GVDocHoliday
Well-Known Member
I've never had a good thing to say about Tethrd. I've even cracked wise quite a bit at their product release issues and recalls and non-recalls that should have been.
For some reason however, as soon as they released the Gen3's, I went and purchased 4 of them. Figured, I gotta at least give them the old college try. If I didn't like them, I'd probably be able to turn them over for what I paid for them and not be out anything.
Things I was optimistic about...the beveled teeth on the step/standoff that is a main awesome point of my beloved Beast Sticks. That little feature should be standard on all climbing stick standoffs. Perhaps it's patented? I dunno. I just know that it really makes those sticks bite into the tree rock solid with no movement.
Other thing, the rope cleat with amsteel as an OEM option. Add that into the mix and the overall cost of the stick doesn't seem too far out of the norm...especially considering it's titanium. Oh yeah, the nifty little rope button so that the rope can be wrapped up neatly in just a few seconds.
I like that I can get 2 sticks installed from the ground, the hang the other 2(connected together) on the side of my saddle and remove the stick with a simple push of the thumb. Needless to say they climb quickly. They're as solid and stable as my Beast Sticks for roughly half the weight. I'd love to see someone come out with that rope cleat for 1" tubing. I'd put them on my Beast Sticks in a second.
They pack up quickly as well. Only thing I'm having an issue with is the way they stagger stack. It's hard to get them to lay flat the way I'd like them to on my pack.
With my hunting gear weighing me down, I hit about 235 when climbing. Mine are still rock solid. There's been no popping, no wobbling, etc. I've used these sticks for 15 climbs this year, red oak, white oak, red pine, poplar, red maple, tamarack...every tree they've dug in deep and solid. The tread on the steps is nice and aggressive...maybe too aggressive, my boot soles will tell that tale...but I've been able to get some leans in and my boots haven't slipped off them yet. I use the top step as my platform as I don't like putting up anything more than necessary...I find it tolerable...would love to see a stick sold with an XL step....would be interested to see how big a top step that could be made with an extra half lb added.
I'm really impressed. I went in biased against these and expected to send them packing after a climb or 2...but they've really grown on me. I'll probably keep them. I haven't even used my Beast Sticks yet this year!! It'll be interesting to see how they do this winter when it's in the teens.
I can't say I'd recommend them yet...but if they can get me through January without popping or the steps getting wobbly...then I'd have to recommend them. They're just so light to the point where it's very noticeable weight you'd be cutting.
For some reason however, as soon as they released the Gen3's, I went and purchased 4 of them. Figured, I gotta at least give them the old college try. If I didn't like them, I'd probably be able to turn them over for what I paid for them and not be out anything.
Things I was optimistic about...the beveled teeth on the step/standoff that is a main awesome point of my beloved Beast Sticks. That little feature should be standard on all climbing stick standoffs. Perhaps it's patented? I dunno. I just know that it really makes those sticks bite into the tree rock solid with no movement.
Other thing, the rope cleat with amsteel as an OEM option. Add that into the mix and the overall cost of the stick doesn't seem too far out of the norm...especially considering it's titanium. Oh yeah, the nifty little rope button so that the rope can be wrapped up neatly in just a few seconds.
I like that I can get 2 sticks installed from the ground, the hang the other 2(connected together) on the side of my saddle and remove the stick with a simple push of the thumb. Needless to say they climb quickly. They're as solid and stable as my Beast Sticks for roughly half the weight. I'd love to see someone come out with that rope cleat for 1" tubing. I'd put them on my Beast Sticks in a second.
They pack up quickly as well. Only thing I'm having an issue with is the way they stagger stack. It's hard to get them to lay flat the way I'd like them to on my pack.
With my hunting gear weighing me down, I hit about 235 when climbing. Mine are still rock solid. There's been no popping, no wobbling, etc. I've used these sticks for 15 climbs this year, red oak, white oak, red pine, poplar, red maple, tamarack...every tree they've dug in deep and solid. The tread on the steps is nice and aggressive...maybe too aggressive, my boot soles will tell that tale...but I've been able to get some leans in and my boots haven't slipped off them yet. I use the top step as my platform as I don't like putting up anything more than necessary...I find it tolerable...would love to see a stick sold with an XL step....would be interested to see how big a top step that could be made with an extra half lb added.
I'm really impressed. I went in biased against these and expected to send them packing after a climb or 2...but they've really grown on me. I'll probably keep them. I haven't even used my Beast Sticks yet this year!! It'll be interesting to see how they do this winter when it's in the teens.
I can't say I'd recommend them yet...but if they can get me through January without popping or the steps getting wobbly...then I'd have to recommend them. They're just so light to the point where it's very noticeable weight you'd be cutting.
