand on a platform it naturally creates a more horizontal bridge/tether angle since your feet are further from the tree. This dramatically increases comfort in the saddle.
Again, not for me. I like my feet spread naturally, and to be able to brave my knees against the tree. The benefit you describe could also be seen as a negative, since it makes you stand out more.
6. The platform allows for the ability to shoot a week side shot without bringing your bow over your bridge or having to circle around the back side of the tree. (Really cool Tethrd developed move here. It will be explained shortly on a popular hunting YouTube channel. )
Interested in this for sure. Until that secret is revealed, I can make any shot from a ROS that can be made from a platform.
Granted a platform can be heavier, or bulkier (actually I think a well designed platform is easier to pack than a set of 5 ameristeps) but for me the advantages greatly outweigh those factors. I use a platform on every hunt.
I think it largely comes down to personal preference, and an individual's comfort/experience with their gear. But, the cold, hard numbers are that my squirrel steps weigh just over a pound, and fit in a coat pocket. Even the ameristeps I have fit inside a fanny pack or small daypack. If I can sit dark-to-dark and pack those vs a 3lb platform, I'll do that. Weight and bulk reduction are my personal reasons for switching to a saddle.
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