I know that overwhelmingly LW sticks are used by most. I've used two sets as well over the years. But last year I found them harder to use. I'm 61 now and things are not getting easier. Last late season I found myself slip off of a step but was able to hang on and safely made it down. Admittedly it was a wet and muddy at the time. I know they are solid and well made but here is my complaints with the LW sticks: Steps too close to the tree, making it seem as mostly my toes are on the steps. I just never did feel that safe IMO. If they could figure out how to make the steps farther from the tree and slightly bigger, it would be no problem for me. I actually feel safer using my Cranford screw in steps, but can't use them on public land. I had to always tighten my steps after each use because the bolts would loosen. The new XOP sticks look intriguing, but I don't want to spend the money on something I cannot see in person before buying. Anyone tried the Muddy/Big Game Areolite sticks?
I have had a set of LW and big game aerolites. I still use them when I'm going in a long ways just because of weight but I have found the cheap metal tree sticks a lot easier to climb
Hey I'm old too-60. And if you're not "runnin and gunnin" like some of these younger guys on here, check out these things called Rapid Rails by Ameristep. They come in steel or aluminum. They're more offset from the tree than the climbing sticks and look pretty solid. Good luck! Blessings........Pastorjim
Check into Hawk Helium steps. I use then and they are awesome!! Real light, descent size steps and they have steps on each side. Work great.
I have the muddy sticks and while I like how they pack, how light they are, the double sided pegs, and tree offset; I do not like how deep the valley is on the tree contact points. On bigger trees you only get 2 small points of contact at each bracket. Has made me had a few pucker moments, no doubt. Plus, the pegs don't have aggressive teeth, and I have almost slipped a toe off when wearing rubber boots. That being said, I really don't like the offset foot pegs on LWs. Really makes me feel unstable going down. I like to step one level, get both feet parallel, then take the next step. I'm not yet 40, but had enough lower body injuries over the years to make me step carefully.
I don't like that type of stick either. I don't use hang-ons much, but I have a set of the big game stagger steps that I use occasionally. They're very light and I feel much safer with them. http://www.basspro.com/Big-Game-Treestands-StaggerSteps-Packable-Ladder-System/product/10206888/
Any of the light weight sticks are going to have those same characteristics you mentioned. As someone else suggested the AmeriStep Rapid rails are probably your best bet.
I have a set of the steel Rapid Rails. They do sit off the tree so it's more like climbing a ladder. But, the rungs for your feet are narrow so you cannot get two feet on one rung.
I use a set of hawk steps as well. Nothing bad to say about them. Very solid construction with like a grit in the paint on the steps and well priced i think they were only $80 for a set of three
I bought the XOP sticks last year & have had great luck with them. I'm not as old as you guys but I am 6' 5", 280 pounds & they are very sturdy IMHO. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I just have the Rivers Edge Grip Sticks. They are made so you have both feet at the same step level, they have excellent clearance from the tree so your feet have room. while hanging my stand I slip one of my legs between the step and tree to help steady myself. I'm not worried about weight because I usually bring my stands in by ATV, but I have carried them on my back with stand and it isn't overly heavy, though I wouldn't want to run a marathon with them on my back.
I have 12 of the River's Edge sticks and like them very much. I would not want to pack them. I don't think they nest together well myself. But, for hanging and leaving excellent stick and reasonably priced. Takes four of these to get me to my preferred hunting height.
