Opinions on Strap on/Rope Steps or woodpecker drill

[ryped]

I'm looking for some opinions.  For the past few years I have been using climbing stands or fixed stands w/ strap on steps.  The starp on ameristeps work OK but I wonder if there isn't a better way.  I usually hunt public land where screw ins are not allowed.  This year I will be giving the treesaddle a try.  Was wondering if anyone has used the Ezy climb rope steps and how do they compare w/ other strap on steps?  Also does anyone use the woodpecker drill or something similar, and if so do you screw in bolts or slip in spikes?  Keep in mind most of my hunting is far from roads so weight is a factor.  Thanks.

[woodslinger]

I also hunt out in the "willy wags" and use the strap on steps mabe by gametracker. They work pretty well. I personally didn't like the rope steps.

I think if I had to do it over again I might invest in a nice lighweight set of sticks.

[Wudstix]

Lonewolf sticks are great.  I don't owe a set but have tried them.  I also have the ameristep strap-on steps.  Also a strap-on steps set that is not very light weight.

[WindyBill]

I HAVE USED BOTH ROPE-ON AND STRAP-ON'S. rOPE ONS ARE EASYER AND QUICKER FOR ME, BUT i REALLY LIKE THE WOOD PECKER. oNCE YOU HAVE DRILLED CLIMBING IS EASY THERE AFTER.

--------------
AND GOD gave man dominion over all the earth.

[Magnum in Ms]

I purchased a bit like the one in the woodpecker drill and use it in a battery powered drill and 6-7" bolts works great. I would recommend 1/2" for the drill and bolts if you are a big boy.

[wihill]

I've got the treesaddle and love it - depending on the area I'm hunting I use my LW sticks, natural features, or other means.  Usually it's the LW sticks.  I have four of them, but most of the time I just use three.  For the platform I use 4 Ameristep steps on a single ratchetstrap.

This setup is very mobile, but ultimately the fastest way around are pre-drill stand locations and bolts.  My area doesn't allow me to punch holes, otherwise I would.

[toddster]

Years ago, I used ameristep's, they was not as good as they are now and had a few close calls, so close, changed my mind on a safety belt with climbing rope.  After using all the strap on steps out there, I ended up finding that the best, safest and quickest is a stick ladder.  I have a cabela's one I really like, takes me 5 mintes and boom done.  Have the gorilla steps which are nice, as well as the summit bucksteps (stacks really good for hikes).  Be careful on drilling or screw in steps, alot of public places will fine you 75.00 dollars a step, check local laws.  I cann't remember the name of them, but will look it up, I have a bag of steps, that are heart shaped and strap on with an easy knot and cam down, they take a little to get use to but once on they are rock solid, and easy to carry in.