Going to be hunting on public land next season. I'm looking for the best climbing sticks. I don't have an experience with any, I always used my stacking sticks on private land. So which are better as far as setting up, amount of noise, height, weight, packing, safety ?
For me it is Lone Wolf Sticks, hands down.
David
Lone Wolf for me.
doug77
Are you guys using the 32" or shorter ones?
I love my API stacking sticks but if money is no object the lonewolfs are realy nice also. Widow
Rapid rails, I like the way they will fit a crooked tree.
If weight compactness and or packing is deciding factor LW sticks hands down. For everyday use Rapid rails.
Yes the long ones. If your in good shape you can get a LONG way up with 3 sticks.
doug77
I recently bought the long lone wolf sticks. I debated on this for a long time, but believe it was the right choice. I hunt pretty far from the truck and the light weight was a big deciding factor. Also the fact that they were made in the USA. I try to buy USA made whenever I can.
I have both the lone wolf sticks and the rapid rails. Recently weighed them and they are virtually the same. I prefer the rapid rails. They go on easier for me, provide a better step for your foot, you can get just a little higher with same amount of sticks, and I have trouble with all the pointed ends on the lone wolf sticks. They catch on everything, especially when you want to put them in a tree without trimming.
Lone Wolf. And if you have a Lone Wolf stand they attach right to your stand with a couple of bungy cords.
Lone Wolf hands down!!!!
I've used them all and have quite a collection.
Most of my stands have a Lone wolf as the first step. and a Gorilla tree step at the top. Usually rapid rails or gorillas in between.
I like having both feet secure and at even height at the top when hanging a stand. Gorillas provide this. Gorilla are also easy to hang and relatively quiet. You can also buy them cheap as a single but they are the heaviest.
LW are pricey, easy up, lightweight and quiet. They also have the smallest foot placement and if it's muddy you're standing on a shiv. I've seen the results of contact between a ribcage and a LW step.
Rapid Rails are the easiest climbing, Takes some experience to quickly place. Can be noisy depending on the tree and how well they are secured. Great for muddy conditions. Never slip.
Noise is down on my list of importance. I've dropped a themos of coffee that banged off the my LW steps on it's way to the ground while my unsilenced phone was ringing and a buck just kept on eating until I shot him.
Id have to say the best of the best are the Lone Wolf climbing sticks. I own one of the Lone Wolf climbers and still use the sticks and hang on more often. They are the most mobile and versitile you can buy.
Ameristep aluminum Rapid Rails. Nothing to get hurt on if you slip. With the climbing sticks the steps stick out. Many people have had minor slips turn into painful injuries without even falling.
This is my opinion, but more people being injured on the sticks vs. the rails I believe to be true. In my own experience it has been the case.
Love my Rapid Rails
I would recommend the Lone Wolf sticks. Light weight, fast to put up, and secure.
Check out Muddy climbing sticks
I have used all types, I love the rapid rails, after I silenced the feet, before they creeked some. I also love my old cabelas stick ladder. It is 12 foot, designed to be assembled and raised off the ground instead of on it.
I like the Chippewa climbing sticks. When I got my first set of these I sold my lone wolf sticks. I can easily get 15 ft up with three 3' sticks. There very easy to hang on the tree. I really like their stands also.
rapid rails with a loop of rope at the bottom and you can gain a foot of elevation
I just purchased a set of Muddy's. Only 10 lbs. and set up fast and solid.
Thanks for all the recommendation guys. I'm really liking the muddy sticks. The rope and cam looks very simple to use. The 4 20" sticks also have steps on both sides.
Lone Wolf, all the way. If you've got a long stride, three sticks will get you up there.
Why's everyone liking the lone wolf so much. The ropes on the muddy have to be way quieter than metal buckles clanging around. And 2 steps vs the LW, I hate to hang stands on one leg. So who's used both to compare??
I suggested that you climb with the lone wolfs and buy one Muddy for the last step so you have your two feet to hang stands with. :archer2:
QuoteOriginally posted by Rick Richard:
Check out Muddy climbing sticks
Muddy sticks are made in China and had a safety recall a couple of years ago. Cam lock bolts were shearing off. Naturally this only happens under load.
I'm a Lone wolf guy...made in USA and NEVER had any problems. And they do set up remarkably well in irregular trees.
Heck I thought muddy was made in the US and Lone Wolfs made in China.
I looked at leverage sticks but the lone wolf are better.
Muddy you still have to tie them off- so what is the purpose of the cam? No need for it. In fact- if a guy wants he can tie off LW sticks without the buckle and strap. I really like the LW buckle and strap and have it all silenced with felt. Never makes any noise.
Chippewa sticks for me. Tough and easy to set up. Feel very secure. Bob
Ok after thinking about it, those muddy sticks seem a little sketchy. I may go with the longer lone wolfs sticks.