[tddeangelo]

Ok, so I got a Novix Echo.

Now I'm stick shopping.

There are places where I will be hunting that the trees look like a "telephone pole farm." Meaning, tall, bare(ish) trunks. I could lug my Summit climber in to those spots, I guess. That'd handle any height at which I care to sit.

For the Echo and sticks, I feel like I would be happy with a stick setup that I can use to get at least 15', with 18' being my ideal.

I've never used sticks, let alone an aider/swaider/etc.

Just looking for some ideas on what might do the job well for me... and how to use it to best effect.

I like the Tethrd Skeletor stick, but am open to ideas. I'd prefer to stay in the price range of the Skeletor if possible.

So...questions are:

-What's a decent mid-priced stick?

and

-How can I use that stick as safely as possible to reach to 15+ feet?

I do not want to set my stand higher than my top stick. I've seen youtube videos of guys doing that, and if it works for them, cool. I would prefer not to do that.

 

[Alaska at heart]

I have a set of Tethrd Skeletor sticks and like them a lot. For a mid-priced stick set, they are well designed and fairly light. Coupled with a LW Assault stand, carry strap harness and small pack to hold necessities, the setup weighs about 22#....about the same as my previous Millennium M7 setup with the same sticks. In comparison, my Cougar Claw climber weighs 19#, but is a bit more bulky in size. I sweat a LOT less using the climber than I do installing sticks and a stand, so if the trees in the area are suitable, I opt for the climber.

Height achieved is relative to your physical height. A guy that is 5'6' is not going to get as high with 3 or 4 sticks as a guy 6'6" because their legs are plainly that much longer. I set my sticks about the distance from foot to knee....so at ground level the first one is set so the bottom stick is about the height of my knee. That way with hunting clothes on I can easily step up without straining for the next stick. Being 6' tall, I get to about 15' with four Skeletors or three LW full length sticks. That is why some add an "aider" to the bottom stick so they get a boost and start up higher for another couple feet. Another way is to carry a strap-on step to install above your highest stick to give you another 18-24" of height.

 

[Venari Cervorum]

The Skeletors look really nice for the money.

I've been using 20" Hawk Heliums since they came out with 2 cable aiders. I had to sharpen the standoffs, but they've been great since.

How high a person can get with x number of sticks is very specific to each person, and something I personally feel people new to mobile stands/sticks tend to over think. I know I sure did.

I prefer cable aiders, but there's a zillion different types of aiders and everyone seems to like something a little different.

You'll likely end up burning more money than you planned by experimenting with equipment, but you'll end up figuring out what you like.

 

[tddeangelo]

Thanks!

I don't want to go right to high dollar sticks until I feel more comfortable knowing what I'm spending the money to get, if that makes sense.

I never thought of a rope step or two, but that could be a trick in my bag if needed to eek out a couple extra feet.Thank you for that idea! That's awesome.

Seems like the Skeletors are my pick. Maybe a 2-step aider on the bottom, a couple of rope steps in my pack, and I shoul be able to get to my desired height. The other stick I looked at is the Trophyline/Novix, and I like that the steps are solid and don't fold. I don't like losing 3" per stick, though.

The wife and I bumped a tax bracket and had a kid age out of the child tax credit (yet no bills went down...weird how that works), so I gotta get through my tax bill before I spend money on sticks, but then I wanna get on it so I can start practicing my climbing/setting up. I want to get comfortable setting thigns up. Since I have some woods on my property, I figured I'd practice setting up just like I will when I hunt, shoot a bit from up there, and just in general get acclimated to things well prior to the season.

 

[Venari Cervorum]

Thanks!

I don't want to go right to high dollar sticks until I feel more comfortable knowing what I'm spending the money to get, if that makes sense.

I never thought of a rope step or two, but that could be a trick in my bag if needed to eek out a couple extra feet.Thank you for that idea! That's awesome.

Seems like the Skeletors are my pick. Maybe a 2-step aider on the bottom, a couple of rope steps in my pack, and I shoul be able to get to my desired height. The other stick I looked at is the Trophyline/Novix, and I like that the steps are solid and don't fold. I don't like losing 3" per stick, though.

The wife and I bumped a tax bracket and had a kid age out of the child tax credit (yet no bills went down...weird how that works), so I gotta get through my tax bill before I spend money on sticks, but then I wanna get on it so I can start practicing my climbing/setting up. I want to get comfortable setting thigns up. Since I have some woods on my property, I figured I'd practice setting up just like I will when I hunt, shoot a bit from up there, and just in general get acclimated to things well prior to the season.

Perfect plan. Have fun!

 

[Jrain904]

Sticks are probably the most important piece of gear in your climbing method (safety) so don’t skimp too much. I’ve owned and used extensively lone wolf 3 step sticks, cut down to 2 step lone wolf sticks, LWCG sticks, and beast gear minis. The beast gear minis are the absolute best stick I’ve tried. You can get the ones not drilled with holes for a very good price.

About aiders - they are dangerous IME. I would never recommend someone use them at height. I cringe watching ppl using 2 and 3 step aiders 20 foot up a tree. I will and do use a single step 18” amsteel aider on my first stick.

 

[Steve_88]

 

[Steve_88]

I haven’t done this to mine yet but I plan on giving it a go

 

[tddeangelo]

Yeah, just to put minds at ease.... I would consider a 2-step aider on the bottom stick only.

I looked a bit at swaiders, and they seem to solve some potential problems, but I'm not ready to go that route yet.

My preference is to just get sticks and get comfortable with them before going to any sort of aider or whatever to increase the height potential of the sticks. Then I'd be inclined to look at a 2-step bottom stick aider and some rope steps (I've used those in the past) if needed to eek out a few more feet.

 

[dfitzy18]

I have used several different sticks and this past season switched from Helium Hawks to Tethrd one. I used lone wolf before the hawks. I use a 2 step aider on the first stick and then a 1 step amstel on the other 2 sticks.
I love to be able to use trees with branches to help conceal me. I recommend you practice a lot. And not just during the day but get used to going up and down in the dark. Good luck.

 

[INarchery1]

Man I about beat my head against the wall trying to fiqure out what stick I wanted to buy! I run a Novix helo and my heart kept telling me to buy the novix full length single steps! Eventually I did and I wish I would have bought them sooner! The quality is awesome, they are long but not to long ( I don’t trust using aiders and that stuff ) and then novix offers a stick quiver that the single steps fit perfectly in and then it fits very tight and secure to your back!! I know a lot of guys shy away from the full length because of the weight and the overall length but weight isn’t as important to me as safety and to me me helo, full length sticks, linesman’s belt and safety harness is as safe as it gets! No aiders, swaiders, or one sticking stuff for me! Hope this helps

 

[SDguy]

Would you intend on pulling the sticks each sit or more likely to leave the sticks for a future sit? If pulling each time Ill offer one sticking & repealing down.

This year I made the jump to saddle hunting. I am not likely to use a standard lock on much going forward. If I am returning to the same tree. for a future sit I have used the skeletor's & still prefer to repel down. I am looking for a deal for a ultimate one stick and aider for the coming season.

 

[phatkaw]

Don't buy ANY sticks if you have lots of nice straight trees where you hunt!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQP032va5oLQb-3A18PBI83ufWPcturHS

 

[godwinmt]

I'm using a lone wolf assault 2 with 4 of the full length of lone wolf sticks with the stock buckle straps. Took the time to stealth strip them, and really enjoy the setup. I attach 2 sticks together and to each side of the stand with voile straps, and makes a really easy setup to use quietly in the dark to get up about 17' pretty easily.

I have a set of molle2 straps and waist belt on the stand, and use it as the frame to haul my pack. When I get to the base of a tree, I dump my pack, and get my harness and lineman's rope on. Then I pull 2 sticks off one side of the stand, and put the stand and other 2 sticks on. First stick gets set, then I climb up it, and set the second. Pull the stand off 1 shoulder, which let's me grab the other 2 sticks off, put the other shoulder strap on, and hang the 3rd and 4th sticks. I'll hang the stand at the top, make sure it's set, before making the 1 trip down to grab my pack and bow.

I do have a haul rope on the stand and originally tethered it to my pack and bow to avoid the trip down, but with the actual sticks, no aiders to worry about finding, it's easier, quicker, and quieter to just make the one trip down to grab the pair. It typically takes all in all about 15 minutes once I'm at the tree to climb, hang, and get situated ready to hunt taking my time.

 

[LostnWoods1]

Great thread. I just bought all my saddle gear. I got the skelator sticks recently. I have a two step aider for the bottom. And will most likely get a one step for the others. I imagine I’ll get my platform to at least 17-20’ feet. Plenty high for me. I put the stealth strips on which made a big difference.

 

[1canvas]

That is one thing that was the most expensive thing for me with hang ons and sticks was finding the best for me. Over the years I have gone through well over a dozen stick and stand combos buying and selling at a loss. There is so much more with a hang on a stick combo to work well for set up and take down, easy and quiet to carry in and set up and then be halfway safe and comfortable once set up, quite different from a climber. And unless you spend a grand or more on a super light or tiny stand you will end up with as much weight as a climber. Add to that many feel the need for a fully loaded pack strapped to their hang on and now you have the bulk of a climber with more added weight. On top of that the added risks of a climbing stick kicking out and the transfer to the stand from the stick and back in the dark with heavy clothing and big boots on. Using sticks in the dark, especially climbing down in the dark is another risk.
My point is there is a lot involved in finding the right stand the best combo that works well for you and minimize risks, that keeps you buying and selling and that gets mighty expensive. Kind of reminds me of saddles.

 

[Fields]

"On top of that the added risks of a climbing stick kicking out and the transfer to the stand from the stick and back in the dark with heavy clothing and big boots on. Using sticks in the dark, especially climbing down in the dark is another risk."
I will admit I never tried it, but this paragraph is one of my main concerns in trying.. Sure seems like a lot of work. I personally couldnt imagine setting up and tearing down for every hunt..

 

[Bigpopa32]

check Out midway usa. They have a great deal on hawk helium 20’s right.

 

[dfitzy18]

"On top of that the added risks of a climbing stick kicking out and the transfer to the stand from the stick and back in the dark with heavy clothing and big boots on. Using sticks in the dark, especially climbing down in the dark is another risk."
I will admit I never tried it, but this paragraph is one of my main concerns in trying.. Sure seems like a lot of work. I personally couldnt imagine setting up and tearing down for every hunt..

It’s not as bad as you think. But it comes down to practice and reps. And take your time. I hunt primarily public so I made the switch to the saddle but I still use my hang on stand as well. I didn't like using a climber and being limited to straight trees with limited branches. I actually feel safer with my sticks then my old climbing stand. Hope that helps.

 

[1canvas]

"On top of that the added risks of a climbing stick kicking out and the transfer to the stand from the stick and back in the dark with heavy clothing and big boots on. Using sticks in the dark, especially climbing down in the dark is another risk."
I will admit I never tried it, but this paragraph is one of my main concerns in trying.. Sure seems like a lot of work. I personally couldnt imagine setting up and tearing down for every hunt..

With a hang on and sticks there are more risks but to be well equipped a hang on and sticks is an option to have for areas that a climber won’t work, it’s just a very long and expensive learning curve. You can shorten that learning curve by watching a lot of YouTube videos. Also, asking questions on here and getting an idea of what to expect will be helpful. Once you settle on a stand and sticks practicing will be really helpful.
With the right gear and technique with plenty of practice a hang on and sticks can be pretty safe.