opinions on loc-on limit and Stepp ladder system

[Tajue17]

so I found was looking on our local CL and found someone selling a Steppladder system for 50 bucks I get there and the guy has a tote with actually two systems so 24 steps all brandnew with bags/unopened videos.   guy also says he has a couple stands and one I spotted was the loc on and it also looked brandnew no scratches at all where it would go against tree he says pick a stand and give me another 30 bucks!  

so I got all this for 80 bucks,,, I always wanted a loc on but never could get anyone to sell one and the stepp ladder system I always wanted to try since first seeing them advertised maybe 30yrs ago.  

opinions what do you guys think,, for the loc on I noticed I need plastic washers on both sides of the seat bar that swings out because it squeaks is there any other tweaks I need to do before heading out with it.  the stepp ladders, has anyone used them I heard the guy got sued because someone fell but the video is clear about the rope kno.

thanks for any opinions

Don't know anything about the ladder system, but it sounds like you got a good deal.

Good luck, and wear a harness!

Bisch

[LookMomNoSights]

The Loc-on has the chain right?  You install the stand to the tree in the flat position.....and THEN you fold it down and it bites to the tree pretty decent.    I have one of these I bought around the time you said.....about 25-30 years ago.  Now its "permanently" chained to a tree around the house for treestand practice.  I removed the seat so its shooting standing only.
I personally don't think its that great of a stand.  Its old.  Old engineering.  Small platform.  The chain is loud in all regards.  It hooks to a hook attached to the stand frame.  This hook system is ok I guess.  The side folding hinges squeak a lot. The most crucial detail,  is the seat is easily the most uncomfortable thing I have every sat on.   And that was when I was younger and willing to put up with a lot more as long as I was sitting, waiting for deer!   Id say if you can do something about the seat comfort level,  you'll be able to work around the rest too..... it is a rugged stand for sure! And would be insanely light if it weren't for the chain.

[stalkin4elk]

Search YouTube for "Step ladder" and several instructional videos,including the proper knot,will come up from Jim Stepp himself.

[Doc Nock]

I knew Jim Stepp... lost a leg in Nam, so invented the Stepp Ladder units to allow him to stand on one good leg while he installed next unit and his stand.

Good guy.

He also invented the Bevel Lock system for 2 piece bows and John McCullough used them, even made 2 piece bow out of a one piece with Jim's bevel lock.

I couldn't personally get the hang of tying knots in the dark, standing on one leg and went with the Rapid Rails before Ameristep bought the patent rights to mfg  I liked the chinese handcuff and have used them for YEARS.

If you're knot savvy, Jim's package works super!

[DaveT1963]

The knot on the Jim Stepp really is not that hard - once you got it down it is pretty easy to do even in the dark.  I don't care to use them for climbing a tree (just prefer modified Helium Sticks) - but as a platform for my saddle I like them a lot.

[Butchie]

No experience with the Loc On stands.

Have a bag of the Stepp ladder steps.  I mostly use them for my top one or two steps at my sets that I leave up throughout the season.  I like them but prefer the Lone Wolf sticks for portable sets.

[Ron LaClair]

I know Jim and used his ladder steps before I went to ladder stands. They are a very ingenious system. A diagram of the special knot is on the bag which is really helpful when you first start using them.  

   

[awbowman]

I have some Stepp ladders and was thinking of selling them because I find myself using them less and less.  I have always used them in conjunction with some climbing sticks.  Once you become familiar with just the right tension to put on the rope they are a breeze to use.  All in all it's a good lightweight system.  I do find that the more perfectly round the area of the tree is where the step is set the more secure (the step cams over setting it very sturdily onto the tree) it feels.  

If I have any negative comment on the system is that you have to watch your feet when climbing up them.  If your boot hooks under the bottom of the rung it will become uncammed faster than you can imagine!  I personally have never had it happen to me but I've seen it happen with older guys that I introduced the system too.  PICK UP YOUR FEET!

BTW, great deal.  I have some friends that swear by the loc-on limit.  Once again, it takes some getting use to it.  The only negative I've heard is that they can creak in COLD weather

[Tajue17]

thanks everyone, the loc on is a limit and has the strap not a chain.... I'm a hockey tape freak so its now covered in hockey tape excapt where it contacts the tree,,, the tape just makes all those metalic sounds disappear and the tape comes in different camos/patterns.

I also taped off the ends of the pipe under the seat the ends looked sharp, the canvas is the old trebark pattern.

the stepps are covered in hockey tape now too except where they catch the tree and the center where your boot goes,, I have 6 of them all fitted into the back of the loc on like they the were made to go there.. I don't like my stands too high so 6 pegs 2' apart should be plenty.

the rope on the stepps is interesting its the plastic poly rope and I cans ee where it will untie in an instant if the knot isnt right.

[olddogrib]

I don't know anything about the ladder, but I've used Loc On's basic model the LEM(plastic molded platform) since they came out, which was many moon's ago. Their only drawback was the uncomfortable folding seat which they solved by coming out with an aftermarket bolt-on thick padded number.  I think I gave more for the seats (about $45)than I did for the stands, lol. Best money I ever spent.  They're both still going strong.  I used mineral oil on a swab to quiet any squeaks from year to year.

[Fletcher]

The Limit is a pretty good stand.  It is small and lightweight so it lends itself to being carried in and hung.  I haven't noticed it being noisy, but I don't use it that often and don't think I've had it out in cold weather.  If you want some plastic washers to help quiet things, they are pretty easy to cut from milk jugs and these seem to last a long time.

Great find!

[Missouri Bowman]

I've got two Limits that are over 30 years old and they are a great stand. When you hang them with the strap and pull the bottom stand down it gets even tighter against the tree. My nylon washers have never squeeked but I have always oiled everything real lightly. Don't know if the company is still in business but I ordered extra seat cloth and straps long time ago. Make sure yours are still good. Good deal on the stand.

[toddster]

It is a good deal.  I have used Loc On stands for decade's though prefer chippewa know, and have used Jim's Stepp system with it.  Both are go to items and worth the price.  heck point the way I will buy them.

[jeff w]

I have 3 Loc-On stands, I had another that was stolen.  One is the LEM model with carpeted, solid plastic platform.  The other 2 are the Spirit models with aluminum mesh platform.   I believe 2 came with a chain, 1 came with the speed-hitch rope.  I never really cared the rope-it was awkward to tighten.   The chains were much easier but were of course heavier and noisier.   I ended up replacing the chains and the rope with Lone Wolf tree stand straps:  easy to adjust and quiet.   I've never had any problems with mine, and find the seat comfortable enough.   I don't think Loc-On  is still in business.

[dnovo]

I have 2 Loc-on stands. I'm not sure if they are Limits or Spirits any more. They have the aluminum mesh platforms.I love them. They're light and easy to hang. I don't need a large platform like some to feel comfortable and the size is easier to get in some trees.
They raised the seat height on some of the later ones. It makes for a more comfortable sit. The older one I have, I changed the seat out to the padded replacement seat which is nice.
Loc-on closed their door about a year or 2 ago.

[Tajue17]

everyone thanks for the opinions,  the milk jug washers is great saves me a trip to the hardware store so I will try that thanks!  as you can see my daughter picked out the skull and bones hockey tape but I don't care as long as it quiets the noise and breaks everything up a bit.  

the stepps fit right inside nicely and don't move. I practiced the knots out back and looking forward to trying these this weekend.
 

[Steelhead]

I have a Loc on Spirit I believe.Its all aluminum anway and ways 10 pounds.Mine does not look quite like yours as far as the platfom on mine is grate and mine does not hve cables.Its a really good stand.Its a little longer than some stands when folded.So it sticks up above tour head a bit when packing In with backpack straps.

I like the bars in stead of cables that connect he top half to the bottom half as far as overall strength.Thats one unique feature of this loc on compared to most hang on stands having cabes.Cables can fail and do.I like the chain.I love chain ons actually.Super strong,easy to hook up,easy to unhook,no stretch.No struggle at all.

You need to dip your chains in plastic dip or spray on plastic dip.Available at hardware stores.It quietens them considerably.

I put thick roll bar type shaped high density foam on the bar under the cloth seat.Works great for more comfort.