Ok so I’m brand new to the saddle world and still picking up the pieces. I will still be using my climbers some in trees I sit often. My reason for going with a saddle is for the areas where there are no climbable trees and for the super long walks. With that being said, after doing a bunch of reading and watching I thought I had narrowed down the climbing method to a few wild edge steps, 5 step aider and knaider/Swaider. But this morning I watched a video on the one stick method and I kinda liked the looks of that too. I will be using a platform and hunting from a variety of heights from 10-30’. The majority of the trees will be “funky” shaped trees and or a decent amount of branches. I would love to pick up a few different methods but with a baby coming next month and remodeling our house I’m stuck to just one. What are some pros and cons for each method with the type of trees I will be using? Recommendations of one over the other?
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Wild edge vs one stick method
- Thread starter Fuldrae
- Start date
I did the one stick method last year. It obviously takes longer to get up and down, and is more physically demanding but is a very cost-effective method since you only need one stick.
I'm going with wild edge steps this year with a knaider and will likely use a 5 step aider.
I'm going with wild edge steps this year with a knaider and will likely use a 5 step aider.
I’m new to one stick method and I’m learning each climb. But I agree taking your time is key.
I like the one stick method more than steps for these reasons:
1. Having only one stick is easy to carry and less ropes to worry about it. A couple of seconds at the base of the tree to get started and after getting down.
2. Easier to me in the dark to climb with.
3. Safer as you are always tethered instead of using a linesman belt.
4. Don’t have to have much for linesman belt or extra rope man. Saves $100.
5. Can go as high as you want with one stick.
It probably is a little slower though.
1. Having only one stick is easy to carry and less ropes to worry about it. A couple of seconds at the base of the tree to get started and after getting down.
2. Easier to me in the dark to climb with.
3. Safer as you are always tethered instead of using a linesman belt.
4. Don’t have to have much for linesman belt or extra rope man. Saves $100.
5. Can go as high as you want with one stick.
It probably is a little slower though.
I climbed with 1 stick for years. It's a great way to climb and as others have stated it's safe and an easy climbing method to carry. You will probably sweat. It's not hard to do but it takes effort. When moving the stick I'd suggest never disconnecting the strap off the stick to move it. Just loosen it and work the strap up the tree. That will prevent you from dropping the stick and getting stuck off the ground. If your climbing a tree with branches tie the stick to yourself with some 550 cord so you can unclip the strap and get around them. This method worked best for me with a multi step aider. That way you can start higher and continue to place the stick high each time for more efficiency.
Thanks! Good idea on tying it on. A multi step aided is definitely what I was thinking.
Thinking of building my own stick and was definitely going to go that route. The couple videos I’ve seen with people using them the cam has been kinda noisy. Are there some brands quieter than others?
I’m not for sure but I think they all can be quiet if you used slowly. When you pull the rope out fast, the teeth can clank together. You can pull the rope out slow or use your fingers to keep them from clanking though.
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Like @clint6760 said, go slow and they are quiet. If I were you though, not tying a knot in the cam cleat, I would have a secondary way to get back down the tree so if the rope slips and you lose your stick your not stuck. Your secondary can be something as small as 1 Cranford rope step that you can use to "1 step" your way down. It'll take a while but it's something.
Yeah I forgot to mention that but I do have something. Normally a screw in step. But you could use about anything in a pinch.
Oh and the biggest downfall I think to one sticking is not being able to get down a tree in a hurry for whatever reason like early morning poops.
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I started out with paracord tied to my RCH and then to my stick. That didn’t work well because it kept getting tangled. Now I carry about a 5ft. Piece of tubular webbing with a loop in each end. I keep it in my leg pocket so I can get to it easy. If I loose my stick, I can teather the webbing around the tree and step into the loop that’s hanging to get myself down. I practice this by climbing up then lowering my stick to the ground and using the Webbing for a self rescue.
I've only knocked my stick off the tree once while climbing. I must not have gotten the rope fully in the cam cleat because it fell off as soon as I tried to step on it. I just hooked up my rappel line, swapped over to it and rappelled down. I then started the climb over from the ground using the rappel line. At least I didn't have to advance my rope for the first couple of stick moves. 
I know a Doyle’s hoist and gear grappler can pickup sticks. I have dropped them and picked them up
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