For all of you that have been wondering which to buy between the LW sticks and the Muddy sticks, here is a side by side comparison. One thing to remember is that when you buy a package of LW sticks you get three sticks and when you buy Muddy sticks you get four sticks. The first photo shows the overall height side by side between the two. The LW made it about 13' from the ground to the top step. The Muddy sticks made it about 13'6" from the ground to the top step. More photos to follow.
LW sticks vs. Muddy sticks side by side
Bowfreak
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Yes...I already knew the math and am very familiar with both brands....but great to see you post for those that know little about either. Also, the UCR's aren't tricky imo, but do require 2 hands to tighten, and only one to loosen. I use a Linesmans belt(as everyone should) when installing sticks.
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More information
I just got back inside from testing how big a tree each of them could go around. The LW will go around a tree up to 65". The Muddy sticks will go around a tree up to 68". Not much difference.
You can buy extension from LW for $5.95 each plus shipping. The extension add 36" to your existing straps.
Not sure Muddy is offering anything yet. But since it only a climbing rope tied with an knot and ran through the side of the step I am sure you could just buy enough climbing rope to replace then entire rope that comes with the steps to any length you needed. Not saying I recommend this or they would but assuming you knew what the original rope was rated at you could make sure you got something as strong if not stronger.
I just got back inside from testing how big a tree each of them could go around. The LW will go around a tree up to 65". The Muddy sticks will go around a tree up to 68". Not much difference.
You can buy extension from LW for $5.95 each plus shipping. The extension add 36" to your existing straps.
Not sure Muddy is offering anything yet. But since it only a climbing rope tied with an knot and ran through the side of the step I am sure you could just buy enough climbing rope to replace then entire rope that comes with the steps to any length you needed. Not saying I recommend this or they would but assuming you knew what the original rope was rated at you could make sure you got something as strong if not stronger.
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LW are made in the USA, muddy's aren't. I bought LW for that reason.
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Nice comparision. Thanks for taking the time.
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I have the lone wolf sticks and just bought the UCR's, I actually have never used the sticks to hunt with, but have them just in case I want to make a bunch of noise some morning. I also ordered the Muddy sticks, I like the looks of that cam system, looks a little easier, who knows might even use them this year. I will post my thought on how they both compare in a back yard test.
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Just curious, how do the gorilla sticks compare to these two? Anyone have any experience with them? I am in possibly in the market for some lightweight sticks and am currently undecided between the 3.
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Quite honestly, if you are buying climbing sticks for permanent use on private property, you are wasting your money. Climbing sticks are awesome *for their intended* purpose, which is hiking in to remote areas with lightweight, compact equipment. But to hang a stand on Grandpa's farm and purchase climbing sticks for that is silly. Other options, such as Ameristep's rapid rails, are MUCH easier to climb, less expensive, and generally better in every way than climbing sticks if you have no intentions of moving your stand constantly.
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3,551 Posts
I can't see why you would want the muddys.
They only go 6" higher. But the spacing between steps is longer making the cold winter climbs in all the insulated gear that much tougher. Then you ad extra inch between the pcs. Of course it will reach 6" higher. So for the price you get the same height regardless of number of pcs you got.
So muddy
you get to go up and down the tree yet an additional time.
You get extra bulk.
And not made USA. To me it matters. And LW is local so I try to support my neighbors.
Only negative I heard was the buckle which is solved with fleece tape or ucrs. And the single step thing which makes no sense to me. Never had a problem and if there was I take the toe and flip it to the otherside.
They only go 6" higher. But the spacing between steps is longer making the cold winter climbs in all the insulated gear that much tougher. Then you ad extra inch between the pcs. Of course it will reach 6" higher. So for the price you get the same height regardless of number of pcs you got.
So muddy
you get to go up and down the tree yet an additional time.
You get extra bulk.
And not made USA. To me it matters. And LW is local so I try to support my neighbors.
Only negative I heard was the buckle which is solved with fleece tape or ucrs. And the single step thing which makes no sense to me. Never had a problem and if there was I take the toe and flip it to the otherside.
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One thing to consider is you can hang a bunch of stands with 4 sticks and just haul the sticks in to access the stand. Cuts down on visibility of the stand when you are not in it and decreases the chances of it getting stolen. :thumbs_up
I carry steps for just that reason. I also will add a step at the top so that when I am hanging the stand I have my two feet even.
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Actually even if you set them at the same distance perfectly you will be a few inches higher with the Muddy. I didn't set every LW 1 closer between steps that's just the way the first one came out. If you don't trust me you can just add the dimensions up. But again it's only a few inches. What I was trying to do is debunk the idea that the Muddy's are smaller and I won't get at high with them as the LW sticks. Which I show that what you get in one package (3 - LW and 4 Muddy sticks) you basically get to the same height. Also the difference between steps is 15" versus 18" and 18" isn't much of a stretch even for a short guy like me.
As far as bulk, that could go either way. The Muddy's do stick up a little higher since there is one more stick but are 12" shorter so they don't hang out past the bottom or top of your stand. I would call that a wash.
Made in the US then yes the LW wins that one.
LW's are lighter than the Muddy's by about 2 lbs if I remember correctly
The buckle on LW's versus the rope system on the Muddy's is a no contest. Again I love my LW stuff, I have 4 of the sticks and two of their stands. Great product won't sell or trade them ever. But heads up the rope system wins. And since it's faster than the buckle I would bet you could make the extra trip down the tree and back up. Or watch how the guy on youtube takes all his sticks up as he goes and you don't even have to come back down.
I will say this again I am not bashing LW or trying to tell you what to buy. Since I have both I am in a position to give an honest review of them to help you make a decision based upon all the information I can provide.
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:thumbs_up
Great comparison. I've been waiting for someone to do a real-deal comparison, thank! Also... I like the looks of the Muddy's rope attachment system. I looks handy b/c the mechanism is directly in front of you vs. off to the side like on the LW cam buckle straps or even my UCR's.:beer:
Now, I will add one comment about the spacing between steps: I know that the 3" difference (15" on the LW's and 18" on the Muddy's) doesn't sound like much, but it IS significant for ALOT of people. This is especially true in the winter when you are trying to get up a climbing stick with heavy insulated pants/bibs on. The pants and bibs will seriously decrease your range of motion and will likely hinder you from making an 18" step. 15" is pretty "safe"... 18" WILL be problems for SOME people, count on it. I studied this when I was designing my climbing sticks. As it turns out, I made my prototypes at 15" step to step spacing like the Lone Wolf ones.
-ZA
Great comparison. I've been waiting for someone to do a real-deal comparison, thank! Also... I like the looks of the Muddy's rope attachment system. I looks handy b/c the mechanism is directly in front of you vs. off to the side like on the LW cam buckle straps or even my UCR's.:beer:
Now, I will add one comment about the spacing between steps: I know that the 3" difference (15" on the LW's and 18" on the Muddy's) doesn't sound like much, but it IS significant for ALOT of people. This is especially true in the winter when you are trying to get up a climbing stick with heavy insulated pants/bibs on. The pants and bibs will seriously decrease your range of motion and will likely hinder you from making an 18" step. 15" is pretty "safe"... 18" WILL be problems for SOME people, count on it. I studied this when I was designing my climbing sticks. As it turns out, I made my prototypes at 15" step to step spacing like the Lone Wolf ones.
-ZA
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""Made in America"" that's what I missed.....
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Same here. I will not consider something else if they are the same price and not made in the USA.
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Great Review of the products sold "AS IS". I think it was very honest and helpful to many people. I just bought the LW sticks about a week ago and used them this weekend. I really liked them even with the buckle.
I agree with the Made in America statements. If they are the same price I would by the American made as well. Better yet, thet are made in Wisconsin, so I definately needed to give them a shot.
I agree with the Made in America statements. If they are the same price I would by the American made as well. Better yet, thet are made in Wisconsin, so I definately needed to give them a shot.
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95 Posts
I got Muddy's and noticed the parts being too sharp on the corners and called about that and asked if I can break them into softer corners. Got an "ok" for that and did it.
I wonder if anyone who got the Muddys got the same thing sharp parts?
I wonder if anyone who got the Muddys got the same thing sharp parts?
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How about the noise that others are reporting on the Muddy sticks when all of your weight is placed on the top step? I have read about this loud noise on another forum. Are you Muddy stick users having this noise issue too? My Lone Wolfs are quiet and made in Good Ole USA.
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