I really like my LWCG compacts for how they pack, standoff distance, how they mate to my .5, how sturdy they are on the tree, how nice they pair with cable aiders, how well those cable aiders work. I've had two feet on top of a stick often, and like that I can. Not much I don't like about them.
But, I ordered one TN C1 to try out. I was impressed enough to place an order for a full set to try.
Probably the biggest strike against them in my book is that packed in a single stack, they make a tall pile.
The steps did wiggle due to tolerances, (I'm supposing this is no different from what's been reported about EWO steps on LW tubes). Nonetheless, they didn't make any noise in so doing. Nada.
I don't understand why the bolts aren't longer, they don't come flush to the edge of their mating surface.
I didn't feel uncomfortable or unsafe standing on them. I was surprised by that. I was ok with tip toe orientation...tried duck foot, that ain't happening. I haven't put them through the paces so to speak, so this is just my initial impression.
Wet, different boots, crooked trees...I'll find out when the rest of the sticks arrive. I did try the stick on a couple small and medium trees and one where I maxed out the rope. My sense of footing didn't change.
I didn't put the cable aider on yet. I just see everyone struggle a bit with these TN aiders, and am thinking a versa aider may be the ticket here. I have one, so we'll see.
With these light sticks and a rope, they seem to stay in place great while you tie them off. There isn't any sag once counter pressure is applied, so it's not far off from the performance of a cleat.
They stuck to the trees I put them on for those who feel that's a matter of validation; they felt locked in which cuts it for me.
I'll try some more trees tomorrow with the one stick that I have.
Plenty of nice options. I'm not anointing TN as the greatest climbing stick, but I've found them worth a better look.