While getting my equipment ready for the 9/15 NH archery opener I came across my old set of Stepp Ladder's made by Jim Stepp from Maine . As I recall a pretty nice , light and safe climbing system . Thought I would give 'em a try on a backyard tree ( w/ harness ) and see if this 65 yr old can still make use of them and wondered what other's opinion was of them .Good video is available on U Tube .

I have a set and really liked(I haven't hunted from a tree since 2005) them. The weight is about the same as my Lone Wolf steps. It's nice being able to put both feet on a step. But...........if they are not mounted correctly they can spring loose after you go up, then you look down at all those floppy steps. Not fun then. It does instill in you a need to really learn how to do them correctly.

Be careful, at 68+ I haven't used a tree stand for over 22 years now. The ground is safer and it teaches you a lot about the game you are seeking.

George , careful is my middle name . 90% of all my hunting is ground . Just thought I'd give them a try out back .

Col Buca,

Since you already have them, it's a different story. The main advantage to them is the way they can pack down. But climbing sticks are faster and basically the same weight.

They seem like they can be a good platform for Tree Saddle users though. How many do you have? If you decide you don't want them, let me know as I am still looking for a comfortable solution.

JSD

I've used a set since the late 90's. Very good system. But I do use my leverage climbing sticks now more often. However, the steps are perfect when you have a limbed tree and/or only need a few steps. A set makes for a very compact carry. If you mount them correctly, the are ROCK SOLID! You can bend/warp them if you try to 'cam' them in too hard... usually on a smaller tree. If he could have designed a successful aluminum version, that would be the cats meow.

CD

col buca,

I bought mine from Jim at the Kittery Trading Post. I went for the twelve step pack and do like them. However, lately I've been using a climbing stand which gets me higher in less time. When using them I made sure to run my harness tether up the tree ahead of me and use a lineman belt while climbing.

The rope is the weak portion = written by Dr.Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ, a PhD chemical engineer who has worked for several manufactur-ers of plastics and chemicals, has quite a bit of experience with the physical and chemical properties of plastics, and is familiar with the chemical and ultraviolet resistance of polymers. - "If you observe polypropylene rope after a season or two outdoors, you can visibly see the surface degradation and you can often seen numerous broken strands."

Mine haven't shown any degredation yet, but when they do, I would look into changing the ropes with a good 7mm polyester line.

CD, I just don't think aluminum would be strong enough, unless it was solid and thicker in the design.

Yea, I don't think aluminum could handle the stress in the current configuration.

One thing I would change is the rope... the polyester rope is stiff and inconvenient (for me) to handle and pack in the bag. I changed some of them out and used climbing rope instead, but the climbing rope I used had just enough stretch to be inefficient for consistent use... so I went back to the original ropes. I just haven't bought any 'static' non-stretch climbing rope to try. Maybe one of these days. lol That's the only complaint I have.

They do take a little longer to hang, but are VERY versitle in what trees you can climb. I use a 10 pack and usually only carry 9.

CD

Now I am 64, and I can go hunt 30 feet up if I want, age has nothing to do with it, however, hunting on the ground, like I do, is not because I am more careful, its because in alot of spots, its more effective.....

Now I will tell you about a killer stand. In the early 90's a tree stand company from Lacrosse Wis, Trail Hawk tree stands, made a "step ladder" stand. It was light, folded easily and could be set up in minutes.......

I can not tell you how effective being about 5 feet up in the corn, or cattails, that was. I used it, in the sunflower fields in SD. You guessed it, I borrowed to a guy, a tool and die maker, he was going to make a copy, and I never saw it again.....

Man I missed that stand. I have never seen that stand again duplicated. The X pods and every thing else, were not portable, too heavy etc.......

I wish I still had it....... Unlike a regular step ladder, it was sturdy and had some seat room.....

I used them for a good while and they were great when I used them but forget it now they sit in my shed not being used anymore.Plenty sturday they side down when you jump up on then and sinch up making them rigid.To many health issues for me to continue to use I like the ladders now for me.

I use them as a platform when using my tree saddle/aerohunter. Sticks are just way easier for me when climbing.

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