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What is the ultimate saddle hunting aider??

Most aiders foot holds are about 12 inches apart. Should be 16 inches for efficiency
Most are made for rock climbing shoes not winter hunting boots
Some are more rigid and stay open when pressure is on the one below
So improvements could be made on spacing as well as opening size



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ckossuth said:
I've never messed with anything more than a single step loop. Are the commercial ones fitting the bill? Is there even a need for something different? Sewing minds want to know!
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Negative... the rock climbing ones stink.

I think a 17” step version, and a 20” step version would be about perfect. I really liked the video G2 posted this week about the 5-step aider, stepp ladder, and knaider.
I never felt comfortable with the swaider, but I could get on board with a knaider.

The reason I say a 17” 20” step is needed is commercial sticks are typically 17”, but most guys are moving to a 20-22” two-step stick, and I like all gaps in my system to be equal. It is easier and safer in the dark to have the muscle memory of the same distance each time.


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A shorter distance between steps means you do not lean back to raise your foot into the next loop. I would not space them greater than 17 inches
When you lean back your foot goes forward not down and you get kick outs


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Ontariofarmer said:
A shorter distance between steps means you do not lean back to raise your foot into the next loop. I would not space them greater than 17 inches
When you lean back your foot goes forward not down and you get kick outs

Ahh wisdom amongst us. I have agree.

If you can go up and not lean backwards you are being more efficient. You are also being safer without having loosen the linesman’s lanyard.


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Aider distance is way tougher than on sticks, especially coming down.

I did 20" spacing to match my sticks when I made my 2 step aider inspired by the DaveT design. Coming down I have a very hard time getting that bottom step and usually end up using the Cain method to get to the ground. It works but it's not ideal. Above the first stick I only use the top step of my aider.

Otherwise I am pretty happy with my movable design. I center the knot in the top bracket so in that case having the knot helps stabilize it.
 
elk yinzer said:
Aider distance is way tougher than on sticks, especially coming down.

I did 20" spacing to match my sticks when I made my 2 step aider inspired by the DaveT design. Coming down I have a very hard time getting that bottom step and usually end up using the Cain method to get to the ground. It works but it's not ideal. Above the first stick I only use the top step of my aider.

Otherwise I am pretty happy with my movable design. I center the knot in the top bracket so in that case having the knot helps stabilize it.
Click to expand...


I agree with you here - for modified sticks (24 inch steps) having anything over a one step aider is just not worth it - I can easily get 6 foot per stick which puts me at 20 foot with 3 sticks stepping up to platform and all the steps are easily hit. I am not sure I will ever go the Stepp route as sticks just work so well for me - but I am going to give the stepp method a shot. I know some have said leaners are not tough with a 4 step aider but IME leaners are hard enough with a stick to grab hold of - I am not sure I want to even try stepps/aiders on any tree that leans. just to save 3 perhaps 3 pounds. But I am not ruling it out. For close in bed hunting I will stick to sticks for sure.
 
16-17" spacing and MUCH STIFFER IN THE TOP of the step that little "V" is what will hold the step open with out having to bulk up the bottom of the step. I have tried most of them. a glow in the dark thread on the top inside of the step would just be bad ass maybe it could say Tetherd ! lol
 
DaveT1963 said:
I agree with you here - for modified sticks (24 inch steps) having anything over a one step aider is just not worth it - I can easily get 6 foot per stick which puts me at 20 foot with 3 sticks stepping up to platform and all the steps are easily hit. I am not sure I will ever go the Stepp route as sticks just work so well for me - but I am going to give the stepp method a shot. I know some have said leaners are not tough with a 4 step aider but IME leaners are hard enough with a stick to grab hold of - I am not sure I want to even try stepps/aiders on any tree that leans. just to save 3 perhaps 3 pounds. But I am not ruling it out. For close in bed hunting I will stick to sticks for sure.
Click to expand...
I'd agree- I run a 22" moveable aider and even if i set my platform at the same height as the top of my last step Im at 16.5-17' which is plenty for 95% of the timber I hunt it.
 
i'd like to see a 17" 4 step aider. Although the current ones aren't that bad.
 
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I would think that making sections of "steps" that come in 2's and 3's, that can be girth hitched to a loop to attach to sticks or stepps, or to each other would be sweet. Basically a modular system. I can make a 2 step aider that hangs directly off bottom of a stick, or girth hitch to a loop that attaches to top of stick or a branch or whatever. I would not do excessive step spacing as noted above.

The aider I've used the most I tied out of tubular webbing. Two step, with stiff climbing rope inside the webbing in the bottom of each step. I then used electric tape to stiffen a little more. The spacing is about 15", with a loop that goes over the bottom of a stick step. I would love that exact aider to be able to go over the top step of sticks too.

I also think your idea of doing the daisy chain with sewn loops is great - this would be cool to incorporate on the top of climbing sticks. With DIY sticks, one could leave a couple inches of the stick tube protruding on top of stick. SLide the loop that gives you the best spacing over top of stick and there ya go.

These are not fully formed thoughts just ramblings...
 
Sew in a piece of non memory forming small plastic/ abs/ klydex etc to keep the loop open Into the step . That way after you step it will return to straight open or near to it .
 
Keep the ideas coming! The gears are turning. I've done a couple mock ups and I think I've already solved the issue of keeping the step open.
 
Petzl, and BD pretty much have it down in my opinion. I'd say the biggest upgrade would be a modular setup.
 
I really like the "foot cinch" aider that @swampsnyper came up with. It eliminates half the battle of getting your foot in the thing and it's always attached to you. I am looking for a way to improve the "cinch" and perhaps some adjustability.
 
Not for the faint of heart... meant to hang off the top bracket of a beast stick. Amsteel 1/4 with a piece of 9 mm in the top step, have to find my scale.

F1A93DCC-BD90-40B2-A30D-849A0A5FD43E.jpeg
 
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