I’m planning to order 100 of these for preset set ups on private land . I’m 6’ 3” and have a long stride , I’m hoping 10 bolts should get me around 20-22 feet . What do you guys think ? Also thinking of running a platform with 3-4 of these around the backside of the tree so I can move around the hole tree
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Tree hopper bolts
- Thread starter Wilgabeast
- Start date
With 10 screw in steps my tree stand platform is about 18 feet so I’m thinking by setting the platform a short step above the top bolt I should hit around 20 feet hopefully … I wish you could put some crab Ford steps around the strap for your platform . But then it probably wouldn’t bite wel
I used bolts for years on private. I am 5'11" and I spaced the bolts at 20 inches. It took me 12 to get to 20 feet. Take a tape measure and measure from the floor to the middle of your knee cap. That should be about the proper spacing. Then it is just simple math to figure out how many you need for any given height.
You could get a couple of Squirrel steps or Pioneer steps and put them on the strap. Others have probably tried this and can chime in.
I’m 6’3 with a long stride. If the temp is above 50*, I can space steps 24” with no issue on trees smaller than 18” diameter or so. Once I add a thicker layer to climb, it limits range of motion. Also a bigger tree forces the bolts further apart and limits length between.
If you want to be safe for an average of hot/cold weather, go with 18” average.
If you want to stretch your bolts, and do less drilling, consider climbing with an aider. Way less of an advantage for presets because you can use a power drill. But if cost is an issue…
If you want to be safe for an average of hot/cold weather, go with 18” average.
If you want to stretch your bolts, and do less drilling, consider climbing with an aider. Way less of an advantage for presets because you can use a power drill. But if cost is an issue…
Yea I’d like to be able to stay on a platform for comfort reasons but want to be able to move around the tree to stay on oppesite side of incoming deer if needed
If you are doing presets with bolts and leaving them in have you tried using a ring of steps instead of a platform? If you are a sitter this will probably be fine, and you could do the whole installation at once and not have to bring a platform. It might be worth trying.
My feet are so big I just can’t see spending hours on little steps being comfortable . That’s my only dislike of a ring of steps
I was typing out that last response before I saw your last one before it. From my own experience, since I sit 95% of the time, only about 10% of my weight is on the bolts and 90% is in the saddle. The bolts are just a place to rest my feet and use as leverage if I want to move. I'm not using them for much support for my body. If you are a sitter and have not tried a ring of steps it might be something worth trying for an hour or so sit to see if you like it. They do look uncomfortable, lol. You could also get some rubber air hose and cut some short lengths to place over the bolts on a ring of steps to give them some padding.
I’m definitely gonna look into it . Being I just ordered my first saddle lastnight . I still need to determine if I’m a sitter or a leaner
Ah, I gotcha. Time will tell. Best of luck and I'll be happy to help with any further questions. I loved using bolts and wish they were legal everywhere I hunt. Where I can I still use them on private.
By the way, Treehopper sells bolt paddles. Bolt Paddle/Peddles | Treehopper LLC
You might want to ask around about these. I haven't used them, but they seem to be a neat idea.
By the way, Treehopper sells bolt paddles. Bolt Paddle/Peddles | Treehopper LLC
You might want to ask around about these. I haven't used them, but they seem to be a neat idea.
I am a preset guy. I use a step every 18" or less and put a ring of bolts around at height. I space the ring of bolts about 5" apart. To me, it's worth the extra $5 to have nice easy steps. I spaced them farther the first year or 2 and now I regret it.
Are you leaving them in the tree? or Pre- drilling the hole and leaving them at the bottom? I have 26 trees pre-set. I can give you some pointers depending on how your going to do it.
In area where only I hunt I’ll leave them . I’m other areas I’ll probably leave the top7 or so and pull the bottoms out for each time
I really like my 18 pre set tree stands for mornings so I can just walk in and hunt with no noise or much effort . But I really like the idea of the mobility and maneuverability of the saddle so is like the same set up for my saddle trees . Pre set
10 bolts = 30ft with my aider. I carry 12 total usually and use 2-4 as a bolt-of-steps (BOS). I posted a link on here a few years ago to the place i bought my grade 8 6in hex head bolts. About one dollar each IIRC. Ive never used the treehopper bolts but im sure theyre better in several ways
Yea and they aren’t to much more expensive . Really like the idea that they will be real hard to notice for other hunters
Why not screw in steps? I used bolts for awhile and i will say they get super slippery when wet or icy. Screw ins right now at walmart are literally $1.50 a piece lol.
Screw ins do but usualy have a tread on the step part.
I had a friend who also used railroad spikes.
they work well but its loud and alot of work to get into tree.
Rebar is also a choice ive seen used
Screw ins do but usualy have a tread on the step part.
I had a friend who also used railroad spikes.
they work well but its loud and alot of work to get into tree.
Rebar is also a choice ive seen used