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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Iowabowhunter on August 01, 2019, 09:22:50 AM
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Good morning,
Looking to venture out of my comfort zone a bit this year and hunt some public land. I've got 3 different areas scouted, with a couple preferential wind directions for each.
May get a new hang on stand, but currently have a Hawk Helium which is ok-I'd really like more leveling capability esp for the platform, but I'm also saving up for binoculars so we'll see.
What I do need and will get before season is a better set of sticks.
I'd like something fairly packable and lightweight, however ease of use and double steps are more important to me.
I'm really considering the Muddy Pro sticks, or the new Hawk Helium. I don't care to be 20+ feet off of the ground, better shot angles and cover for most of my spots being 12-16 so I don't think the height of either stick is a big deal.
I am really intrigued with the rope cam system on the Muddy, although the new Hawk's have that versa button knockoff deal.
Anybody had dealings with either of these products, or know of another type of stick I should be looking at?
Thanks!
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Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks are some of the best IMO
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I have to agree with the lone wolf, I’ve been using them for a lot of years , and have recently dropped the cam strap and did the rope conversion, this dropped a little weight and simplified set up a little. The lone wolf sticks like others have a step that can be used on either side of the stick , they are light and nest together well. I use bungee cords to attach them to my stand when packing in to my stand site. If I’m leaving the stand overnight on public land I’ll pull the bottom 2 sections of ladder.
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Dave, can you elaborate on the rope conversion option?
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I like the reputation of the Lone Wolf's- however until they come out with a double step stick I'm out, I'm sure they are lighter but trying to navigate that in the dark is concerning and I'm not willing to risk it. May look at their stands however!
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I have a set of field n stream sticks with double steps. hangs just like LW sticks.
I have a set of both and although a little heavier I like the field n stream .
Double steps are more akin to climbing a ladder.
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Are we allowed to post up of websites who sell equipment, theres a guy off another site selling double step style sticks,parts I don't want to get in bother, everyone seems to rate his gear and it looks good,regards wayne
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I’ve used the lone wolf sticks quite a bit and also Rapid Rails. I’ve sold all my lone wolf sticks cause I had several instances of my boots slipping off the end of the step. They’re also a little close the tree for me. I like the rapid rails for how they set out away from tree and the enclosed step. Haven’t used the Hawk or Muddy but they seem like good products.
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I use Ameristep Rapid Rails. They are for sure the most climbing friendly set up. They are however bulky, especially if you have to bust brush. If you have to got far I would reconsider the Lone Wolf sticks. They are light, trim, and with a lineman belt pretty easy to climb.
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Dave, can you elaborate on the rope conversion option?
Carcajou.. I’m not sure if attaching a link is ok here or not. But do a search of
“Lone wolf rope mod” you replace the cam buckle strap with a single piece of quality I believe 8mm climbing rope.. works very well.
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Lone wolf! If you want to try the rope mods, it’s something you can try on the cheap. I prefer the strap and buckles that come on them.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Don't know how it is up north but here in Florida you have to lock your stand to the tree or risk it being stolen on public lands.
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Don't know how it is up north but here in Florida you have to lock your stand to the tree or risk it being stolen on public lands.
I would pull my set each sit.
Again, not going to use a single step ladder when there are multiple double step versions available.
Anybody use the Muddy w/rope cam?
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I've got the Helium Hawk sticks. I had a hip replacement last year and need the double step. Haven't hunted with them yet, but have been practicing with them in the yard. I really like them, they are light, secure, and mount a nice distance off the tree. I also did the rope mod that makes them a bit lighter I suppose, but really just wanted to eliminate the buckle. You can buy the Versa Buttons off Lone Wolf's site. There are a number of video's on YouTube showing how to do it. I've paired them with a Lone Wolf Assault stand and it makes for a nice mobile set up.
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I did some looking and Rapid Rails are apparently no longer being made. That is shocking given how many have used them. It looks like Muddy and Summit still make something similar but not as well thought out. Either look easy to climb though.
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I’ve had success with hawk helium. You can get a 3 pack for under a 100 bucks online.
Easy to hang, but more importantly, have the double step which makes me feel more secure.
Josh
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lone wolf sticks and hang on stands are the best in my opinion I spend a lot of time on state ground hanging hunting and taking the stand and steps when I leave very fast very lite weight safe and also very comfortable
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I have the heliums, have only used them last year. got a set of the new ones and they are the exact same exept for the versa button and the locking cups for packing together. I think they are the best on the market right now as far as double steps and weight wise. can be had for a good price to. and im thinking of doing the rope mod also.
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I have a few of the lone wolf stands. I had four of the lone wolf sticks and sold them because I don’t like the single step either. Have been researching replacement options and have it down to the same two you are considering, I’m currently leaning towards the heliums. If you have lots of spare money I’d look at the lone wolf custom gear D’aquisto series stand and sticks, probably the best hang on setup out there. Whatever you get be sure to practice in the yard lots. And don’t give up on stuff too soon. Sometimes it take a dozen or so trips up and down to get used to the equipment and figure out a system.
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I have the Hawk Helium and quit looking for a better stick the moment I first used them. Light, quiet, packable, double step, very easy to use. I am glad they started making them again.
I have used the Muddy sticks and they are not for me.
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Dave, can you elaborate on the rope conversion option?
Carcajou.. I’m not sure if attaching a link is ok here or not. But do a search of
“Lone wolf rope mod” you replace the cam buckle strap with a single piece of quality I believe 8mm climbing rope.. works very well.
Appreciate the link, Dave.
I like the looks of the rope mod and plan to give it a try.
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I have the Hawk Helium and quit looking for a better stick the moment I first used them. Light, quiet, packable, double step, very easy to use. I am glad they started making them again.
I have used the Muddy sticks and they are not for me.
Thanks!
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Love my Hawk Helium with the rope mods. I also use a suspension relief strap I got with a safety harness as an Aider works great. I use a rubber band to keep the stap in place on my foot, and mount the first step above my head. I then hook the Carabiner over the top left rung of the step, put my boot or shoe in the middle of the tree and step up and step my right foot on the bottom right rung. I unhook the Carabiner and go up 2 steps and repeat the process. works fantastic and even with short legs I can get to 20 feet with 3 steps. Works Amazing and coming down woks well also. Pics
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Here is the spacing when I climb.
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blessed one: have you ever considered useing a pc. of amsteel rope with loops spliced into both ends? i think it would work every bit as well and would eliminate the noise potential of the metal on metal contact...just a thought :dunno:
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That would work for sure if I knew how to splice it. The thing that’s nice about the way I am doing it is I can hook the aider to my harness as I am going up to put the next step on the tree. I am going to put tape on the caribiner to eliminate any chance of noise.