Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the straps not available for climbing anymore?
- We have found the USA Attachments to be so far superior to the straps we have decided to discontinue offering the straps in a Climbing Package. If you have bought the Platform Steps to Climb with either strap as the attachment method and would like to upgrade, please contact us as we are offering a deep discount because we appreciate your business and want you to have the best option available. They are really that good!
How can that little rope be strong and stable enough for Climbing with those steps?
- Believe it or not, the Amsteel we use has an average break rating of around 2500lbs. where the straps we have used for many years have a break rating of around 15oolbs! Its crazy we know. Thats why it is loved it so much!
How can they be safe to use?
- We have been climbing trees like this for many years. This is our 10th combination of steps and attachments we have brought to the market. The Platform Step with tha USA Amsteel Attachment is hands down the most solid step we have ever used. These steps actually will handle side pressure better than climbing sticks.
- They are also the easiest step to use as well with the least amount of learning curve. Simply push down on the step and step against the tree will create the most solid step ever created.
Can I use the other attachments or an OCB buckle to attach my Platform Ring of Steps?
- Although some people have used other attachment methods and had success with our Platform Ring of Steps, we only recommend the HD Ratchet.
- We have found more than ideal movement with anything other than the HD ratchet.
- If you don’t mind your steps moving a bit you may make something else work, but again we don’t recommend it.
How much does each step weigh?
- The Platform Step weighs 3.1 oz.
How big are the steps?
- The Platform Step is 2.5 inches wide and is nearly 3.5 inches long. The platform of the step is broken up into 4 surface angles to create a comfortable surface regardless of the angle in which you contact the step.
How much weight are the steps Rated for?
- ALL of our steps and attachments are 3rd party Lab Tested to meet ASTM standards with a rating to 300lbs. (That is Total Weight – You and your gear)
How many steps do you recommend for the Ring of Steps?
- Short answer- It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.
- Ultimately, this is personal preference. I like to hunt trees that are in the range of basketball size at hunting height. I regularly carry 6 steps for my Ring of Steps. If a tree is very small you can take the extra step(s) off if need be. However, I do advise against fewer steps as the fewer steps you have requires larger movements to move around on them if positioning for a shot. You don’t want to fumble at the moment of truth! Additionally, you will find that more often than not, your original direction you set up facing will not be completely satisfactory and the extra steps allow you to slightly, or drastically, tweak the direction you are facing much more easily.
How many steps do you recommend for climbing?
- The honest answer- It depends. 18” per step is the universal measurement and the distance recommended by the Tree Stand Manufacturers Assoc. (TMA) and we do recommend following this recommendation. This distance will allow an average height man to be able to climb with minimal strain. This distance could be slightly lower if you are significantly shorter. Although not recommended, if a person is taller or can achieve a longer stride, one could stretch their step distance to whatever they find reasonable and safe. Safety is of utmost importance. That said, many people of average height are spacing their steps around 2 feet apart getting 20 feet high with about 10 steps.
So then how high do you hunt?
- Once again honestly- It depends on the area you are hunting. The short answer is as high as you need to be able to shoot through the canopy. Ideally you are covered in and by the canopy. If the area is thicker with shorter trees, you will hunt lower to be able to shoot through the canopy. If there are older taller trees and few if any shorter trees you can and will want to hunt higher. Personally, I carry 12 steps to climb and seldom climb over 20 feet even in open woods. In thicker lower canopy areas, I may hunt as low as 10 feet or even less! I believe using the Ring of Steps allows me to look more like a large tree branch and therefore lets me hunt lower than what some may recommend, up to 35 feet. Additionally, if you have a highly pressured deer herd, they may have a tendency to look up and may want to hunt the higher recommendations.