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Stepps are coming...what now?

T

TacticalRedneck

New Member
Joined
Oct 3, 2019
Messages
29
So my WE stepps will be arriving Thursday. I’m new to saddle hunting and keep hearing about mod this and mod that. What are the first things you recommend for my steps? I’m hearing rope stretch...what is that? Also I’m assuming the clang...should I tape them? I definitely like the bag mods I’ve been seeing.


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Practice for sure, I wouldn't even mess with aiders. If you do I highly recommend getting through this season without them.

The rope stretch is great advice. There is an initial stretch in the rope that gets worked out after a few uses. Once it's out the stepps are much more reliable and dont un-cam as easily. All you need to do is attatch them to a tree for a day or two. You can also cam, tighten, then recam again to work out the slack.

Also, look at a few YouTube videos. Theres 2 ways to tie the knot. Most people have their own preference. The biggest tip I have is making sure the rope orientation is in the right place. (To the inside of the standoffs) you'll know right away what I'm talking about once you see a video.

Good luck, be safe and have fun!
 

Wild Edge Step...GAME CHANGER :)

I was out climbing this past week using my WE steps and knaider/swaider. As I'm removing a step from a pine tree I was climbing I noticed that the step took out a plug of bark from one side and barely any thing from the other side. I looked at the stand offs and noticed, as I have before that...
saddlehunter.com

WE Step Bag Modifications

That's right. Primarily the swaider because it's longer and you don't want a shift off center if the step should move or if the step wasn't put on level. I just experimented with using 3 zip ties on the step but didn't like it. I've never had a problem with knaider slipping but thought I'd give...
saddlehunter.com
 
Practice before you buy anything else for the stepps!!!! I personally waited months for my steps, counting the days until they showed up, used them a handful of times then ended up selling them off. The learning curve is there and if you cant get the camming thing right on a constant bases, I dont foresee you holding on to them. I switched from 5 WE stepps to single stick climbing simply for the fact that if i wanted to get higher I had to either buy additional steps/adiers and that I couldnt get the cam thing right 100% of the time. Just got tired of tearing up trees. Luckily I was able to sell everything to get most of it back but still I would hold off on buying anything for them until you know for sure this is the method you want to use.

With that said, if you know for sure its a method you will be sticking with, look into the knaider and swaider set from doublesteps.com or a 5 step step ladder from BlackDiamond. All will help you get more height out of the steps you got but as others said, practice before you spend any more money on them.
 
TacticalRedneck said:
So my WE stepps will be arriving Thursday. I’m new to saddle hunting and keep hearing about mod this and mod that. What are the first things you recommend for my steps? I’m hearing rope stretch...what is that? Also I’m assuming the clang...should I tape them? I definitely like the bag mods I’ve been seeing.


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Click to expand...
how many did you get?
 
First focus on the basics, and practice on a variety of tree types (e.g., oaks, maples, beeches) and diameters. Don't bother with aiders, wraps, bag modifications, etc... until you can consistently cam the stepps on a variety of trees. It took me about 5-6 practice sessions before I started to feel comfortable with them, and twice that long to consistently hang them the first or second try.

Here's a good intro video from Wild Edge:

Once you're comfortable hanging them, you can start modifying the stepps (e.g., wrapping in vet tape) and the bag, and trying out aiders. I'd start with a 3 or 4 step aider first, 5 step aiders increase the difficulty. I'm getting 5.5' per step with a CMI 4 step aider, 5 steps gets me well over 25'.
 
Good luck and stick with it. I really like the stepps but they were frustrating at first. they definitely prefer certain trees. With 5 youll comfortably be able to climb up to 12’ off the ground. I almost always use 8 and that works for me up to 22’.
 
Just got a set this past week and i think they are great.Very easy to use IMO.I know some guys struggle with the knot a little but it only takes a little practice.I think maybe some guys are overvthinking it just a touch.I can tie them on in like 10 seconds.Really Quick enough that i would rather tie another step or two than fool with an aider.GOOD LUCK Also i like the 6 ft ropes better They cover most trees.
 
Jbiehn said:
Good luck and stick with it. I really like the stepps but they were frustrating at first. they definitely prefer certain trees. With 5 youll comfortably be able to climb up to 12’ off the ground. I almost always use 8 and that works for me up to 22’.
Click to expand...

Yikes. I was hoping I’d be able to get to 15. Do some guys just use a Knaider and not a seaside too? That should allow me to get higher right?


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TacticalRedneck said:
Yikes. I was hoping I’d be able to get to 15. Do some guys just use a Knaider and not a seaside too? That should allow me to get higher right?


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Click to expand...

i think once you’re feeling good with them youll get close to 15’ but youll need to stretch them out 3’ apart.

i use a WE aider and with that i carry 5 stepps and can climb to 22’ish feet. So youll be looking good with practice If you go that route.
 
71bc37e70b131bbf8c9f93ee929aa02a.jpg

Knaider and swaider for sale. Never used.
$40 TYD


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I got mine a couple weeks ago and only just this week had time to practice with them. I've been practicing on pine because thats really all I have around my house and typically what I'm in with the climber so it's familiar to me. It took a few trys to get the cam thing down, I highly suggest watching a few of the videos multiple times to dial in which knot version you like/works for you. I would also spend time stretching them... figured mine would get it while doing practice climb iterations though I have already noticed some uncamming after spending some time getting comfortable in the saddle.
I'm running 5 stepps with a knaider/swaider and have been maxing out my bow pull up rope with 4 steps and setting platform at knee height from the 4th step. I cant remember how long the rope is but close to 25' I believe. For reference I'm 6'1" and set the stepp at upper chest to neck height. My first mod was replicating @Murph4028 holster with a few changes to make it work for me. There's for sure a learning curve especially using the knaider/swaider and proper lb adjustment to accommodate the extra room needed for your knee, but so far I'm really digging the setup. Just practice and you'll be good.
 
Ive been using mine for about a month now and this is what Ive done so far
1.insulated steps to prevent noise
2. found what climbing method works best/ most comfort for me
3. practice - this step should also help with the initial rope stretch as well
 
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