Does anyone have any experience with these? Do they work well? How do they attach to the tree?
Jon
They work as good as the screw ins. You do need to put them up and take them down a few times just to get used to the stretch in the rope. They are quiet too.
Best rope style step I've ever used, but they take 2 hands to install, so wear a linemans belt if you don't already. Nothing is as solid as a screw in step, but the cranfords are nice. I would opt for lonewolf sticks instead. I have both and haven't used the rope steps since getting the sticks. Sticks are just that much faster!
Used them for a few years. Cranford are top notch equipment. They work great for a rope on step- that said, as noted they take two hands and a bit of work. Screw-in are easier. HOWEVER, after years of various options I can not hardly beat Lone Wolf sticks for ease and quiet.
Dan in KS
Thanks for all of your responses. How does the rope stay tight? I would think that it would slip.
Jon
Ever saw a chinese finger tourture? It works on constricting. One portion runs inside of a weaved hollow area of same material. The more weight you put on the step, the tighter the rope squeezes on the other side of the rope. They do sag or stretch, its the nature of the material. However they are still stable in my opinion. The plastic ameristep ones would slide and kick out from under your foot, not the case with these.
I agree with Ken and Dan.
Thanks Ken!
Jon
Cranfords are the only steps I will use. The strap ons work well. I use them a lot with my Lone wolf steps to get and extra few feet.
They are good to hang stuff from on public ground where they don't allow anything that screws in.
I use the Cranford but not as a stand alone system. I usually carry a couple to use with my climbing stand. Allows me start the climb higher up the tree (above the trunk flare).
I have also cached a few on remote locations when using climbing sticks. One less stick on a long walk.
They work well but not as fast or secure as a climbing stick. Good design but something you will want to practice with.