Replacing Some Pieces of Gear

[Michael]

We had a great time demo-ing some gear at Bownanza. Legdog let me use (gave) me his entire Phantom setup at Bownanza in 2023, but I've had intentions of giving it back to him and have been slowly (somewhat) replacing some of the gear. I gave him back most of the setup on Saturday at Bownanza (except for his Shikar Mini Stick that I had modified into a lightweight one stick.) That means there is still a few small, but important, accessories that I'll need to replace quickly.

I have an Arsenal Solo Stick on order, but it won't ship until June, so last week I found an EWO Ultimate Platform One Stick on Marketplace that I bought until the Solo Stick arrives (I'll sell the Ultimate Stick when I get the Solo Stick.)

I'm in no hurry to replace the Shikar One Sticks or Predator Platform, but I will probably eventually replace the climbing sticks and platform (for those times I may not want to one stick climb.) I really liked the Latitude Carbon SS sticks that Vantage Point brought to Bownanza, but I'd also like to compare them to the Tethrd One Sticks and I'm really intrigued by the Tree Styx, which are sub one pound, but are also quite pricey at $190 apiece (they do include a built-in aider.)

As for platforms, I like the simplicity of the Tethrd Predator, but the Latitude Profile and the Arsenal RZR series look really nice.

Other items that I need to replace include:

• Carabiners - I like to have three
• Gear strap and bow holder - I wasn't a fan of the HYS and Fold-n-Go. I like the Latitude Gear Strap and Bite Bow Hanger, but they've been out of stock for awhile. Anybody have the Ultimaider Gear Hanger? Other recommendations?
• Dump pouches - I really liked the Tethrd SYS ES with the two extra side pockets. The ES 2.0 has three exterior pockets (and interior pockets), which should work even better.
• Back Support band - probably not a requirement with a two panel saddle, but I think it would be nice to have for long sits.

I know there are a lot of options, but let me know if you have any specific recommendations for these items.

[TN_boy]

I have the latitude SS sticks, lineman, tether, and carabiners. I really like their stuff.

I had Tethrd Ones, but gave to my son after acquiring SS.
The plastic sound is much more forgiving than the "ting" of thin wall titanium.

Platform, we use Pursuit Platform with 2 bullman steps on same cambuckle strap.

Also using the new Ropeman 4 (Kong basically).

The tethrd dump pouches we have are soft top, I don't like that. Makes one handed opening and pushing rope in a bit of struggle fest.

Gear/bow holder - hawk tactical solo hook. Work great, screw in fast, hold well. They stay clipped with supplied carabiner on my saddle suspenders.

Back band- Custom Gear Modifications (CGM), although any of them should work the same.

[Michael]

I like it! I currently have 3 Bullman steps that I think will work great with the one stick platform (or any platform.).




They work great, especially on slightly leaning trees where gravity makes it difficult to move around the tree otherwise.

I just got the UOS (Ultimate One Stick) on Friday, so I’m still playing with setups and packing. It came with a 3 step adjustable aider and the Tethrd Roll Pouch, which has two g-hook connections. I’ve been able to attach my rappel rope setup at the bottom and then roll it and my aider up to store it all with the stick.




I think I like that and could probably completely do away with any dump pouches (or weight) on my saddle, although I think I will likely carry my pull down/bow rope and maybe a few other essentials on my saddle.

I’ve also played around with the idea of strapping my Bullman Steps to the bottom of the top platform for transport.



This actually works really well for packing the whole setup on the outside of my pack. One potential problem is the little bit of extra time it takes to strap them on, which probably won’t be an issue going in, but may be a hassle trying to pack up in the dark on the way out. The other potential issue is the cam over buckle is on the top of the platform. Cammed over, the buckled is flat and If I put it in the center I don’t think I’ll have any issues stepping on it, but I don’t know that I want to risk bending the buckle.

[Michael]

I'm not sure if I want to replace the Ropeman. I've had good luck, so far, with a friction hitch (Schwaebische) with a tender on my lineman's. I have the Madrock, but I'm testing using a Figure 8 backed up with a similar Schwaebische/tender above or autoblock below.