Two or three step aider?

[KML83]

Looking for some recommendations/opinions on if I should go with a two or three step aider paired with a 12” one stick? Gap between steps will be 15”.

 

[elk yinzer]

You can always get three and only use the upper two when the situation calls for it. You can't add another rung easily in the field when you feel you can reach a little higher. That's my view of it anyway.

 

[enkriss]

3 - I like 3 - 16” steps myself.

 

[Iron_llama]

Really tough to go wrong with the UltimAider. Adjustable step length, and really easy to add or remove rungs. I like to shorten them down late season when I'm bundled up in extra layers.

 

[LtMoe66]

You can always get three and only use the upper two when the situation calls for it. You can't add another rung easily in the field when you feel you can reach a little higher. That's my view of it anyway.

Completely agree

 

[Plebe]

Managing tether slack over 45" of unstable footing vs 30". Up to you to resolve that.

 

[Iron_llama]

Managing tether slack over 45" of unstable footing vs 30". Up to you to resolve that.

I tend out the slack as I climb. Self-tending hitch (lately Sticht) makes it easy. Literally, almost pulling myself up as I step up.

 

[Horn]

I use a 3 step 15" aider. I love it, and haven't found tending slack to be an issue but I'm not as concerned as some are. If tending slack is easy, it's convenient and your more likely to do it!

 

[Plebe]

I tend out the slack as I climb. Self-tending hitch (lately Sticht) makes it easy. Literally, almost pulling myself up as I step up.

You probably advance your tether while standing on the aider then. With a two step aider it's possible thats not needed. But you make more moves.

 

[Iron_llama]

You probably advance your tether while standing on the aider then. With a two step aider it's possible thats not needed. But you make more moves.

Yeah, exactly. That's why my search for the easiest self-tending friction hitch is so important to me; no metal (except the 'biner) to clang on my 1-stick as I tend while climbing.

 

[Kevin2]

I'd go 3. If you're going to do it, you may as well take total advantage of the extra step.

 

[Robert loper]

Now this is me and my feelings on multi step aiders.
i used a double aiders fir a few years and to be honest i hated them.
i had several different ones rope, amsteal, and strap multiple step aiders. I wanted them too work but they just never did.
the amsteal one i had was probably the best and only because it is so compact.
the 10 mm rope was a just a pain in the rump and bulky.
the straps were just a nightmare lol. They pinched and was difficult to get foot into the next step.
all i use now is single step aiders from either custom gear or eastern woods outdoors.
the ones @DanO sells are in my opinion the best.
the plastic or rubber coating seems alot softer yet more durable than any other ones on the market.
again thats me and what i like to use.

 

[HuumanCreed]

For most people, 3 is all they need. Also depends on your size and how comfortable you are with using aider. I'm actually using FOUR steps aider, this is due to the fact that I like to place my stick as high as I can. I usually get 7 feet from the ground on my first setup, then 5-6 feet each time I move my stick. So usually I only have to 3 movements.

 

[Nosaj]

I have been using a 12" stick w/ 3 step aider w/ 15" spacing for the last two seasons and would not change it. I have a 34" inseam which is something you want to consider when choosing your step spacing unless you are getting an adjustable aider. I always use the 3 steps to start and then depending on the tree and the distance between moves I will use 2 or 3. Most often I will use 3 because it is easier to get from step to step. Sometimes when you are reaching with your foot, trying to get into the step and you miss or can't quite reach it, you run into issues. I am in no rush to get up the tree and in the long run I think it takes less time (slow is smooth, smooth is fast). I find the extra weight/bulk is inconsequential especially if you are going to have 2 longer steps instead of 3 shorter ones. When I get to hunting height I catch the aider with my toe and bunch it up on the bottom step with a nitize gear tie that I have on the bottom step. For transport I just wrap the aider around the stick and secure it by wraping the one stick rope around the aider and locking the rope in place with the cam cleat.



This is the stick/aider wrapped up and how I carry it. I added the UP last season and like it.