Triple Step Aider?

[Stonehenge]

I have about 6 Lone Wolf Steps that are the full length version(32") I have used for lock on hunting. Now getting into saddle hunting and trying to go light I have a thought to sacrifice one or two of these, and wanted to run it by everyone here for input;

I am thinking about cutting them in half. This would give me two steps 16" in length with about 14" actual distance between steps. Of course I would need to buy a few extra parts or snag them off my other steps.

On the bottom of each stick putting a DoubleStep Ultralight slotted for aider with a three step aider spaced at 20" apart. At the top of each stick leaving the existing LoneWolf one sided step.

These two mini sticks with three step aiders should get me 15.5" at my feet(I am 6'3" and can place first stick at close to 8') and if I did this with a third over 21'.

Having not used an aider let alone a triple step aider, are there any concerns with my plan? Specifically using triple aiders beyond the first stick?

 

[trailblazer75]

Most folks do what they're comfortable with. With your long step and if you're comfy climbing, you'll be fine. Thing is, most rarely advocate aiders above the first stick (especially multi step aiders) because of the chance of an aider kicking out. The way to avoid this is by digging your big toe or in step into the tree. 60" on an aider is a long dang way. If you plan on running 3 sticks, I'd encourage you to try/buy a single 3 step aider and run it on your stick to see how you feel about doing that above 10 foot. Then, if you like it, order more but if not you're not stuck trying to sell a 3 step aider with that big of a step between.

 

[Weldabeast]

If ur athletic, good core strength, and good balance u shouldn't have any problems.....the mental side is maybe harder to overcome? Main thing is to make sure that ur foot loops stay open and easy to slip ur foot in and out when it's loaded with ur weight

 

[Stonehenge]

Good feedback. I am athletic and have good balance. I like the idea of having just three mini sticks. I think I might give it a go

 

[trailblazer75]

Good feedback. I am athletic and have good balance. I like the idea of having just three mini sticks. I think I might give it a go

I think it can certainly be done. I hope I didn't sound like I was trying to shoot it down. A lot of guys run 3 step aiders on single sticks but with shorter aider step spacing. I think that's because some people have a more difficult time moving the stick up from the hanging position.

I do still stand by the idea of waiting on buying 3 aiders because most people don't fail physically when it comes to aiders instead they can't stomach their fear of heights. Granted, you're probably not all that afraid of heights if you own 6 full size Lone wolf sticks.

 

[Weldabeast]

Shorter step spacing is better than longer spacing....if ur tall and long legged it doesn't matter but for me personally 16 is the biggest step I want to take. U will get into situations were u will have to put the stick on the tree funny were u will be between steps if they are stretched out to far....u either have to over extend (dangerous) or step back down and get out of ur climbing rhythm

 

[Stonehenge]

Since I have to cut two sticks in half, I think what I will do is turn the two into 4 mini sticks. Use a triple aider on the first one. Then wire aiders on the remaining three. With four set up this way it will allow me to reach the same height but give me the opportunity to try the triple aider out. If I end up liking it then I can switch from the four sticks to three and get a couple more triple aiders.

 

[gcr0003]

Cutting Down My LW Sticks!

Done before but I’m throwing up what I’m doing. Nothing ground breaking here, but fun to share. I’m taking 3 full length sticks and cutting them down to two steps. I’m going to keep the original stick spacing of about 15.5”. I picked up two more brackets and a post and will make a 4th stick...

saddlehunter.com

17” stick 16” step to step if I remember correctly what I did (wish I would have went bout 20”. Cutting in half is a little small to me. 3 step aider is not an issue if you have a double Step on the bottom of the stick. If you’re keeping the single step then 3 steps is a little much (not super stable) using it above the first stick. I’m 6’2” and can step 30” on a stick but on an aider 16-18 is the sweet spot for me with hunting boots and since the step sags when you weight the aider and gain a couple inches.

 

[gcr0003]

Since I have to cut two sticks in half, I think what I will do is turn the two into 4 mini sticks. Use a triple aider on the first one. Then wire aiders on the remaining three. With four set up this way it will allow me to reach the same height but give me the opportunity to try the triple aider out. If I end up liking it then I can switch from the four sticks to three and get a couple more triple aiders.

This is close to what I did. I used a 3 step on the first step and then a removable single step aider on the other sticks. I will say though you’re just going in the direction of one-sticking. I left behind this set up and stuck with one sticking exclusively last season. In retrospect I would have preferred to keep my 3 full length sticks if I was continuing to use sticks as my climbing method. The only thing you are really saving is bulk, weight is negligible.

 

[Stonehenge]

I would be swapping out for a double step on the bottom. Looking at what you did, I would be doing essentially the same thing. I think there would be some weight savings and ease of carrying do to reducing bulk. I think I may give it a go, but you do have me wondering if I should not cut them down so short.

 

[gcr0003]

I would be swapping out for a double step on the bottom. Looking at what you did, I would be doing essentially the same thing. I think there would be some weight savings and ease of carrying do to reducing bulk. I think I may give it a go, but you do have me wondering if I should not cut them down so short.

If I did it again I’d do it to whatever the height of my pack is or around 20”. 16” vs 20” will get you about another foot in your total height with 4 sticks.

 

[Scott F]

I was a WEI stepp guy for a couple years, the last 2 years I used a 3 step CAYG aider the whole way up and I hunted a smidge over 20'most days.
For some reason I decided to cut my LW sticks and put some EWO double steps on top of each of my 3 sticks.

I am excited to play with these sticks this year along with a CAYG 3 step aider used on each stick.

Be careful, understand the risk, mitigate the risk, practice before you try it in adverse conditions, and hunt hard. You'll most likely be fine. As for me...wish me luck and pray HARD for me!

I am more concerned of the DIY 7/64 amsteel daisychain connection on my sticks than I am using a 3 step aider up high.

Lineman belts and tethers are our friends; it isnt a race and nobody is forcing us to do what we do.



Sent from my SM-S102DL using Tapatalk

 

[Weldabeast]

The other thing I think I should mention... I don't know if ur buying something premade or if u making yourself.... All the aiders I've made and used have progressively become wider and wider.... Started with 1/2 mule tape, then 1" webbing, then 1.5, and now my current is 2"webbing.... IMO climbing on the swingy dangly thing 15 foot up I want the most secure footing I can have....learn to sew if ur making ur own.... The tied with knots aider work but they suck IMO

 

[Scott F]

The other thing I think I should mention... I don't know if ur buying something premade or if u making yourself.... All the aiders I've made and used have progressively become wider and wider.... Started with 1/2 mule tape, then 1" webbing, then 1.5, and now my current is 2"webbing.... IMO climbing on the swingy dangly thing 15 foot up I want the most secure footing I can have....learn to sew if ur making ur own.... The tied with knots aider work but they suck IMO

Very valid point, very important with multi-step aiders IMHO.
I use 1" tubular webbing with sections of 1" flat webbing sewn on the foot loops and up a portion of the vertical portion to keep it open as I climb - but more importantly to keep it open as I climb down.

As an aside, I am a horrible dancer.
I have learned that I don't become a better dancer while descending trees in the dark after hunting alone in a MASSIVE Florida swamp on an aider that I tried to make "compact"; tried it and it isn't for me.

 

[phatkaw]

@Stonehenge , why don't you just try one-sticking???

 

[Weldabeast]

Very valid point, very important with multi-step aiders IMHO.
I use 1" tubular webbing with sections of 1" flat webbing sewn on the foot loops and up a portion of the vertical portion to keep it open as I climb - but more importantly to keep it open as I climb down.

As an aside, I am a horrible dancer.
I have learned that I don't become a better dancer while descending trees in the dark after hunting alone in a MASSIVE Florida swamp on an aider that I tried to make "compact"; tried it and it isn't for me.

Whenever we finally have the Florida get together or if or paths cross I'll show u what u need and how to rappel.... Climbing an aider down a tree is the worst part

 

[Scott F]

Whenever we finally have the Florida get together or if or paths cross I'll show u what u need and how to rappel.... Climbing an aider down a tree is the worst part

I have rappelled in the Marine Corps and swore I would never do it again.
Well, times change I am ready to learn (again).

Sent from my SM-S102DL using Tapatalk

 

[Stonehenge]

This will be the first season in a saddle so I think I am leaning towards multi sticks because that is what I have laying around and most comfortable with. After digesting all of the feedback(greatly appreciated) I have decided to go with keeping the lone wolf steps full length and trying a three step aider on the bottom only. Then if I like the aider and feel confident I could then use it on the second stick eliminating the need for a third stick. If I don't feel confident then I will just use the three full length sticks with the aider only at the bottom.



After a few tries with this method I may toy with shortening the lone wolf sticks but think I am not going to go in half or 16" but instead 20 or 22" sticks.

After gaining confidence in the saddle I may then venture to one sticking.

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

A 20” aider is a big step. Much bigger than a 20” step. Tough to describe on the phone typing lol. I found a 20” step is fine climbing but a17-18 much more comfortable in an aider

 

[Stonehenge]

A 20” aider is a big step. Much bigger than a 20” step. Tough to describe on the phone typing lol. I found a 20” step is fine climbing but a17-18 much more comfortable in an aider

Great point and I forgot to mention!, I also decided to go with an 18" step on the aider based on all the feedback.