This setup seems perfect to me. I'm going to go all in with this next season and retire my Hawke helium sticks. 15 feet high and total weight with saddle, platform, 2 sticks, and aider is less than 11 pounds with this set up and still have another stick if needed to get to 20 plus feet. Geez this is what I need in these mountains.
The leaning into the saddle while climbing is one technique I discovered on my own after having watched dozens upon dozens of videos, I had never seen anyone talk about this one important aspect of stabilizing the aider. It makes a HUGE difference in stability. The learning curve was a bit unnerving to me because the aider kept swiveling on me. Glad to see you've explained that. Also good to see you keep that lineman's rope above your waist. I see so many people not tending it high enough and that can be a dangerous thing.
I've been at this game for a very long time and I will say this is the best video I have seen on properly using a linemen's belt while climbing with sticks. Well done.
I’ll give it to you. Best and safest demo of this method I’ve seen, hands down. My 3 cut down to 2 step Hawk Heliums with cable aiders are heavier and I can’t get quite as high, but I feel really stable and safe climbing with my linesman belt. Also, I can set my bottom stick almost as high as with a three step aider, because I use a longer cable aider on the bottom and a removable step aider girth hitched to my boot. It’s actually one of the long anti-suspension trauma straps that comes with stand harnesses. After girth hitching my boot I’ll hang the loop end on the top of the stick. Next I slide the buckle of the loop end down and up goes my boot to get that big first step.
I really wish Tethrd would have incorporated a grade 8 bolt into the rope containment system on the GEN2s so guys could use a continuous loop 3 step aider vs this option. Great review on the 3 step aider!
Hey thx! You should still be able to use the continuous loop by girth touching them to the step. The Amsteel Guy makes some aiders for the stick that are continuous loops.
Well explained. Especially the lineman belt tension which i never thought of going up tree. I plan on getting tethrd sticks and the aider but ill be using a lwcg stand. Well done.
Just orderd the kit. And a bunch of other stuff 1500 bucks worth. My buddie toby has the full setup hes bin usuing it for elk hunting for a few years now great product
Hey! Thanks for stopping in. The video was to cover all aspects of the aider. As far as moving the Ater, you reach down when you’re standing on the bottom step of the stick and you pull the continuous loops off of the top step and you can either let it hang off of the black bungee cord that’s attached to your waist, or what I have done is I simply drape the Aider over top of my lineman’s rope until I’m done setting my second stick.
I do. I space them out even for the most part. There are times I am up as high as I need to go and so with the 3rd stick I just put where I need it to be.
Newbie here just looking to enter the saddle game. When climbing up, are you pulling the aider off the step when you reach the bottom step? Otherwise if you wait until you get to the top step, you will be standing on the loops where the aider attaches to the step which would make it awfully difficult to move.
I just ordered a 3 pack of the Tethrd One Sticks and I just found your page. Thanks for all the great content. I’m torn between getting some fixed aiders, this removable aider, and considering picking up a madrock and 35’ of Maxim Canyon Elite for the rappel down. What do you think is the fastest/safest and best combo out of it all if you were picking for this coming season? Thanks again for all the wisdom!
Also, with that removable aider, do you think there’s something that you could wrap around the aider and post, just above the bottom step to lock it in a bit lower to help with the stability? (If that makes any sense!)
Greta question. You just need to decide on if you want to have one aider or two or three fixed aiders. If you go fixed… it might be a tad more money and you will have to have some sort of method to keep them wrapped up when in transport mode. I have them both and both are great options. Did you see the fixed aider video also? I think if you had something to lock the aider in it would keep it from being movable. Use my suggestions for a safe slow climb and you should be good.
I bought the 3 step aider based on your recommendation. Any suggestions on how to climb with it in a tree that is slightly leaning? I can't seem to get my toe to stay in place for the step up from my 1st to second stick.
If you were only going to use the aider on the bottom stick... is there enough room to thread the "y" section above the spacer over both side of the bottom step? Wouldn't that help to counter swaying? It also seems if you did that first and then attached the top portion to the top step that might work.
That could work to help eliminate the potential sway. I’m not sure if it would fit, but if it did, it could help. If you use the lineman’s belt correctly it really helps bring stability.
I think the stability issues come from the converging v shape that falls at the middle of the step. In the past I’ve found that versa aiders aren’t as stable as ones that attach to the steps. On this aider, it attaches to the steps, but the converging Vs give it the stability of a versa aider. Not really sure why they felt the need to have the double V shape.
I think you’re right and the fact it attaches to the top step and not the bottom. I don’t think it’s much of an issue climbing if you utilize the lineman’s belt right.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors good to hear, thanks for making the video, it was very helpful. I’d love a vid comparing multiple aiders on the One Sticks. With Tethrd only selling 3 packs of One Sticks, aiders will be at a premium for most One Stick hunters.
How does that aider system work out for you on leaning trees? If the tree is leaning to the side for example? Everytime I see a video involving aiders, it's always on a beanpole straight tree.
Call when you are climbing a leaning tree, that’s where a three step aider or can get sketchy. If the lien is too strong, I would just set my stick and only utilize one or two of the steps on the three-step aider.
The GC One is available in 4 step now also. Do you think you would like the 4 step or is that overkill and not gaining much? If you're top step is 7ft with 3 steps it would be over 8 ft with 4 and you couldn't reach to put the aider on it without lowering the atick anyway.
So when you on your first stick do you take the black bungee and pull the aider off and put it on the second stick rinse and repeat? Because I've been eye balling the adjustable Versa Aider but I imagine you're not able to get as high but it is easier abd more stable so it seems. I've been thinking about ordering one of those and picking up a 4th stick. I'd line to have a 4th stick regardless so I figure why not
Yeah the black bungee makes it movable and hands free when setting the other stick. Pretty slick. The versa aider has a hard time with the one sticks because of slots in the dynaloc tab. Let me know it I answered your questions.
Oh… I think I understand now. So I believe what you are referring to is when you climb up onto the stick it is easier to pop off the aider when you are standing on the bottom step than when you are on the top step trying to use your foot to pop it off. The black bungee is just to keep it attached to you. You don’t actually use it to pull the aider loops off. If I am still miss understanding, send me the minute mark and I will listen then clarify.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors it would just be a hook on the top step in any whole around the center rather than the two loops around the top that you put over the ends of each stand-off. I have a 3 step aider from backwoods but it’s the versa button for my lone wolf cg double steps and that works really well but I have to keep the versa button on them when I go buckle-less. I was just thinking the s hook would be good for just about every stick but I don’t want it to be noisy either
I have the Knaider Swaider and the metal hooks have the tendency to be noisy but you should be able to silence them. I would wonder if you put your current aider on with a S hook onto the top step if you would be able to get as high? The GC-One Accommodates the extra length in the aider to be hooked on the top step. Most other aiders are designed to go on the bottom step.
When do you choose this method over one sticking? To me this aider looks unstable (especially if you're climbing a tree with wet slippery bark) and you'll be carrying more weight then a one stick with a combined platform. Not to mention more stuff to pack up at the end of a hunt.
I choose to use climbing sticks instead of one stick climbing with trees that are crooked or have multiple trunks that I am trying to navigate. You see these kinds of trees in Kansas quite frequently. I used sticks 95% of the time. If I am able when climbing funky trees, I will utilize all three steps on this Aider, or however many I can. I also used this set up a lot late season here in PA when I didn’t want to one stick climb. I can ascend the tree quicker and with less steps using sticks and an aider. I show a clip of this in the video. Since I rappel out of the tree 99% of the times I use my rappel rope to pull all of my gear up once I’m in the tree. By doing it this way, I only have to attach my platform and other two sticks (2lbs) to my saddle and that doesn’t affect me. I’m not sure the bark has anything to do with being unstable. If you utilize the top step and also your lineman‘s belt like I showed in the video I don’t think it matters what kind of bark you have. Hopefully that helps. Let me know.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors Thanks for clarifying. I mentioned slippery bark because if your boot slips on that tree leaning back with that long aider, it could be a bad day. I've had that happen on a smaller one step aider and I almost lost it lol.
So I think everyone can agree that the longer the aider the higher you get but just like everything else in this game, every pay out has a down side. There's always a price to pay it seems doesn't it? So the biggest obstacle to conquer in the aider business is going to be stability. I can see something coming soon that utilizes the tree itself to help stabilize long aiders. Trying to think of something myself looking over these aiders specifically. I have the ultimaider in hand bur I'm wanting to utilize aiders specifically for the Tethrd One Sticks. Hmm
Yeah I think that’s an accurate take away… the longer, the more attention needs to be paid during the climb to achieve maximum stability. I just go slow and steady and am fine.
I'm surprised no one has integrated something like how old radio antenna used to extend and collapse to these 3 step aiders. Like have it out fully closed sticking out like 6-8 inches and when you get to your tree and get your stick up, take the two extenders out of your pouch or bag and insert them, pull them out according to how long your aiders are and have stuff support on both sides of the aider. Now you have a stiff frame to climb. When you're done with them just close them up, slide them out and pack em up then Toll your aiders up and take off
I disagree with the rapelling method, as it put alot of wear and tear on your teather scraping up against the bark. I only use it when im hunting or when im hanging/taking down my platform, after that i use my linesman. Id rather the bark tear that up than my precious tether rope.
I’ve done it now for going on two seasons, and have very little wear on my repel rope. If I feel like it’s getting to be too much, I will just get another one.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors so your basically coming down just like you normally would with the linesman, but just with the tether? Working it down like the linesman?
One sticks are super uncomfortable. Not enough room on the step and the way they point up at the end poke in the sole of the boot. I sold mine after 3 hunts and bought some beast minis that are way way better
That’s the beauty of the market. If there’s something you don’t like, there are options. I don’t have a problem with the foot room. I did notice the angle of the step, but that’s not enough for me to overlook the benefits.
I just ordered myself a three step aider, so I don't have to carry all 4 of my skeletor sticks. I am looking forward to try it out during my hunting season.
Great breakdown. That's exactly how I use my system. I helped Backwoods Mobile design the GC-One (Greg & Carl) aider. I use a similar DIY version.
Sweet!
Thanks again Greg!! the GC-ONE is an awesome aider for some badass sticks
@@mikeisbell8072 thanks for making it a thing, Mike! Saving DIYers lots of headaches!
Great combo for sure!
Think I found my new aider after purchasing the new Gen 2 One sticks.
This setup seems perfect to me. I'm going to go all in with this next season and retire my Hawke helium sticks. 15 feet high and total weight with saddle, platform, 2 sticks, and aider is less than 11 pounds with this set up and still have another stick if needed to get to 20 plus feet. Geez this is what I need in these mountains.
Good luck!!
The leaning into the saddle while climbing is one technique I discovered on my own after having watched dozens upon dozens of videos, I had never seen anyone talk about this one important aspect of stabilizing the aider. It makes a HUGE difference in stability. The learning curve was a bit unnerving to me because the aider kept swiveling on me.
Glad to see you've explained that.
Also good to see you keep that lineman's rope above your waist. I see so many people not tending it high enough and that can be a dangerous thing.
Yes sir! Thx for stopping in!
I've been at this game for a very long time and I will say this is the best video I have seen on properly using a linemen's belt while climbing with sticks. Well done.
Thx appreciate it!
I’ll give it to you. Best and safest demo of this method I’ve seen, hands down. My 3 cut down to 2 step Hawk Heliums with cable aiders are heavier and I can’t get quite as high, but I feel really stable and safe climbing with my linesman belt. Also, I can set my bottom stick almost as high as with a three step aider, because I use a longer cable aider on the bottom and a removable step aider girth hitched to my boot. It’s actually one of the long anti-suspension trauma straps that comes with stand harnesses. After girth hitching my boot I’ll hang the loop end on the top of the stick. Next I slide the buckle of the loop end down and up goes my boot to get that big first step.
Hey thx! Appreciate you stopping in. Sounds like you have a great set up!
I had a 4 step made. It’s great and I’m on my second year with it. Highly recommend.
Nice!!
Thanks for showing how to lean away while on the aider. That's definitely gonna be a great help..
Yeah man! Good luck!
Very good video. Your detail in the instructions was top notch and clearly showed that you are experienced in what you teach.
Thx for the kindness!
I really wish Tethrd would have incorporated a grade 8 bolt into the rope containment system on the GEN2s so guys could use a continuous loop 3 step aider vs this option. Great review on the 3 step aider!
Hey thx! You should still be able to use the continuous loop by girth touching them to the step. The Amsteel Guy makes some aiders for the stick that are continuous loops.
Well explained. Especially the lineman belt tension which i never thought of going up tree. I plan on getting tethrd sticks and the aider but ill be using a lwcg stand. Well done.
Good luck!
Great video! Really well done. I use the Backwoods Mobile 3-step aider and think you gave the perfect overview and guidance on using it!!
Thx appreciate you he kindness.
Truly an excellent review and lesson in safety. I'll be a new subscriber now. Thanks!
OK, thanks for the feedback, and for the sub!
Just orderd the kit. And a bunch of other stuff 1500 bucks worth. My buddie toby has the full setup hes bin usuing it for elk hunting for a few years now great product
Nice!! Good luck !
Great video!! Can't wait to get mine!!
Sweeeet!
Excellent demo!
Thx
How do you you move the aider while climbing? That’s what I thought the video was about.
Hey! Thanks for stopping in. The video was to cover all aspects of the aider. As far as moving the Ater, you reach down when you’re standing on the bottom step of the stick and you pull the continuous loops off of the top step and you can either let it hang off of the black bungee cord that’s attached to your waist, or what I have done is I simply drape the Aider over top of my lineman’s rope until I’m done setting my second stick.
Great instruction!!! Do you set your 2nd and 3rd sticks at the same eye level? Thanks
I do. I space them out even for the most part. There are times I am up as high as I need to go and so with the 3rd stick I just put where I need it to be.
Newbie here just looking to enter the saddle game. When climbing up, are you pulling the aider off the step when you reach the bottom step? Otherwise if you wait until you get to the top step, you will be standing on the loops where the aider attaches to the step which would make it awfully difficult to move.
You can do it either way. I like to do it on the bottom step for the same reason you mentioned.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors Appreciate the feedback. Very good video.
Thanks and anytime!
I just ordered a 3 pack of the Tethrd One Sticks and I just found your page. Thanks for all the great content. I’m torn between getting some fixed aiders, this removable aider, and considering picking up a madrock and 35’ of Maxim Canyon Elite for the rappel down. What do you think is the fastest/safest and best combo out of it all if you were picking for this coming season? Thanks again for all the wisdom!
Also, with that removable aider, do you think there’s something that you could wrap around the aider and post, just above the bottom step to lock it in a bit lower to help with the stability? (If that makes any sense!)
Greta question. You just need to decide on if you want to have one aider or two or three fixed aiders. If you go fixed… it might be a tad more money and you will have to have some sort of method to keep them wrapped up when in transport mode. I have them both and both are great options. Did you see the fixed aider video also?
I think if you had something to lock the aider in it would keep it from being movable. Use my suggestions for a safe slow climb and you should be good.
I bought the 3 step aider based on your recommendation. Any suggestions on how to climb with it in a tree that is slightly leaning? I can't seem to get my toe to stay in place for the step up from my 1st to second stick.
Use your lineman’s rope to help stabilize you. I go over that in this video and then climb on the high side of the tree. The non gravity side
If you were only going to use the aider on the bottom stick... is there enough room to thread the "y" section above the spacer over both side of the bottom step? Wouldn't that help to counter swaying?
It also seems if you did that first and then attached the top portion to the top step that might work.
That could work to help eliminate the potential sway. I’m not sure if it would fit, but if it did, it could help. If you use the lineman’s belt correctly it really helps bring stability.
I think the stability issues come from the converging v shape that falls at the middle of the step. In the past I’ve found that versa aiders aren’t as stable as ones that attach to the steps. On this aider, it attaches to the steps, but the converging Vs give it the stability of a versa aider. Not really sure why they felt the need to have the double V shape.
I think you’re right and the fact it attaches to the top step and not the bottom. I don’t think it’s much of an issue climbing if you utilize the lineman’s belt right.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors good to hear, thanks for making the video, it was very helpful. I’d love a vid comparing multiple aiders on the One Sticks. With Tethrd only selling 3 packs of One Sticks, aiders will be at a premium for most One Stick hunters.
Good idea… I can do that for sure.
It looks like they will make you the exact same aider that connects to the bottom instead of the top. You just have to contact them. Good luck!
@@michaelklein3244 nice, thanks for the info Michael!
How does that aider system work out for you on leaning trees? If the tree is leaning to the side for example? Everytime I see a video involving aiders, it's always on a beanpole straight tree.
Call when you are climbing a leaning tree, that’s where a three step aider or can get sketchy. If the lien is too strong, I would just set my stick and only utilize one or two of the steps on the three-step aider.
The GC One is available in 4 step now also. Do you think you would like the 4 step or is that overkill and not gaining much? If you're top step is 7ft with 3 steps it would be over 8 ft with 4 and you couldn't reach to put the aider on it without lowering the atick anyway.
For me personally, it would be overkill. I might see an advantage on a guy that was like 6’,5” or taller but it 5’10”. A three step is perfect.
So when you on your first stick do you take the black bungee and pull the aider off and put it on the second stick rinse and repeat? Because I've been eye balling the adjustable Versa Aider but I imagine you're not able to get as high but it is easier abd more stable so it seems. I've been thinking about ordering one of those and picking up a 4th stick. I'd line to have a 4th stick regardless so I figure why not
Oh yah that's what tge black bungee is for. Man I'm really thinking about this
Yeah the black bungee makes it movable and hands free when setting the other stick. Pretty slick. The versa aider has a hard time with the one sticks because of slots in the dynaloc tab. Let me know it I answered your questions.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors you say it has a hard time. Meaning you may have issues with it not wanting to pop off on its own every lift right?
Oh… I think I understand now. So I believe what you are referring to is when you climb up onto the stick it is easier to pop off the aider when you are standing on the bottom step than when you are on the top step trying to use your foot to pop it off. The black bungee is just to keep it attached to you. You don’t actually use it to pull the aider loops off.
If I am still miss understanding, send me the minute mark and I will listen then clarify.
Do you think it would be easier just to use the S-Hook attachment method on the aider?
I’m not sure it would be easier… once you give this a few shot, it’s pretty easy. I am sure the S hook would work fine and easy also.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors it would just be a hook on the top step in any whole around the center rather than the two loops around the top that you put over the ends of each stand-off. I have a 3 step aider from backwoods but it’s the versa button for my lone wolf cg double steps and that works really well but I have to keep the versa button on them when I go buckle-less. I was just thinking the s hook would be good for just about every stick but I don’t want it to be noisy either
I have the Knaider Swaider and the metal hooks have the tendency to be noisy but you should be able to silence them. I would wonder if you put your current aider on with a S hook onto the top step if you would be able to get as high? The GC-One Accommodates the extra length in the aider to be hooked on the top step. Most other aiders are designed to go on the bottom step.
Can you give exact website you got the GC aider from? Thks
Here is the link
www.backwoodsmobilegear.com/shop-online/gc-one
When do you choose this method over one sticking? To me this aider looks unstable (especially if you're climbing a tree with wet slippery bark) and you'll be carrying more weight then a one stick with a combined platform. Not to mention more stuff to pack up at the end of a hunt.
I choose to use climbing sticks instead of one stick climbing with trees that are crooked or have multiple trunks that I am trying to navigate. You see these kinds of trees in Kansas quite frequently. I used sticks 95% of the time. If I am able when climbing funky trees, I will utilize all three steps on this Aider, or however many I can. I also used this set up a lot late season here in PA when I didn’t want to one stick climb. I can ascend the tree quicker and with less steps using sticks and an aider. I show a clip of this in the video.
Since I rappel out of the tree 99% of the times I use my rappel rope to pull all of my gear up once I’m in the tree. By doing it this way, I only have to attach my platform and other two sticks (2lbs) to my saddle and that doesn’t affect me.
I’m not sure the bark has anything to do with being unstable. If you utilize the top step and also your lineman‘s belt like I showed in the video I don’t think it matters what kind of bark you have.
Hopefully that helps. Let me know.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors Thanks for clarifying. I mentioned slippery bark because if your boot slips on that tree leaning back with that long aider, it could be a bad day. I've had that happen on a smaller one step aider and I almost lost it lol.
Ah gotcha. I hung myself upside down with a kniader swaider on a WE Step which is why I emphasized safety! It happens QUICK lol
So I think everyone can agree that the longer the aider the higher you get but just like everything else in this game, every pay out has a down side. There's always a price to pay it seems doesn't it? So the biggest obstacle to conquer in the aider business is going to be stability. I can see something coming soon that utilizes the tree itself to help stabilize long aiders. Trying to think of something myself looking over these aiders specifically. I have the ultimaider in hand bur I'm wanting to utilize aiders specifically for the Tethrd One Sticks. Hmm
Yeah I think that’s an accurate take away… the longer, the more attention needs to be paid during the climb to achieve maximum stability. I just go slow and steady and am fine.
I'm surprised no one has integrated something like how old radio antenna used to extend and collapse to these 3 step aiders. Like have it out fully closed sticking out like 6-8 inches and when you get to your tree and get your stick up, take the two extenders out of your pouch or bag and insert them, pull them out according to how long your aiders are and have stuff support on both sides of the aider. Now you have a stiff frame to climb. When you're done with them just close them up, slide them out and pack em up then Toll your aiders up and take off
Sounds like you need to get to work and invent it!
how do you attach comeing down
While standing on the bottom step just hook the loops over the top step ears.
What's boots are those?
Crispi Nevada GTX’s super comfy
How about climbing the tree.
I’m not sure I’m following?
I do same except climb with my tether. No Lineman
I disagree with the rapelling method, as it put alot of wear and tear on your teather scraping up against the bark. I only use it when im hunting or when im hanging/taking down my platform, after that i use my linesman. Id rather the bark tear that up than my precious tether rope.
I would have to go back and see what your comments are in reference to. It’s been a while since I posted this video. Lol.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors when u stated u rapell out. I believe this is using your tether to get down and Not the linesman
I repel out of the tree all the time. Whether I’m one stick, climbing, or if I have regular sticks. For me, it’s the safest way out of the tree.
I’ve done it now for going on two seasons, and have very little wear on my repel rope. If I feel like it’s getting to be too much, I will just get another one.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors so your basically coming down just like you normally would with the linesman, but just with the tether? Working it down like the linesman?
One sticks are super uncomfortable. Not enough room on the step and the way they point up at the end poke in the sole of the boot. I sold mine after 3 hunts and bought some beast minis that are way way better
That’s the beauty of the market. If there’s something you don’t like, there are options. I don’t have a problem with the foot room. I did notice the angle of the step, but that’s not enough for me to overlook the benefits.
@@platinumpursuitoutdoors fair enough
I just ordered myself a three step aider, so I don't have to carry all 4 of my skeletor sticks. I am looking forward to try it out during my hunting season.
Nice! Good deal.