I have used wild edge steps for several years. They are the most versatile climbing system. When used with an aider they are one of the lighter more compact climbing system. When used without an aider they are a heavy system but small children can climb them if set close enough.
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Wild edge users
- Thread starter BigAl
- Start date
SaddleUpPartner!
Well-Known Member
I have a set of 8 and I get up above 20’ easily using the aider that’s supplied with the steps. My climbing method is a modified version of the Cain method.
Used stepps last season on public land, with a 4 step aider. Gets me about 5-5,5’ per stepp. Takes a little practice but it’s worth it, much more compact than sticks. This year I’m going with 8 stepps and the aider, and 4 squirrel steps for ROS. Gives me extra stepps in case I need to climb over a limb or to assist when climbing crooked trees.
KYHunter
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2018
- Messages
- 1,113
I think so. I have 1/8” Amsteel and I threaded 2.5 mm accessory cord through it to give it some rigidity. It is so much smaller than the ropes and packs so easily.
BigAl
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info guys! 5 step aider looks like it's pretty good but what are the drawbacks to using a 4 or 5 step aider?
Aaronpaul14
Well-Known Member
Kick out, kick out, kick out.... oh and kick out. I tried it before my K/S and could never get used to that long of an aider. 2 step is the max for me. But I also prefer any aider to be attached to my foot so I don’t have to hunt for a loop.
Miboy86
Active Member
I have a set of 5 with the aider wild edge sells, I've practiced with em in the yard some but always go back to my sticks. I feel like I can set my sticks faster and easier. Not a fan of the bag on the side, was gonna get a kydex step holder but more then likely I'm just gonna sell the steps for a good deal.
Nailed it. The longer the aider, the less stable it is. A 5-step aider is very long. K/S is definitely more stable than a regular aider.
I used 5 stepps and the K/S last year. Good, compact system. The more you practice getting the stepps set properly, the less you’ll be frustrated with them in the woods. I definitely had my moments of frustration with the “fiddle factor” of getting stepps cammed properly!
Kurt
Well-Known Member
Stability. Not a problem if you have good balance, take your time, be aware of conditions that increase the chance of things becoming more slippery. Have a lapse at any time and the margins for error are slim, and you'll find yourself hanging from your safety lines at some height on that tree.
Kurt
Well-Known Member
I got a kydex holster last year. It makes a big difference on how easy it is to use the steps.
BigAl
Well-Known Member
I've picked up an aider but haven't used it yet on my stepps. Burying the toe is what I've seen as important to proper use. My biggest concern is at 20 up I get a kick out and in my late 50's ....decent shape.....I worry about getting in bad way. Practice is the key mostly but in the dark and warm clothes things happen. I do LOVE the concept of 3 stepps and aider to 20 feet. Risk vs reward.....I need practice time to be efficient and......SURE.
BigAl
Well-Known Member
Sure one way or the other!
Exactly, The key is to take the slack out of the aider by stepping down before putting your toe against the tree.
Hickel24
Member
Good things to keep in mind, I have my WE steps coming in next week. I've used bolts for a season now and it takes some time to get to height but very compact. I'm leaning towards trying the K/S first. Do you guys DIY your own or buy one from doublesteps.com? Also if you sing a 5 step aider which one?
Thanks,
Matt
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Thanks,
Matt
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Mellifluous
New Member
Steps with Knaider/Swaider, and i like it, ive tried using a webbing 3 step aider as well and prefer the knaider/swaider for sure
Aaronpaul14
Well-Known Member
I built my own swaider out of some harness pieces. Knaider is the doublesteps version.
My 5 step aider that I tried was a black diamond. Just donated that guy.
Hickel24
Member
Great thanks guys for the advice. I think I'll buy one from EWO, getting close to the season to Make my own ha.
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That's where I bought mine.
harold wright
Active Member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2018
- Messages
- 169
I use a 16 pack of stepps. I place my stepps about 14 to 16" apart. i've had my hipp and both knees replaced. Going up and down in dark it's just safer for me. about 20 to 25 minutes and im tetherd in in. I use 14 up and 1 on each side for platform. I am a setter not a leaner, to hard on my knees to lean. Early season i might 18" apart. When it gets cold and moor clothes on i set stepps closer. I carry my steeps and kestrel in a Tenzing 4000 backpack. I put kestrel and steeps in meat compartment. I put kestrel in 1st then steeps on top.I leave ropes out of bag cause 1st thing when i get to a tree is take bag out, put 4 stepps on tree, put on saddle, tie my rope on on backpack and longbow, put the stepps bag over my shoulder and away i go.