Cranfords have a very long, tapered point; they actually have a patent on it... Run-of-the-mill Ameristeps usually have a more blunt, rounded point (in comparison to a Cranford). I think they do offer a high-end step called a Silvertip that I've heard is a lot better? Their threads are usually painted as well; Cranfords are shiny where they've been sharpened. And, like Pat said, a Cranford can literally cut you when you run your finger across the threads. When people say they tire out when installing them in any tree before getting to the top, or they need a hole starter, or ANY comment like that -- I know right away they've never experienced the joy of using a Cranford. They're THAT much better, seriously. And I'm not on staff with them. Tried to be, actually. Had a long talk with the owner, but they're just too small of a family-owned company, and the wife is trying to make a go of it after her husband passed away years ago.
Like Greg and Pat said, go with the Cranford Ezy Climb brand of screw in steps. I've been using them longer than I can remember and I've tried other brands over the years. Its just not worth saving few bucks to NOT buy them! Cranfords are strong, much easier to screw in and just plain downright safer in my opinion. I use the rod step model as well. I can buy them from my pro shop for $3.50-$3.75 a piece. I don't really like to put down other product brands but their is no comparison with Ameristep, Grizzly, etc. They(Cranford) are just that much better IMO! And you don't need a drill.............just screw them in.
Never have I needed a starter hole being the Ameristeps I use are very sharp at the tip but what you said makes a ton of sense with the "wearing out part". I usually start getting tired arms as well after screwing the Ameristeps In, might have to look Into these Cranfords for that reason alone. Thanks for the Info!!
Yeah, the bolded part of the comment wasn't directed at you Schultzy... I've participated in threads on this topic for over a decade and tried to help countless individuals see the light. Doesn't matter to me; it's their shoulders and arms... but if you look into Cranfords, you'll thank me later. :D
Just for the hell of It Greg (Gregs):D I'm going to order myself up some of these this fall. I like the reviews from you guys.
If you happen to have a Cabela's nearby, you could save yourself a ton of shipping charges... And everyone keeps talking about the rod style; I LOVE the portability and packability of the folding ones.... I've also got about 50 or so of the removable ones... but you wanna talk about expensive? :D
One hour away, got me some Cabela points to use anyway. I wish I would of knew more about these Cranfords this Summer, I would of picked some up for bear hunting to use this up coming week.
I really like the Ones that mount on the bolts. the detachables about 3/4 the way down. always loved that idea, never have cash for em tho http://www.ezyclimb.com/treesteps.shtml
When I worked retail we carried Cranford, Ameristeps and a couple other brands. We always kept a fresh log by the shelf so we (or the consumers) could demo the steps right there. They MOST always walked out with the Cranford steps. Also, when I metioned how easy they start, you really don't even need to apply much pressure at all to get them started and when I'm hanging off the side of the tree the easier they start the better if you know what I mean...
The distance from your elbow to the tip of your fingers should be very nearly the same as the length of your leg from the knee down. Just hold your arm up against the tree to measure for the next step works good for me. Just a safety note, if you happen to leave steps in a favorite tree, always take them out and move them each year. Some types of trees will start to form a "plug" around the step and after time they can and do actually pull out. I learned the hard way but was lucky enough to already have one hand on the platform of my stand. But hanging 18' up with one hand is not an experience I care to experinece more than once. You may need to use a steel brush to clean the threads that become clogged with sap also. Stay safe and good luck.
I just got done putting up some stands this past weekend. Put in around 50 Ameristeps. My buddy had the Ameristep inserter that we attached to a drill. While I know that the steps aren't too hard to put in by hand, that attachment made them go A LOT quicker. Had to set the drill on the "hammer" setting and when they get tight you have to be careful not to break your wrist! Did the last 2 turns by hand. It takes a little getting used to, but I do believe its a time and energy saver.
With the Cranford's, I would stay away from the folding ones. The screw part also folds in and it is a pain in the butt to get them started when you put pressure against the little screw and it collapses on you. This is what I'm talking about.
Like everything it depends on where you buy them. My local proshop carries the rod step(which I prefer) for $3.75 each. He sells the standard step for $3.25 or $3.50...can't remember. Have no idea what Cabelas or other stores sell them for, except higher I imagine.
I use the last step to my nee for the spacing. That distance works even when I have heave clothes on for cold weather. I also use double folding steps. The best ones are the one with the sharpest point on thread.
This is what I do as well.I am 6' 1" and to get to 20 feet unless there is a sturdy limb or two on the way up I will be using 10 to 11 steps.
