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Wild Edge Stepp Amsteel Step Aider Idea (Fixed or Removable)

After looking at it again, I think that's phenomenal. I would like to see exactly how you go about setting them up. With a fixed aider, I think it would be awesome.


Do you find that setting up the steps and getting the tension correct has gotten better for you? I will admit that I haven't used my a ton, but, I would have to adjust the tension a couple times on some to be sure theyre just right.
 
Great question! When installing the stepp to the tree, the stepp rope is slightly harder to tie and adjust tension due to the added friction of the amsteel rope. This adds a bit more time (minimal: 2 seconds or so) when getting each stepp the perfect amount of tension. When caming over, I have not noticed any ill affects of the ropes overlapping. When removing the stepp from the tree, the stepp rope is again slightly harder to untie with the added friction of the amsteel rope. Again, there is a slight increase in friction and time (2 seconds or so) but the overall function of the stepp is unaffected by the addition of the amsteel. It may even help hold the synch knot is place a bit better than metal to rope contact....not that the stepps needed that in the first place as they are solid as heck!
 
I find that the more I play with the stepps the better my ability at installing them with the proper tension gets. There is a slight learning curve on the installation of the stepps, but when the proper installation is achieved, the safety of them is second to none! Over the last 9 years of "saddle" hunting I have used lone wolf sticks, leverage sticks, bolts, cranfords, ameristeps etc. and this system is quickly becoming my favorite due to its combination of safety, weight, height attainability, customization, and the fact that they can also be used as a saddle/sling/harness platform. At just over 8 lbs I can be very mobile with their pack-ability, safely climb 20'+ quietly and efficiently, and have a saddle platform. As most others on this forum, I will continue to tinker, modify, and innovate my current setup not because I have to, but its just the way I, and probably most of you are! I will continue to research, experiment, modify, and learn from the rest of you to become a more effective "saddle" hunter!
 
I would absolutely love to see how you use 2 steps as your platform? Are you able to maneuver around the tree if a deer were not to come exactly where you wanted them to? I completely agree that the idea of the stepps is awesome.

I just couldn't figure out which aider I like the most, and I had to have an aider. I think your idea may be the ticket.

I think the RS aider is a good tactic, but I haven't taken the time to perfect it yet. I just couldn't get used to the aider being to the side of the step.

I am currently using 4 steps I tailored to my needs along with a DaveT removeable aider. My 4 sticks weigh under 9 pounds and with the single aider, I am able to ascend a tree VERY quickly and QUIETLY to over 20' without stretching them out at all.

I do think I could add a couple steps for my platform situation. Them being wider than ameristeps, I didn't get near as much foot pain as I did when using them compared to the ameristeps.
 
I like using the wild edge aider just for adjustability. I use six to climb and one to each side of the sixth as a platform. I would be fine with a fixed aider most of the time but sometimes I look up a tree and think I need to really stretch the steps out on that one. I like being able to get a little over four feet per step when I have to.
 
EricS said:
I like using the wild edge aider just for adjustability. I use six to climb and one to each side of the sixth as a platform. I would be fine with a fixed aider most of the time but sometimes I look up a tree and think I need to really stretch the steps out on that one. I like being able to get a little over four feet per step when I have to.
Click to expand...

I wonder if instead of a fixed loop, you use a small whoppie sling set up the same way for each step. Then you could adjust it for those steps that you would be setting a bit further apart.
 
Please don’t judge my artistic ability....

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Notice that the 2 stepps are staggered where the person would have one foot on each of the stepps. The person could then swing around while keeping one foot on a stepp to make a shot in the opposing side of the tree (dashed arrows). The person should also be able to shoot in any other direction by maneuvering around the tree in either direction (solid arrows). Keep in mind that this is a minimalist approach at being able to shoot 360 degrees around the tree. Unless the tree is small in diameter, the person won’t be able to swing all around the tree but should be able to shoot all around the tree Similar to most saddle platforms (xop, lone wolf etc) unlike the ring of steps (Ameristeps, cranfords, silent approach etc.)


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Peterk1234 said:
I wonder if instead of a fixed loop, you use a small whoppie sling set up the same way for each step. Then you could adjust it for those steps that you would be setting a bit further apart.
Click to expand...
You could do that but it would require some fiddling if you had it girthed to the corner of the step. What I like about the wild edge or any adjustable foot loop type aider is I can insert my foot then adjust it shorter to the point that it would be difficult to get my foot in a fixed aider. I like your setup and If I was running 10 steps or using a different platform I would consider doing the same as you.
 
I use Amsteel ropes on my steps and the bottom step has a 3 step aider on it. I hang the first step about eye height and climb from there.
 

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Aalopez said:
I use Amsteel ropes on my steps and the bottom step has a 3 step aider on it. I hang the first step about eye height and climb from there.
Click to expand...
Do you use 1 3 step and rest single aiders? I feel fairly confident in using aiders and ordered 3 3 step aiders to use on my we steps. Thinking I can get right at 17ft with 3 that way.

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Welcome and a great idea. Have you considered Amsteel to replace the poly ropes supplied with the steps? It is a little different to get them to cam over but saves a tremendous amount of bulk. If you do, make sure on your last pass thru you leave a loop so you can remove the step easily.
 
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