• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Wrapping a platform

W

Wilgabeast

Active Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2021
Messages
155
A concern I have getting into the saddle and platform game is that wet rubber boots will tend to squeak moving on metal. So I thought about wrapping my platform with a cobra weave of 750 chord . But then thought that the parachord would hold a lot more foreign scent then the bare metal would . And my scent control regiment is so strict and dialed in that I don’t really pay much attention to wind . So I’m having second thoughts about wrapping the platform . What are the thoughts ? And what are your experiences with boots squeaking ?
 
I wrapped my RR out of the same concerns and discovered my boots don’t squeak that bad. My rubber soled mucks squeak but barely, my insulated hunting boots don’t squeak at all. And I’ve hunted in the pouring rain, light rain, dew, etc. I found the wrap just held onto dirt and other crap so I removed it. If you’re really concerned just get it nice and clean and hit the areas where you’ll be standing with bed liner or some other type product.
 
That’s good info . Yea I’m worried about a wrap holding scent . I plan to just paint my platform but was considering wrapping it
 
IME rubber boots don’t squeak as much as one would think.
I wrapped my platform with vet wrap but am not concerned about scent.

One suggestion would be to use rubber coated wire.
 
Wilgabeast said:
A concern I have getting into the saddle and platform game is that wet rubber boots will tend to squeak moving on metal. So I thought about wrapping my platform with a cobra weave of 750 chord . But then thought that the parachord would hold a lot more foreign scent then the bare metal would . And my scent control regiment is so strict and dialed in that I don’t really pay much attention to wind . So I’m having second thoughts about wrapping the platform . What are the thoughts ? And what are your experiences with boots squeaking ?
Click to expand...
If you go with a cast aluminum platform like the EDP or wingman I don’t think you’ll deal with squeaking. I’ve had both and never found cast to be squeaky whatsoever. Not saying you couldn’t maybe get it to squeak if you did something obnoxious but I don’t think normal hunting movement would be a concern.
 
I've seen people use zip ties instead of paracord for extra traction. I'm out of town on business this month but when I get back my plan is to hit my Rebel Fab 1-stick with a few heavy coats of primer, and sprinkle sand on it while still wet. Sponge camo over that. I've done that for extra grip on tool handles and flashlights, but first time on a hunting platform. After I do I'll have to pay attention to any boot squeaks.
 
I use a predator platform and only wear rubber boots. No issues with squeaking or slipping. I do have the outer edge wrapped wilth paracord but don’t think it effects scent control.
 
I never had a squeak from boots but I don’t wear knee highs either. Used the MISSION and EDP.
 
most of my boots have a very small cut in the tread for a small heel, the only sound i ever get is when i am leaning the heel area of my boot against the platform and slip a bit so that i land on the arches and so slide that short heel transition on the edge

happens maybe once a hunt and can be avoided if i pay attention

so i've never needed the paracord wrap
 
I wrapped a solo scout in vet wrap but my reason had nothing to do with traction or boot squeak. I found it can help tremendously with inadvertent sounds from other things hitting the platform like cam buckles, climbing sticks, tree bolts. You don’t get the “ping” nearly as much. Having said that, my predator is just painted and I have no plans of changing that
 
BackSpasm said:
I wrapped a solo scout in vet wrap but my reason had nothing to do with traction or boot squeak. I found it can help tremendously with inadvertent sounds from other things hitting the platform like cam buckles, climbing sticks, tree bolts. You don’t get the “ping” nearly as much. Having said that, my predator is just painted and I have no plans of changing that
Click to expand...
Similar. I wrapped mine more for when setting it up. I tend to be a little clumsy. So anything to help with set up if I bump it into something.
 
Gonna echo that I've never had boots squeaking or slipping on my Wild Edge Perch or my OAL Ridge Runner. But I did do a minor "skeletonized" paracord wrap on both, just to dampen sound. Sometimes a tread from my boots will kinda ping off an edge, or something bangs against the platform during the climb and installation. The paracord helps dampen the sound from a ringing bell to a soft metal *plonk*.
 
Revisiting this topic...

I had a minor one-sticking misadventure the other day. It turns out I wasn't squarely on the uphill side of the tree, and the trunk was so coated in ice from a recent sleet event that I wasn't able to toe dig. At all. Just skidded right off the tree. With the result that I rashed up not one but two new, Black Diamond, aluminum 'biners on my top step/platform. And poked a hole in the shin of my beloved all-rubber Kamik pac boots. So, tonight I'll be wrapping my Rebel Fab stick. I'm having trouble finding pictures of this done, and the crennelated edge profile seems a unique challenge to the project. Any suggestions?
 
The 'Cobra Weave' looks cool.

I've never done it and do NOT have the patience to try it...
 
Instead of paracord get a roll of the rubber coated wire tie stuff. I didn't weave...just used where I needed it. cut into pieces long enough to tie a clove hitch if I remember correctly....Rubbery grip and won't hold water. They have it at the dollar store or wally world
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top