Top 5 best/worst gear purchases

[enkriss]

Best:

1) Tethrd Mantis/Aerohunter Kestrel - tie - The saddle is just awesome!
3) Predator Platform - This little thing is perfect and rock solid.
4) Doyles gear hoist - No more tangled pull ropes!!!
5) Beast sticks - Nice sticks... wish I never sold them...

Worst:

1) API huntin sticks - the step is to close to the tree to get a good foot hold. The flat step = bad news on angled trees and the steps are coated with a super slick coating especially when wet. Returned them after the first hunting trip.
2) Wild Edge Stepps - The most over hyped peice of equipment of all time. I thought they were terrible. Especially on softer trees they sink in and slide/kick out....eeek!
3) 5 step aider - bought a black diamond aider. Got my feet stuck in the damn thing. Junk!
4) Sitka Acsent vest - the rubbing on my neck ...pia...
5) Stealth strips? - Dont get me wrong I love how good stealth strips quiet stuff down but removing them.... that adhesive is tough to remove. These made the list just because of the frustration in removing them... lots of cursing...

 

[elk yinzer]

This is tough. I'll keep my list recent, past few years and relevant to treestand/saddle hunting.

Good:

MR Popup 28 - This is nearly the perfect do-all daypack and EDC pack for me.

Helium sticks - out of the box, meh, they need modded. But once they are cut down and you slap some ropes on them, head and shoulders the best sticks out there in my mind. That being said, fixed steps just don't do it for me, don't work for how I pack sticks in a load shelf.

Sitka incinerator hat - hats were a weak point in my cold weather system for years. Bought this thing a few years ago and it is tremendous. I could put a lot of clothes on this list as hunting clothes have made huge strides in the past couple decades. This was the biggest instant upgrade though.

Kite - I tried the mantis, kestrel, and Kite and this came out on top. It's a nice saddle, safe, it does its job well with no glaring shortcomings.

Lowa Renegade boots - I put a lot of miles on my hikers. These. just. fit. Great boots are a special class of gear. You can cut corners in a lot of areas but don't neglect your feet.

Bad(edit - really not bad gear per se, just purchases that didn't work for me, or failed to meet my expectations):

WE Stepps - I gave these longer than I tested out anything else saddle related. Weeks of practice. I wanted to like them so badly. I just couldn't get there. Too inconsistent getting a solid cam. Especially on rougher trees. They aren't really big enough to stand two feet comfortably while climbing, more like half a foot plus a big toe. High fiddle factor. They just weren't my cup of tea.

Climbrite Spurs - Like many others above, I bought into the fad on these. Even though I can't use them hardly anywhere. And really they are not substantially lighter or easier to pack than my sticks. And every time I climb them I have visions of slicing my achilles in half. They still hang in my basement but I never touched them last hunting season.

Cabela's upland boots - Bought for a cheaper backup pair and one I could beat the briars with. These things destroy my feet. Boots are like a lot of things, once you experience the high-end stuff, you just can't go back to the lower range quality.

Fourth arrow camera arm with manfrotto head- One of those things I bought and just really don't need or use. This is really just because I can't bring myself to fiddle with a freaking camera while I'm hunting, I have enough other issues killing stuff. In theory I have the equipment thinking I'd film someone else but that never happens and it gathers dust. Maybe I'll film with my kids when they start up.

Jeep Wrangler - can't really think of any other fails so I'll throw this one there. Always thought I wanted one, I bought new as my first adult vehicle back in 2012. It was fun, I went mudding and took the top off like 3 times. It's paid off so I can't bring myself to sell it, but it pretty much sucks as useful vehicle for hunting and fishing. Shoulda bought a tacoma.

 

[Wirrex]

Best

1: Klemz platform
2: Climb Rite spurs
3: Looped paracord gear hanger
4: Sterling hollow block
5: Solomon Quest boots

Worst

1: Non grade 8 lags for presets. Replaced with grade 8 cap head bolts
2: Burned up m12 drill for bolts. Replaced with 18v fuel.
3: Milkweed. Containment always a problem.
4: Rappelling setup. Too much bulk.
5: treble hook gear hoist/retriever. Too big and bulky. I can grab just as well with one large octopus style hook (12/0 I think).

 

[lawrence]

Best Gear:
1) Predator for mobile days.
2) podium..very comfortable, more likely to leave in woods chained to a tree.
3) Guido's web
4) Millennium 100 u treestand. (heavy but real comfortable.)
5) savage light weight hunter in 260
6) lonewolf climbing sticks.
7) rubber snake boots.heavy..but last longer than one season. I hunt swamps. hope they are as snakeproof as the leather ones.
8) Bug tamers& thermacell ropeman1

On the fence on:
1) tenzing 2200 great size, just way heaver then everything else. Good quality.just heavy.
2) tenzing turkey pack (the one with the poles: still to heavy.) once i get where i want to go i like it. might try the podium with a seat cushion next year.

worst gear:
1) every bow I purchased before the Diamond Razor edge. The pull was two long. Used the razor edge till 2017 (had two..one for backup).
2) cheap steal climbing sticks. They always rust. I paint and clean my gear every year, but they still rust.
3) Leather snakeboots they leak, smell and only last one season.

 

[Matt1336]

I can’t believe the belief in scent reducing/eliminating product here. What a waste of time and money. Guys.....look at the scientific facts. It’s really amazing how well deer actually can smell. You’re not fooling that nose. You’re likely getting fooled by wind currents, thermals and dumb deer that don’t care. Sorry

 

[ImThere]

I can’t believe the belief in scent reducing/eliminating product here. What a waste of time and money. Guys.....look at the scientific facts. It’s really amazing how well deer actually can smell. You’re not fooling that nose. You’re likely getting fooled by wind currents, thermals and dumb deer that don’t care. Sorry

I wont get in to the scent debate here, but yes the science is hard to ignore. Some even chose to ignore it, if you don't believe in it, scent loc and scent blocker make some great clothes

 

[Matt1336]

I wont get in to the scent debate here, but yes the science is hard to ignore. Some even chose to ignore it, if you don't believe in it, scent loc and scent blocker make some great clothes

It was too much for me not to post something. It’s also the end of my third shift today...... I tend to post more when I’m tired. Lol.

 

[Jefferson10940]

Lets keep this thread on track please, 5 best/worst purchases. Scent control debate will end up shutting this interesting thread down. Thanks!

 

[Berzerker]

1. 5 Step Aider. Wow, I want this to work in the worst way. I have practiced a bunch with it but I just can't get comfortable with long aiders. The kick out factor is just to great for me.[/QUOTE]

I discovered something about climbing with multi step aiders. If the tree is leaning even slightly, hold up the aider from the top and use it like a plumb bob against the tree. Find the spot where the aider is furthest away from the tree (absolute ground facing side). Climb there because you foot pressure is toward the tree.
There is no side pressure pushing or pulling against you. If you were climbing on the side of the tree as explained above, gravity forces are pulling you from one side.
If you were on the opposite side (skyward facing side) if you slip even slightly gravity is not your friend and will impede any chance of catching you from slipping off. The ground facing side is the most stable. I don’t know if this is common knowledge but I figured it out the hard way and it helps.

 

[barlow96]

5 best items

1 thermacell- (Mississippi misquotes will tote you off.)
2 m7 microlite- (fav go to stand, yea i am still getting used to saddle.)
3 rangefinder - (its like american express. cant leave home without it.)
4 merino wool- (big game changer for me comfort wise.)
5 alpha suit by scent blocker- (I can hunt cold and wet and be dry and toasty with the right layers. I loved it so much i owned 2 suits, one burned in fire though.)
6 muddy sticks- (used them things the last 5 seasons, now have beast sticks and love them even more)
thinking about some carbon fiber spurs due to availability of sticks these days and mine sticks burning up in a fire. I am down to just the beast set. I had 2 sets of muddy's i lost in the fire.
7 garmin 62stc ( still use compass as well) ( it only takes me a couple mins to get lost)
8 tethrd mantis and predator platform( it was a game changer)

5 worst items

1 All fanny packs i ever bought- ( i have bought maybe 6 different ones, my waist is too small they want stay up. backpack all the way now.)
2 muck boots-( hurt my feet and fell apart quick.)
3 lighted nocks- tried them all( using firenocks now they seem to hold up the best, just $$$$$)
4 A rifle( I tend to miss deer with guns, much better shot with bow. It to expensive to practice with gun, I can shoot same arrow 100 times and maybe just have to re fletch it . I own 2 bows and 1 gun if that tells you anything. )
5 I dont know a number 5 will pop in my head later.

 

[DaveT1963]

Best:
1) Tethered Predator platform
2) Ropeman 1
3) Waldrops Packseat
4) Helium Sticks modded w/amsteel and CAYG aider
5) Nucanoe Frontier 12

Worst:
1) Original Guido's Web - only used that thing 1 time hunting
2) Climbing stands
3) Primos Deer Decoy
4) Moultrie 990i cameras later models
5) Cheap spotting scope

 

[Kurt]

Best

1: Klemz platform
2: Climb Rite spurs
3: Looped paracord gear hanger
4: Sterling hollow block
5: Solomon Quest boots

Worst

1: Non grade 8 lags for presets. Replaced with grade 8 cap head bolts
2: Burned up m12 drill for bolts. Replaced with 18v fuel.
3: Milkweed. Containment always a problem.
4: Rappelling setup. Too much bulk.
5: treble hook gear hoist/retriever. Too big and bulky. I can grab just as well with one large octopus style hook (12/0 I think).

Leave the milkweed in the pod. Staple the open seam and disperse from the top. I made a duct tape sleeve for mine and keep one in every pocket.

 

[Kurt]

BEST
1) everything Tethered including my Predator
2) Wild Edge Stepps
3) Bowtech Reign 6
4) Knaider/swaider
5) Natgear fleece jacket
6) Vt. Ridge Runner grunt tube
7) Screaming Eagle Treestands.........all of them

Worst
1) various deer calls over a life time.
2) cheap binos
3) bypass pruners
4) I'm a sucker for cheap gloves. (I regret it every time)
5) I'm sure there's more but darned if I can think of them.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Best:
1) Tethered Predator platform
2) Ropeman 1
3) Waldrops Packseat
4) Helium Sticks modded w/amsteel and CAYG aider
5) Nucanoe Frontier 12

Worst:
1) Original Guido's Web - only used that thing 1 time hunting
2) Climbing stands
3) Primos Deer Decoy
4) Moultrie 990i cameras later models
5) Cheap spotting scope

I'mma end up with a pac seat at some point. Watched your videos and the manufacturer's and fell in love.

 

[philsanchez76]

I wish I didn't love gear so much. Or that I was independently wealthy. Either way this is a fun game.

Best:
1. Lone Wolf sticks (coming straight from ladder stands, these things feel light)
2. Boat for sneaking out to some WMA islands
3. Bigfoot Cellular trail cameras (I am addicted)
4. Cabelas stretch fabric pants (no more holes in my butt after a climb)
5. Vortex Binos and compact Badlands bino harness (this thing comes with a bow holder too)
6. OnX has changed my public land hunting game

Worst:
1. Cheap rifle scopes (freaking Simmons)
2. Cheap bow sights (bolt stripping like a fool)
3. Echoing Kurt's penchant for cheap gloves; why do I have 8 pairs of gloves in my truck that all suck?
4. Motion X GPS app- I don't get it; and don't even know what questions to ask to start getting it!
5. Leaving blank since I added a 6th up top.

Phil

 

[Silvio]

Best:

1) Tethrd Mantis/Aerohunter Kestrel - tie - The saddle is just awesome!
3) Predator Platform - This little thing is perfect and rock solid.
4) Doyles gear hoist - No more tangled pull ropes!!!
5) Beast sticks - Nice sticks... wish I never sold them...

Worst:

1) API huntin sticks - the step is to close to the tree to get a good foot hold. The flat step = bad news on angled trees and the steps are coated with a super slick coating especially when wet. Returned them after the first hunting trip.
2) Wild Edge Stepps - The most over hyped peice of equipment of all time. I thought they were terrible. Especially on softer trees they sink in and slide/kick out....eeek!
3) 5 step aider - bought a black diamond aider. Got my feet stuck in the damn thing. Junk!
4) Sitka Acsent vest - the rubbing on my neck ...pia...
5) Stealth strips? - Dont get me wrong I love how good stealth strips quiet stuff down but removing them.... that adhesive is tough to remove. These made the list just because of the frustration in removing them... lots of cursing...

Best Gear:
#1 Realm X Bowtech
#2 Kestrel
#3 Wild Egde Steps
#4 Badlands backpack (Prusuit)
#5 Leopold binos/Nikons

Worst:
#1 Scent Blocker Clothing
#2 Duroflow long underwear
#3 lacrosse boots
#4 fanny packs
#5 Connecting ladder sticks

I would also add my Tethrd predator plateform is my goto piece of equipment, but theres occassions when my DIY stuff comes in handy. All in all, upgrade what needs replacing until you get to a point everything is "Stealthy Quiet" then run and gun
May The Magic of The Whitetail Forever Enrich Your Life

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Best:
My boots (field & stream) have not let me down in 6 seasons with abusive wear, for a mere $70.

Worst:
My $65 ghillie suit that got burred-together and is now unusable after two outings.

 

[Gamover06]

Best (not in order):
1#bitzenberger 2#ropeman 1 3#Bushnell Legend M series 4#CBE Slider sight 5#Switching to mobile hunting set up 6#onX

Worst (not in order)
1#fanny packs (keep buying new and never use them) 2#trail cameras(never have time to check them or set them up) 3#ladder stands (when you hunt alone the are an absolute pain to move so I wasted a few years of hunting not moving them)

 

[MJH]

Best:
- "Hunting Pressured Whitetails"
- Excallibur Micro
- Canadian Forces Pattern 82 Rucksack
- Benelli Super Black Eagle II
- Acton Quest boots

Worst:
- Various crappy gear

 

[Vtbow]

Best:
- "Hunting Pressured Whitetails"
- Excallibur Micro
- Canadian Forces Pattern 82 Rucksack
- Benelli Super Black Eagle II
- Acton Quest boots

Worst:
- Various crappy gear

the binelli super black eagle II is STELLAR. Enjoy it!