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Stick advice wanted

I quite often see Hawk helium’s and Muddys on sale from Camofire, Scheels, Midway, Mack’s had some right now for 100.
 
Since you are very familiar with screw in steps and bolts, have you given any thought to using rope on Cranford steps or something similar from Bullman Outdoors?
 
Folks used to make their own strap on tree steps out of treated wood with a hole drilled in the middle for a rope to pass through and use to tie to the tree.

2 of those will get you as high as 1 stick. This would be a lot cheaper and no one would steal them (thieves aren't into DIY usually) and even if they did then you wouldn't be out much.
 
duxsrus said:
THIS!
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X2! I have used these cheap but useful systems for years for stands and now saddle hunting. Less than $200 can get you probably four 15-20’ sticks and if some jerk does steal one, you’re out $20-$40 at the most. I leave them in pretty much year round and just check the ratchet straps before season. This is just in the main private property I hunt.
 
I use hawk heliums in exactly the way you are describing. They are sturdy and well constructed and seem to hold up well to being left in the tree all season. Just be sure to check your attachment method well as you climb. Squirrels, porcupines and other full time climbers can wreak havoc on a strap quickly.
 
DroptineKrazy said:
On my pre-sets on private I use the cheap 20 ft. ladder sticks from Sportsmans Guide. You can even get them in 25 ft. now.
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This is what I have on the private land that I hunt. There are 3 spots that I always end up going to during the season and it is nice to just climb. For any bouncing around I have sticks if I see I am off the patterns or wind changes etc.
 
I use the API hunt'n sticks for presets on my lease. You can catch them on sale a times at bass pro for 99$ and they are very decent sticks for that purpose...a little heavy for true mobile hunts
 
DroptineKrazy said:
On my pre-sets on private I use the cheap 20 ft. ladder sticks from Sportsmans Guide. You can even get them in 25 ft. now.
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Just a thought here from experience with those ladder or slide together sticks. They're great if the tree you set up in isn't extremely crooked, has a bunch of limbs or knots sticking out.
I've struggled or haven't gotten those sections to slide together when you're going over knots or up a crooked tree. A tree with a bunch of limbs is a no go with those unless you cut the limbs tight to the trunk the whole way up.
I've put them together on the ground too then leaned them against the tree and strapped them just to realize there was a knot or something sticking out prohibiting me from getting them tight enough to the tree.
 
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Jtaylor said:
Just a thought here from experience with those ladder or slide together sticks. They're great if the tree you set up in isn't extremely crooked, has a bunch of limbs or knots sticking out.
I've struggled or haven't gotten those sections to slide together when you're going over knots or up a crooked tree. A tree with a bunch of limbs is a no go with those unless you cut the limbs tight to the trunk the whole way up.
I've put them together on the ground too then leaned them against the tree and strapped them just to realize there was a knot or something sticking out prohibiting me from getting them tight enough to the tree.
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I very seldom have a problem. Usually just move the climbing stick around the tree a little to get it to set right.
 
Jtaylor said:
Just a thought here from experience with those ladder or slide together sticks. They're great if the tree you set up in isn't extremely crooked, has a bunch of limbs or knots sticking out.
I've struggled or haven't gotten those sections to slide together when you're going over knots or up a crooked tree. A tree with a bunch of limbs is a no go with those unless you cut the limbs tight to the trunk the whole way up.
I've put them together on the ground too then leaned them against the tree and strapped them just to realize there was a knot or something sticking out prohibiting me from getting them tight enough to the tree.
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Funny that you just posted that because I was about to reply the same thing to the other posters that suggested those types of sticks.

Another reason I'm not interested in those is that you really can't remove the bottom section in order to use it in another tree or to help deter squatters.
 
Jtaylor said:
I weighed the two I mentioned just because I was curious. The Stagger steps come in at a whopping 13lbs for a 3 pack/3 steps each but keep in mind we basically use these as presets and are really nice to climb on. The cut down Lone Wolfs (now Novix) single steps with daisy chain amsteel attachment are 6lbs. at a 4 pack/2 steps each.
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Those sticks on the left are way quieter if you put the little rubber chair leg stoppers on them. Same for Rapid Rails.
 
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