I use Hawk Helium sticks. I recommend getting 4 so you can get higher up in the tree. Other recommendation is to not worry about getting them Rambo strapped to the tree - having the straps a little loose is good enough to get you up the tree safely and actually helps when breaking them down.

 

Hawk helium are probably your best bet. Their stands are meh but their sticks are slick.

 

If you are looking for budget sticks, that are pretty well built, Hawk and XOP sticks are hard to beat. They are both going to be a little heavier than other offerings, but they reflect that in the price.

I have a set of Hawk's that I started out with. Dang good sticks for the money.

 

Hawk helium sticks are hard to beat for price but the standoffs are pretty short. If you have big feet be careful.

 

Tethrd Skeletor sticks

 

That’s what I’m running but they are a little more expensive than the hawk and in my opinion far superior.

 

Look around for some used Lone Wolf or helium sticks. If you are leaving them out, finding something used is easier to stomach when stolen.

 

I’ve been using Big Game sticks that I’ve Bought during end of year clearance from Rural King and Sportsman warehouse for around $40-50 for a 20’ set. I have 10 sets that I have been using and they have held up really well.

 

If leaving them out, get the cheap inter -locking type that all connect together. Hands down the best and safest. Heavy...but the best!

 

100%
I get them at the end of the year sometimes for $25-$30. I have a few trees I leave them in to make things quick and easy.

 

I agree with these guys if you plan on leaving them out. I've had some out there for many years that are still in excellent shape. I add a few extra ratchet straps to keep them tight to the tree.

https://www.ruralking.com/big-game-quick-stick-20-foot-climbing-stick-cs050

 

The Hawk minis have worked great for me the past few seasons. Not the lightest, but they get the job done. I use EWO webbing daisy chains on them instead of cam straps.

I found I prefer fixed steps instead of folding, so if I was going with a new set of budget sticks it would be the XOP X2s.




I'm thinking about getting a few sets of those for the small acreage around my house. It would be nice to just climb up and set up my platform each time instead of setting my sticks every time.

 

What about just screw in hooks? https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/muddy-accessory-hooks?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CHunting%7CHunting%7CNAud%7CTopPerf%7CNMT&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA-P-rBhBEEiwAQEXhHwYU0CiMcwq8LBdgnDUl32Z4GzXBcbw-cZrJpECS6CyBV0einqKnqBoCI5UQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

If you on public it’s hard to beat Hawk helium sticks for an affordable entry level stick. If you hunting private I highly recommend a Treehopper hand drill and hardened steel bolts. They are affordable compact and lightweight. Presets can be done with a cordless drill.

 

Tethrd skeletor

 

Midway USA has Muddy Pro 20" aluminum sticks on sale now for $109.99.

 

I use theee and really like them. Hard to beat them

 

Thank you very much for the input. It’s crazy how many choices there are now. I Can remember getting excited when I bought a screw in step installer 30+ years ago. Btw I forgot to mention that I tried the heliums and they don’t give much boot room. That’s why I was leaning toward like a rivers edge type and just using a ratchet strap instead of a cam buckle on them and also a second strap at the bottom to keep them quiet

 

Xop x2 sticks are pretty nice for the price.

 

I hate Hawk but they are a good stick to start. Then you will upgrade and not look back

 

Love the XOP x2. The heliums are nice too. They do not pack as well.

 

You’re confusing two different climbing aides.

Climbing sticks are short (usually 30” or less), lighter and meant for mobile/run and gun types of hunting.

Stick ladders are made of (usually) 4’ sections that stack on top of each other, going up the tree. They are quite bit heavier, and meant to be semi permanent.

Buying climbing sticks for a semi permanent stand is waste of money. You could by 3-4, 16’ stick ladders for the price of 3 mid to high end climbing sticks.

 

Drill & Bolt Combo Packs

treehopperllc.com

 

I have a box of 3 Hawk Helium Sticks I was given by a local shop. I can make you a real good deal on them as I am not a climber.