Whats up with the 'Sladder Climbing system"?

[tcg144]

I know rappelling is all the rage, but what do you imagine this would be like to climb down? Not really interested in carrying a rappel rope.

I don’t think you would be able to come down with it. Not sure how you could attach the amsteel below your feet to do a move.

 

[gcr0003]

I know rappelling is all the rage, but what do you imagine this would be like to climb down? Not really interested in carrying a rappel rope.

Coming down shouldn’t be difficult at all. Hang from your tether and move the steps down. Climb down then hang, wash and repeat. It’s basically just 2TC/aider climbing/one sticking at that point.

 

[redsquirrel]

Got my Sladder and absolutely love it!!
I've climbed with a couple different applications over the past 4-ish years, most recently with 3 steps and an inline/offset clip-on ladder.
I got 8-10 climbs in with the Sladder, trying the climbs with a tether, and then with the lineman's rope. Both work great, with the lineman's being a bit more efficient, but I've gotten comfortable over the years with the safety of using the tether to climb and will likely stick with that. As with any system, there is a slight learning curve and figuring out what works best for you... but very minimal and looking forward to using it this year - or should I say this weekend - haaa.

I am 6' tall/215-ish lbs and ordered the 8' version. I was able to get 20'-22' up in 3 movements, which was a big thing for me, and not have to worry about picking up steps on the way down. Attaching to the tree is very simple and the bottom detaches with a couple quick jerks from the top. One thing I did learn was not to attach it as tight as possible. It needs to have some slack so that it will release when pulling up on it from above - great design.

The material and workmanship appear to be top-notch and durable, and it will definitely be reducing weight and bulk getting in and out of the hunting areas.

Oh, and also recommend the 3' daisy chain extension.

I receive mine also. Haven't had a chance to climb with it. But the quality is great. First impression complaint ... these should just come with 6ft daisy chains. The daisy chain that comes with it is shorter than I realized and extensions are janky. No one fiddles with 3 ft daisy chains for sticks and then adds 3 ft extensions to them. They just buy 6 ft daisy chains.

Same impressions out of the box. Quality looks great and I'm excited to try it. After reading the daisy chain comments I took them out of the bag to look at and I would say they should probably just come with 6 foot daisy chains. I'll refrain from commenting more until I put it on a tree.

 

[gcr0003]

Same impressions out of the box. Quality looks great and I'm excited to try it. After reading the daisy chain comments I took them out of the bag to look at and I would say they should probably just come with 6 foot daisy chains. I'll refrain from commenting more until I put it on a tree.

Y’all post up some up close pictures for us wanna bes.

 

[HunterBob]

Coming down shouldn’t be difficult at all. Hang from your tether and move the steps down. Climb down then hang, wash and repeat. It’s basically just 2TC/aider climbing/one sticking at that point.

That's what I was hoping to hear. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who tries this out.

Also, did I see him using this in place of a platform? Would certainly love to hear more experience with this if anyone gives that a go as well. If this is an option, thereby eliminating the need for a platform, that would put me in the "want to buy" category.

 

[redsquirrel]

Y’all post up some up close pictures for us wanna bes.

As soon as I get a chance to play with it. Gotta go pick up all my meat from this guy tonight

 

[redsquirrel]

Same impressions out of the box. Quality looks great and I'm excited to try it. After reading the daisy chain comments I took them out of the bag to look at and I would say they should probably just come with 6 foot daisy chains. I'll refrain from commenting more until I put it on a tree.

Just had another thought on the daisy chains. Probably doesn't need full daisy chain extensions. If you had another 3 foot section that had a loop on both ends you could attach that in the end of the daisy chain and then on the side you're keeping it attached to. Just need the daisy chain part on where you are hooking as you're climbing. It makes sense in my head, I'll have to tinker.

 

[kyler1945]

That's what I was hoping to hear. Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who tries this out.

Also, did I see him using this in place of a platform? Would certainly love to hear more experience with this if anyone gives that a go as well. If this is an option, thereby eliminating the need for a platform, that would put me in the "want to buy" category.

It would defintely work as a platform with the JX3, assuming the hunter is willing to give up ability to move 360* around the tree quietly.

That said, I think it could be modified to resolve this.

 

[kyler1945]

He’s definitely expecting folks to rappel out of the tree, correct?

 

[HuumanCreed]

Same impressions out of the box. Quality looks great and I'm excited to try it. After reading the daisy chain comments I took them out of the bag to look at and I would say they should probably just come with 6 foot daisy chains. I'll refrain from commenting more until I put it on a tree.

Wow...our forum founder might actually use a different climbing method instead of WE Steppes? Never would imagined it!!!

 

[woodsdog2]

The packaging is well done with protective cardboard below and above to prevent you from cutting anything while opening it up. Construction appears very high quality. Nice personal touch to express appreciation as well.

 

[kyler1945]

Wow...our forum founder might actually use a different climbing method instead of WE Steppes? Never would imagined it!!!

That’s what happens when slammers go down in September…

 

[htimsds9999]

I know rappelling is all the rage, but what do you imagine this would be like to climb down? Not really interested in carrying a rappel rope.

I think it would be slow and you'd have lots of short moves

 

[redsquirrel]

Wow...our forum founder might actually use a different climbing method instead of WE Steppes? Never would imagined it!!!

That’s what happens when slammers go down in September…

Lol. I've tinkered with most of the climbing methods out there. Everything works in the backyard. For me the ultimate test is if it works in a hunting situation. I'm optimistic about this one, it certainly checks a lot of the boxes. Probably the big thing that I'll have to prove to myself is how comfortable I feel when I'm on some oddball trees. My stepps really shine in those situations because they are so adaptable.

 

[HunterBob]

Any updates on people's experiences? I would especially love to hear anyone trying to climb down.

 

[htimsds9999]

I hunted with mine Friday night, no practice, just climbed up the tree. For the first run, it went pretty smooth. A couple snags here and there. The tree had lots of broken branches that I had to flip the sladder around, no problems other than that.
Two and a half moves and my feet were at 18', set up the Ros and put the sladder back in my pack. Rappelled down so no help there.

Very happy with it

 

[DMTJAGER]

My tracking notice says mine will be here Tuesday. Really looking forward to getting it.

 

[DMTJAGER]

Have a question.
Has anyone tried the Sladder on a tree on a angling back or to either side? Not talking radicle angles just angles nor more significant than one could use a 24" climbing stick with.

 

[HunterBob]

Just trying to bump this thread one more time in case anyone who has a sladder has had more time to try it out. The sale they have going on ends this Friday and I'm trying to decide if I will pull the trigger or not.

 

[DroptineKrazy]

Just trying to bump this thread one more time in case anyone who has a sladder has had more time to try it out. The sale they have going on ends this Friday and I'm trying to decide if I will pull the trigger or not.

Come on man! You know your going to. lol