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tethrd one stick 2.0 vs tree ninja 20 inch carbons?

littlefish

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Jul 31, 2020
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This is really helpful, thanks for writing it up.

I don't plan on using the cable aiders, so it seems like the TNs are even or better at everything except weight. I'm getting these to save weight and will get 4 of them, so I'm not sure if 4 vs. 4.8 lbs will matter. But I walk far enough, up hills, that I do notice if my pack is a pound or 2 heavier.

My current system of 12 steps with daisy chains is also 4.8 lbs, but it is twice as slow as using 4 sticks with aiders.
Over the summer when I wanted to spend a good chunk of money on light sticks to save weight, I did what you're doing. I realized it isn't a total apples to apples comparison between a lot of the sticks because of their varying lengths. What I ended up doing was calculating the weight of the sticks based on ounces per inch, which gave me a much better way to compare stick weights. I think, when I ran the numbers, the C1 sticks were actually lighter per inch. Ultimately it makes no difference in the total amount of weight you're carrying, if you're going to be carrying three or four sticks, but it gave me at least a better idea of where weight was saved due to design factor, vs weight saved by making the sticks shorter.
 

raisins

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Over the summer when I wanted to spend a good chunk of money on light sticks to save weight, I did what you're doing. I realized it isn't a total apples to apples comparison between a lot of the sticks because of their varying lengths. What I ended up doing was calculating the weight of the sticks based on ounces per inch, which gave me a much better way to compare stick weights. I think, when I ran the numbers, the C1 sticks were actually lighter per inch. Ultimately it makes no difference in the total amount of weight you're carrying, if you're going to be carrying three or four sticks, but it gave me at least a better idea of where weight was saved due to design factor, vs weight saved by making the sticks shorter.

I'm gonna run a 3 step aider on the bottom stick and a carry as you go 1 step aider on each subsequent stick.

Sticks for me are mostly a sturdy place to hang an aider and stand while putting up the next stick, since without the stick I get almost 4 feet spacing between sticks, so 17 vs 20 inches isn't a huge deal.

But point well taken, and a good way to view it also.

If they made super mini sticks with just 2 steps to stand on that weighed 1/2 pound, I would rock 5 of them with aiders and get to the same height as 4 longer ones.

Heck, I should probably consider getting 5 api aluminum sticks, cutting the posts down to 4 inches and adding a lone wolf batwing to each and just rocking 1 double step on each. I'd have to move the button though.
 
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enkriss

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Just got a set of timberninjas.

I would wait till the new tethrd ones come out.
 
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GeoFish

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I'm gonna run a 3 step aider on the bottom stick and a carry as you go 1 step aider on each subsequent stick.

Heck, I should probably consider getting 5 api aluminum sticks, cutting the posts down to 4 inches and adding a lone wolf batwing to each and just rocking 1 double step on each. I'd have to move the button though.

Is this what you are looking for?
Ultimate Climbing System for Me - YouTube
 
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Huntemup

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Sep 29, 2020
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The creaking has been eliminated with the Gen2 sticks. I've not seen anyone else post anything recently about the sticks making noise.

Well thats good to know bc honestly until seeing that review, and then reading where Others experienced similar results, the ninjas were the sticks I was gonna buy. The fact that I started one sticking right after deciding against the ninjas probably kept me from looking further into them. ButI’ve since come across some situations ie difficult trees where several sticks might be better than one and will probably be picking up a set for such scenarios.
 
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enkriss

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I'm gonna run a 3 step aider on the bottom stick and a carry as you go 1 step aider on each subsequent stick.

Sticks for me are mostly a sturdy place to hang an aider and stand while putting up the next stick, since without the stick I get almost 4 feet spacing between sticks, so 17 vs 20 inches isn't a huge deal.

But point well taken, and a good way to view it also.

If they made super mini sticks with just 2 steps to stand on that weighed 1/2 pound, I would rock 5 of them with aiders and get to the same height as 4 longer ones.

Heck, I should probably consider getting 5 api aluminum sticks, cutting the posts down to 4 inches and adding a lone wolf batwing to each and just rocking 1 double step on each. I'd have to move the button though.

FYI… the step distance on the 20” Timberninja is 18”
 

Bowtie747

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Aug 3, 2021
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This is really helpful, thanks for writing it up.

I don't plan on using the cable aiders, so it seems like the TNs are even or better at everything except weight. I'm getting these to save weight and will get 4 of them, so I'm not sure if 4 vs. 4.8 lbs will matter. But I walk far enough, up hills, that I do notice if my pack is a pound or 2 heavier.

My current system of 12 steps with daisy chains is also 4.8 lbs, but it is twice as slow as using 4 sticks with aiders.

I'm like you and not super worried about step size and distance from tree. I have big feet, but just lean back using the lineman's and act like the steps are little bumps on the tree that the lanyard leverages me into. I don't stand up on the sticks.
What 12 steps are you using with daisy chains? Thanks!
 

raisins

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Plebe

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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.
 
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raisins

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I don't understand why the bolts aren't longer, they don't come flush to the edge of their mating surface.

can you explain this a bit more? i didn't catch it. it kinda sounds like the nuts don't go clear over the bolts so that a few thread peek out the end of the nut. if i had that issue, then i'd probably get some longer bolts and maybe use a thread locker too.
 

Plebe

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can you explain this a bit more? i didn't catch it. it kinda sounds like the nuts don't go clear over the bolts so that a few thread peek out the end of the nut. if i had that issue, then i'd probably get some longer bolts and maybe use a thread locker too.

The way TN sticks are set up, the standoffs are threaded for the bolts that pass through the step and stick. I would think the bolts should screw in so the ends are flush with the hole in the standoff, they don't.

I haven't taken anything apart to see if threadlocker has been used or to gain a better understanding of the situation. It just struck me as odd.
 

raisins

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The way TN sticks are set up, the standoffs are threaded for the bolts that pass through the step and stick. I would think the bolts should screw in so the ends are flush with the hole in the standoff, they don't.

I haven't taken anything apart to see if threadlocker has been used or to gain a better understanding of the situation. It just struck me as odd.

so by not flush, the bolts ends inside the standoff or sticks past it? ending inside the standoff is sketchy!
 

Plebe

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so by not flush, the bolts ends inside the standoff or sticks past it? ending inside the standoff is sketchy!

You can see what I'm talking about in this video, look at the backside of the standoffs.

 
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kyler1945

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The way TN sticks are set up, the standoffs are threaded for the bolts that pass through the step and stick. I would think the bolts should screw in so the ends are flush with the hole in the standoff, they don't.

I haven't taken anything apart to see if threadlocker has been used or to gain a better understanding of the situation. It just struck me as odd.

what diameter bolt? What’s the length of thread engagement? It should be at minimum the diameter of the bolt in thread engagement length. Going beyond that doesn’t do much. Aluminum a slightly different animal though, might make sense to run a little extra.
 
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enkriss

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One of my bigger concerns on the timberninja sticks is the actual depth of the standoff. I see a lot of complaints on the V on the .5… I can see this V being a bigger issue on smaller trees or knots.

331DE1C3-A986-46BA-B6A3-166E89BB98BF.jpeg
 
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Plebe

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One of my bigger concerns on the timberninja sticks is the actual depth of the standoff. I see a lot of complaints on the V on the .5… I can see this V being a bigger issue on smaller trees or knots.

View attachment 59147

Did you have issues in trial?

I like that line up:
1. Best packing, best single step stick
2. Best? Ultralight stick
3. Best $200 set