Hi, I am giving serious consideration to using a tree saddle this fall and am looking into climbing sticks. But, it seems that some of the most popular stick makers are no longer making them. Does anyone know why? Also, for those of you with a lot of experience with sticks which ones would you recommend that are still on the market? Any information would really be appreciated. thanks, charlie.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=climbing+sticks+hunting&form=EDGEAR&qs=AS&cvid=aedc5d7d8d9344dabd8d313f082a50a4&cc=US&setlang=en-US

Lone Wolf are very good..!! Best I’ve tried.

I have Lone Wolf.

My son has lone wolf and Hawk Helium. He prefers the Hawks better do to double steps.

thanks for some info guys. Please keep it coming.

I just ordered a saddle today. My first. I ordered last week the Wild Edge Steeps. I was debating sticks or the steps and went with the steps because of pack ability and I could use the steps as a platform. The steps looked easier to carry in. I'm new to saddle hunting so after I try it I may change my mind and go with sticks.

bowdude,,,, this is a great place, to be on LW, but not so much on what your looking for,,,,,

Not saying there are not hard core hunters here, but we are all a little up there in age,,,,,,

I suggest you go over and get on the Hunting Beast Forum,,,, that is a great place for strictly hunting information,,,, lots of saddle users there who could help you out.....

I currently am using sticks from XOP, out of Iowa. because the stick click together quietly,,,,, although I still have my original LW sticks, and I do prefer the single step that can go either way, but most sticks out now, have the two sided step

I do not like muddy or Hawk, for being a mobile type hunter, too much weight, and I am a weight shaving nut

My next sticks will be from Dan Infalt,,,, when they come out, and I am sure they will sell fast.... this stick has a bat wing step design, you can see it on You Tube or go to his web site

It will be a short stick that will stack,,,, He is not a saddle user, but knows what a stick should be,,,

You may also get info on Rokslide or Saddle Hunters forum, but I tend to favor the Hunting Beast,,,,,,,

I have a extenstion strap on my sticks, that actually I can put my foot into, that way, I can climb with 2 sticks,,,, takes some practice, but saves weight,,, you can also see that on You Tube

Saddles are not cheap, and they take some practice, and the demand is high, so they may not be easy to get,,,,,

I was shown by a bowhunter who is also a arborist, and I agree the saddle is way safer, than screwing around, with a conventional harness, and falling off a ladder stand with that,,,,,,,,

I have my system ready to go, and yes, I will be 69 in a week so you never are too old,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

good luck with your quest this year,,,, stay well

Check out XOP. Owned by the original owner of LW but has made updates/changes.

My LW's are great but a pain to stack for transport.

I made this aluminum set,,,they are fantastic ,i can get to 16 ft ,,that's foot platform,,,I just used them on a Turkey set with my assenhimer..built not bought!

Oh. And ,5.6 lbs. All 4.

One more thing, I am also a quiet and noise nut...... whatever sticks you choose, quiet them with Stealth Strips, they have their own web site out of MI

I haven't climbed since 2007, not because I can't but because the ground game is fun for me. I gave away a lot of stands and climbing equipment, but I did keep my Lone Wolf Short and long sticks and one LW hang on just in case the situation called for it.

I use Lone Wolf sticks, and also have a 10 piece bag of the original Steppladder steps. The LW sticks are lighter and have less straps to deal with, but you will need something else to put your feet on if using a saddle.

The Steppladder will work better as a place to put your feet on, but they are made of steel and are heavier than aluminum sticks. Plus it’s one rope for each step.

MP

Just checked out the stealth strips, looks good but was wondering, on the LW stick would you just leave the area around the steps bare so they can pivot from side to side? The pic on their site looks to have the material all around the step, looks like the step wouldn’t be able to pivot. Am I missing something?

Saddle hunting has opened a whole world of new options for the run and gun hunter! Personally I will never hunt from a stand again besides the few strategic stands that never come down! But even they will not see as much action as usual just because the comfort of the saddle is much better for my back! I have had 4 back surgeries and all day sits in stands has been impossible until I found saddle hunting now it is a regular occurance! Not to mention I have not found a tree I couldn't hunt from! It takes some practice but if you stick with it you will be glad you did!!!! I figure if it is good enough for one of the best(John Eberhart) it is worth the effort! Put your time in get good sticks and have fun! And as far as which stick is best everyone is different find the ones that best suits your style and go have fun, you can always sell them and get more when you want someone will always be willing to buy them! Good luck!

I use some modified Leverage sticks. I really like them now.

The LW sticks are great, I just wish they had double steps. Using a tree saddle, the single step would be somewhat awkward. A double step would be more comfortable.

Liability

Lot of em are gut hooks

Dude... All of them are gut hooks.

speak for yourself ground hunter. :). I am only 62. LOL

Yep. But my ladder stands are not. :)

When it comes to sticks, I like Lone Wolf. I use them in more permanant situations.

If I need light weight and their is no rule about tree damage, I use something call a "Treehopper" system. It's very simple and almost as fast as sticks, plus it fits in a pack so you have a hand free. If I had to guess it weighs around 3 pounds if that.

It's just a hand drill (or battery drill) which you put a hole in the tree and insert a peg. There's so much to be said as to why this is such a great system, there's not enought room in this little box. LOL. I feel more comfortable leaving my treestands, because you can take out the pegs as you come down and in order to steal the stand you have to get up there.

When it comes to the saddle I'm with Shawn. I can just picture how I'd miss a shot at a buck with that system. If I can picture it, it will eventually happen.

Bowmania

I use Ameristep Rapid Rails with my hang ons. Easy and quiet to set up, the aluminum ones are light, and there are no sharp edges to catch on if you slip.

The best ones I have found is Chippewa Wedge-Loc Stick-Tite climbing sticks. You can make your own straps and leave them in the tree for quick climbimg. The reason I really like them is I do not need to hold the stick on the tree and try to throw something around a tree. Have also made ropes instead of their strap/chain to throw around the tree that works fantastic. I really feel that are safer.

All I use is 20’ stack sticks that strap to the tree. They are solid, quite and inexpensive. I found the last 3 sets at Walmart for $40.00 a set.

I use the LW sticks. I’m often in a new tree every sit. Often a mike or two in. Lots of times I’m in close to bedding. The more steps I have the more chance to bump or drop something. 4 sticks gets me 22’ or so. This year I’m adding an added step to the bottom do I can get that high with 3 sticks. I swapped out the strap for 1/8” Amsteel daisy chains to save weight and especially noise.

I have a saddle on order. I bought a trophyline saddle 15 years ago but it was just too big, heavy and bulky. I’ve been using stands and a rock harness for years to give me a hybrid system. With the new saddles it just makes sense to go that route

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