One hair ...Found it!....your designs reminds me of the Old Bowsniper design. I think a fellow made them in Al or La in mid 80's. There is a guy in Tuscaloosa that still hunts with his, Dr. Bob Shepard. He has written abook about deer hunting and killed over a 1000 deer with this system.. good read....

There are 4-5 different "saddle" systems out there to test which is the fun of it. I still have not settled on what climbing system i like best with these saddles after 18+ years. But i have settled on using a platform ( sort of a half stand) at the top. My buddy Battman made me some and they work so well.

Joebuck -- do you have a picture of the platform that Batman made for you?

Texas.... heres is link to one thread

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=092019#000000

there is also a thread titled "Alternate Tree Stands   .... something another that has a finished pic on the Batman Platform.

Thanks.......do they still make the SteppLadders?

Do you know of any small platforms (like the ones Batman made) that you can buy?

I just recieved my guido's yesterday and trying to figure out my setup.

Appreciate the info.

Texas....for starting out...i recommend 4 lone wolf sticks and 2 Extra Long Cranfor E-Z steps.  You can use the top of Lone Wolf stick as 1/2 platform for one foot and screw in a Cranford at 9 and 3 oclock.

Coooool

Joebuck I don't have a 1000 but at least a 100 out of mine. I think I have tried every way to climb a tree including the seat climber. I used the woodpecker drill all over North MS. Over the last 10 years or so it's been the LW sticks and 2 EZ screw ins. The worst idea was the strap on steps. A foot will slip off those real quick.

Joebuck I've used the lonewolf but have to say that I swapped to the Muddy sticks in the middle of last year.I have to say, with 5 sticks that fold up the same width as my back it sure does make packing in and out a lot easier and with it all folded up in the back of the web it is very comfortable and reasonably light weight... I'm debating on a sixth stick just for that time I may need it but for the time being 5 sticks get me from ground to 20ish feet in a matter of minutes...

I also use 5 folding crawford steps on a ratchet as a  mobile platform, or 3 xl screw in steps of different makes.

I have a few permanent sets that have bigger platforms modeled similar to your set up... (by far my favorite way to use the web...

Dang sure agree that rope step was a disaster for me also .   I gotagotanew mouse trap late last year.  I bought a several sets of close out Ameristep X Wide Rapid rail.   The are great.  I use the top for my base.  It will hold both my feet.  3 get me 16 feet.  Down side.  A little bulky to tote.  I counted last night that I had 2 grasshopper and one woodpecker drill sytem retired.  Cordless rigid 18v drill is what I like now.

QuoteOriginally posted by joebuck:
Texas....for starting out...i recommend 4 lone wolf sticks and 2 Extra Long Cranfor E-Z steps.  You can use the top of Lone Wolf stick as 1/2 platform for one foot and screw in a Cranford at 9 and 3 oclock.

Thanks
Joebuck

What is the deal on the SteppLadders?

Do they still make them?   Are they good?

yes you have to email Jim Stepp directly eamil: jstepp1@maine.rr.com.  He was still fofering them 8 months ago

QuoteOriginally posted by DaveT1963:
yes you have to email Jim Stepp directly eamil: jstepp1@maine.rr.com.  He was still fofering them 8 months ago

Thanks.....I sent him an email at that address. No response but he may be away from home.