WE Stepps, big feet, give up or keep trying?

[mn_booner]

Hey Guys,

I have 12 WE stepps and the WE aider that I have been trying to use as my climbing method and platform for saddle hunting. I am big guy, 6'4" 250lbs and size 14 feet. The WE stepps seem really slick as far as weight and packability go, but I am struggling with efficiently climbing with them. My big Lacrosse rubber boot takes up the entire step! They seem a little fiddly too when getting them setup and cammed over. I have been trying to use the modified cain method to climb with them, but I can't really put both of my feet on one stepp, so it's really challenging. I have only really given these two solid hours of I don't know if this is just part of the learning curve or if my feet are just too big for them.

Anyone else with big feet have this issue? Did you ever figure it out? If not, what is a good climbing method for a big guy with big feet? I heard Hawk Heliums flex quite a bit with a big guy on them and I've had issues with my buddies LW sticks, same problem feet are too big.

 

[WannaBMonkey]

Hey Guys,

I have 12 WE stepps and the WE aider that I have been trying to use as my climbing method and platform for saddle hunting. I am big guy, 6'4" 250lbs and size 14 feet. The WE stepps seem really slick as far as weight and packability go, but I am struggling with efficiently climbing with them. My big Lacrosse rubber boot takes up the entire step! They seem a little fiddly too when getting them setup and cammed over. I have been trying to use the modified cain method to climb with them, but I can't really put both of my feet on one stepp, so it's really challenging. I have only really given these two solid hours of I don't know if this is just part of the learning curve or if my feet are just too big for them.

Anyone else with big feet have this issue? Did you ever figure it out? If not, what is a good climbing method for a big guy with big feet? I heard Hawk Heliums flex quite a bit with a big guy on them and I've had issues with my buddies LW sticks, same problem feet are too big.

Keep trying. Practice makes a big difference.

 

[Stevey220]

I've been practicing with my WE steps for a month and a half now and honestly still can't say that I'm proficient enough to replace my climbing sticks as my go to. I'm going to take my time and keep practicing. targeting to be solid by start of next season. As for comfort, my cold weather boots are a size 12 which is not as big as yours but I've found standing with my feet pointed out with just my heels on the step works best for me.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[MN_Bowhunter4]

I’m a size 13, and my alpha burlys both fit fine on one step. I stand with my heels together and toes pointing left/right resting on the bars. I’d say keep practicing.

Same goes for the fiddling too. Just takes some time to figure it out.

 

[Jrybicki]

Size 12 irish setter boots using the knaider/swaider getting over 20' with 4 steps. I noticed how little room there is on the step while setting the next step. Ive been doing the same thing MN_Bowhunter4 has been doing, heels together toes pointing out. Basically the arch of my foot is whats making contact with the step when both feet are on it. Takes a bit to get used too, finally had mine out for a hunt yesterday after practicing with them for a couple weeks. Slowly getting better and more efficient but does take some getting used to.

 

[Scott F]

Size 13 boot, using a 3-step CAYG aider I hunt around 20' with (5x) steps no problem. There isn't a ton of room on one step for both feet as you climb but I take my time climbing (to be quiet) and can manage it easily.
What I really like about them is how stable they are - and quiet. If you can set them up properly I doubt that anything can be more stable and safe. I love that you can grab them with both hands as you climb if you need to.

I carry 6 steps and put (2) steps fairly close together at hunting height for a 'platform' so I only have one foot on each step when I am hunting.

I think there is more to these steps than just the climb, come to think of it I 'REALLY' must like them because this year I have always carried 6 of them and have never used them all as one stays in my bag...

 

[EricS]

I’m a size 13, and my alpha burlys both fit fine on one step. I stand with my heels together and toes pointing left/right resting on the bars. I’d say keep practicing.

Same goes for the fiddling too. Just takes some time to figure it out.

This. I wear size 13 mucks. Heels together toes out. You’d be surprised how much room you have with practice. You don’t have to get your entire foot on it. You just get a little 3”x 1/4” sliver to stand on on a climbing stick.