W/E Stepps first impressions

[SaddleUpPartner!]

FINALLY got my wild edge stepps. I must say the first few times getting that loop down are stupid hard. I gotta thank @boyne bowhunter for making that video of the loop he does. WAY easier to do, it's like tying a shoe. One thing I noticed was once the step was cammed over, sometimes it's still not in place and will move. Doing the loop correctly is key, once you figure that out the camming process will be much more stable. Overall my hunting setup will be much lighter, I can fit everything I need into one back pack and easily get up above 20 ft with 8 stepps and an aider. Not too many downsides. I can see why people might be uneasy on them at first but if you're patient and really work on the loop, they tighten down really well and are super stable.

 

[Murph4028]

I just got mine too around 2 weeks ago. I really like them. I must've been lucky because I didn't have a problem getting the knot down or using them. I've been using an amsteel 3 step aider and have gotten around 20 feet with 3 of them. Out of all my climbing methods I've come to the conclusion that the only ones I care to hang on to is my WE steps, LW hand climber, and muddy pros. WE steps will probably be my go to.

 

[SaddleUpPartner!]

I really wanted muddy pro sticks just for their cam cleat and weight/packability. Problem was I couldn’t find any available. I’m happy with the stepps. Once I get my climbing method down and practice, it’s going to be a great system. Also the Cain method of climbing is going to be my way up. I hate going around branches and dealing with a lineman’s belt.

 

[Amarty734]

I've tried them a few times and still find most of mine to be too loose after camming. Maybe i'm not doing the loop right. I have had a few cam solid though. right now I'm still leaning towards sticks until I get it figured out.

 

[Scott F]

I've tried them a few times and still find most of mine to be too loose after camming. Maybe i'm not doing the loop right. I have had a few cam solid though. right now I'm still leaning towards sticks until I get it figured out.

Be sure to lift the step ABOVE the rope line that is created when you wrap it around the back of the tree. You'll know it when it cams over correctly because it will be as tight to the tree as if it grew out of the tree.

I only have a pair of WE steps that I normally install at the same level to use as a platform but I can tell you that a huge selling point to these types of steps is having the ability to hold onto them with two hands when climbing and being able to stand on one with both feet. I have size 13 boots and can manage it easily.

I have LW sticks and recently purchased some Deer-Me rope on steps and Cranford rope on steps. With some practice they all take about the same relative amount of time to install, these WE steps are just a whole lot more stable when put on correctly; YMMV.

 

[GVDocHoliday]

I loved everything about my WE steps. Ease of install and quiet, Rock solid, comfortable to use.

I couldn't get over how badly they damaged the bark on the trees.

Where I live, oak wilt is serious. I do a majority of my climbing in red oaks. Damaged bark where same can seep out is a no-no. So for that I had to move them on.


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[Amarty734]

Be sure to lift the step ABOVE the rope line that is created when you wrap it around the back of the tree. You'll know it when it cams over correctly because it will be as tight to the tree as if it grew out of the tree.

I only have a pair of WE steps that I normally install at the same level to use as a platform but I can tell you that a huge selling point to these types of steps is having the ability to hold onto them with two hands when climbing and being able to stand on one with both feet. I have size 13 boots and can manage it easily.

I have LW sticks and recently purchased some Deer-Me rope on steps and Cranford rope on steps. With some practice they all take about the same relative amount of time to install, these WE steps are just a whole lot more stable when put on correctly; YMMV.

Thanks for the tips. I was also hoping to use sticks to climb and steps for my platform. I was just about to pull the trigger on a platform because the steps were getting the best of me. but ill give it another shot

 

[SaddleUpPartner!]

I really wanted muddy pro sticks just for their cam cleat and weight/packability. Problem was I couldn’t find any available. I’m happy with the stepps. Once I get my climbing method down and practice, it’s going to be a great system. Also the Cain method of climbing is going to be my way up. I hate going around branches and dealing with a lineman’s belt.

I loved everything about my WE steps. Ease of install and quiet, Rock solid, comfortable to use.

I couldn't get over how badly they damaged the bark on the trees.

Where I live, oak wilt is serious. I do a majority of my climbing in red oaks. Damaged bark where same can seep out is a no-no. So for that I had to move them on.


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i have a cherry tree with softer bark and I chewed it up pretty good practicing. Luckily in Michigan there’s no shortage of oaks or maples or other hardwoods. Good on ya for keeping the trees in mind though.

 

[SaddleUpPartner!]

Thanks for the tips. I was also hoping to use sticks to climb and steps for my platform. I was just about to pull the trigger on a platform because the steps were getting the best of me. but ill give it another shot

Sometimes the angle of where you’re standing can effect your cam and loop. I had a heck of a time with the Cain method, getting that step above my head and getting it to cam over correctly was a son of a gun. Once I lowered the step to about head height it was easier.
Also I used my W/E aider to clip to my tether and then put a carabiner through my loops in my tether so I could clip to the next step and go hands free.

 

[GVDocHoliday]

I really wanted muddy pro sticks just for their cam cleat and weight/packability. Problem was I couldn’t find any available. I’m happy with the stepps. Once I get my climbing method down and practice, it’s going to be a great system. Also the Cain method of climbing is going to be my way up. I hate going around branches and dealing with a lineman’s belt.

i have a cherry tree with softer bark and I chewed it up pretty good practicing. Luckily in Michigan there’s no shortage of oaks or maples or other hardwoods. Good on ya for keeping the trees in mind though.

One infected oak, not take care of, will kill an entire stand by the following year. A good chunk of Michigan's economy relies on its oak forests for timber production...and as a hunter, conservation should be our priority.

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