POST SEASON: 2019 Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks Review

[@AhhBeejams]

Great video! I really appreciate you showing how you packed them in and get them up the tree. I am brand new to saddle hunting and it helps a lot to see things like that!

[@genericyoutubeuser1700]

Great video. Thank you for the detailed tips.

[@GrowHunting]

Great detail on holding the back of the strap with your left hand to remove the tension. As I am starting those details are such a big help. Thank You!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Glad to help, Grow Hunting! Thanks for the feedback!

[@jamesgarner8188]

I use these. I have heard people say they kick out sometimes which makes me a little nervous. Have you ever had these kick out? I wonder if it's more a problem with the mini two steps. I like these because I don't like aiders. Thanks for your content.

[@markheidema3699]

Very good video on the Hawk Climbing Sticks and tree placement.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Mark! I appreciate you watching it!

[@danmathews2151]

To each his own. I have bowhunted for 34 years, shot 54 deer. If I had to back pack all that stuff in, "plus" carrying my bow, and stand. I would have never got into deer hunting. Then add heavy clothing for extreme weather. And hip boots to get into swamps. Talk about taking the fun out of the sport. I'm 64 now. At one time I could go up a tree like a gray squirrel. Today my knees feel like someone is on my back when I go up a tree. What I am saying is this. A few more years from now. You won't be carrying that pack into the woods.

[@codychallenger0666]

I think the people who are disliking the videos even though it's only like two or three here and there but I think they're just pulling it up on KZbin and not really searching this up and that's why they don't like it because there's no reason why any of your videos should get a dislike they are very informative like very very

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you again for the encouragement, Cody! I really do appreciate it! I seem to have a few folks who just can't wait to dislike my videos! lol No big deal! They can move on if they don't like it! Take care!

[@nate_stanton]

great video!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Nate! I appreciate the feedback!

[@rylandrummonds]

Awesome video. Thanks for the review!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Rylan! I appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching!

[@greanjackal]

Fug all that I like the two piece platform

[@madhuntsadventures]

Haha to each his own! 👍🏼

[@jongoodhue]

How high you getting with 3 sticks and aides?

[@madhuntsadventures]

Great question, Jon! The older I get I probably comfortably average around 19-20 feet but If I really need to get higher I can space out my sticks and take longer strides between them and then put my platform another 3 feet above my top stick I can get close to 26-28 feet (from the top of my platform). However, in order to get to that maximum height you really need to work for it so it's easier to hunt around 19-20 feet so that's usually where I'm at. Hope that helps!

[@aaronmeeks1155]

I got these and the platform that attaches to the top for valentines day. Can't wait to try them out this season. Also mine came with the daisy strap and not the buckle

[@madhuntsadventures]

That sounds like a great gift! 🤜🏼 I like that they switched over to the daisy chain instead of the buckle. Good move by Hawk. Hope you have a great season! Thanks for watching, Aaron.

[@landoncunningham3856]

Where did you get your aider from and how long of an aider should i get. Im 5ft 5

[@madhuntsadventures]

Great question, Landon! I made my aider out of 1" tubular webbing from REI. I'm 5'-10" with about a 33" inseam and I made my moveable aider 51" long. I hang it from my top standoff (6:17 min mark on my video). I would think you could take off about 5" and make yours around 46" long but you'll want to play around with it because everyone is different. Hope that helps!

[@codychallenger0666]

Thanks so much for all these reviews man.. they r helping me decide on each I need by all ur videos.. h2 saddle nd jx3 saddle I'm about to order.. now trying to find best sticks. Was looking at the hunting b sticks

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks for the feedback, Cody! I appreciate it and I'm glad to help! If you have any questions feel free to ask! Good luck!

[@TheBeingReal]

Great “real” demo. Much appreciated.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, TheBeingReal! I appreciate that!

[@radiorahim861]

This video proved I'm a complete noob lol. I'm rocking just one stick right now with a tree seat. My po-man begginer setup with some rope lol.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Haha! Well we all have to start somewhere and there's nothing wrong with that! Stick with it and just add what you can when you can. 👍🏼 Thanks for watching!

[@Lions_Forever71]

Another great video! I’m thinking about buying those same sticks. I personally like cable aides myself, is it safe to run a single aider off the bottom of a full length stick like these?

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Troy! I appreciate you watching! Yes it is totally safe to run a single aider off the bottom of a full length stick. You just need to be a little more careful not to put side pressure as you step up or the bottom of the stick could kick out. When you hang a single aider from the top of the stick (like I do in this video) you don't have to worry as much about the side pressure. Safety is most important so keep that in mind. Take care!

[@voxpopuli905]

They took away those cam buckle straps and replaced them with these straps that have no buckle. They have a series of loops stitched into them the full length of the strap. Which is a great concept but the strap itself kinda sucks. They’re under sized, and they don’t inspire confidence. Also the holes don’t line up well half the time, requiring you to use a looser setting and pull the stick down a lot further at times. Where as the cam buckle straps fit perfectly and are tight no matter what and do so consistently. I see some people modifying their sticks to use pieces of climbing rope and that over all looks like a much better more consistent method. However on my set up I opted to replace the weird Hawk buckless strap with a cam buckle strap from XOP. I just prefer the cam buckle and the added safety. Just more peace of mind

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks for the feedback, Vox Populi! Those webbing daisy chain straps do work if you turn the stick on an angle to get a closer loop to attach it to and then you pull the bottom of the stick away from the tree and straighten it and seat it and it is super tight. I switched out my original straps for Amsteel daisy chains and love them! Thanks for watching and for the comment! 👍🏼

[@stevenjohnson8330]

I’m interested in changing up the way I hunt some places and found this video looking for more information on these sticks I found this very helpful! Very good video! What pack are using? I like how the side fold to hold them

[@madhuntsadventures]

Great questions, Steven! I'm glad you found the channel. In this video I'm using 30" Hawk Helium sticks. Here is a link... ads.midwayusa.com/product/1017569648?pid=858008 The pack is the Eberlestock X2 and it is a great pack for carrying sticks. Here is a link... shop.opticsplanet.com/eberlestock-x2-pack.html?_iv_code=8G-BP0-X2PK-X2HS&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAjwpayjBhAnEiwA-7ena16KUqfNfRXQitio84-SBj5tLPIMxFuUH7-GyVZEX3C8MiIqmcoRsxoC7E0QAvD_BwE Hope that helps!

[@mlcatfish75]

Thanks for sharing! What’s the backpack that you are using?

[@madhuntsadventures]

Anytime, mlcatfish75! Thanks for watching! I'm using the Eberlestock X2 day pack. I did a review on it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/raepnpSqpbGAfpI Great pack!!

[@eagleone8270]

I like what you did.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Eagle One- thank you very much! Hope it was helpful!

[@alanscustomlures9922]

Great video. Whereabouts did you get that particular aider?

[@madhuntsadventures]

Alan’s Custom Lures- I bought 1” tubular webbing from REI and cut it to my step length (from the top of the stick to approximately 2’ below the stick). I also added a 3/4” piece of hose inside the webbing to hold it open and keep it from blowing in the wind so easily. Here is the REI link: www.rei.com/product/118266/blue water-1-climb-spec-tubular-webbing-30-ft

[@redsoxwinagain2007]

I have the older ones and like them. Yet to modify them and may just buy the new version.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Yeah I really like them a lot but I've considered cutting them down and using a two step aider for the upcoming season but I've not done it yet. I'm still trying to decide if I want to or not but reducing some weight would be nice.

[@whitetailthrive1146]

Same here...

[@AH-mw8vi]

I’ve been watching your videos for a couple years and enjoy them. You are detail oriented among other things. I’ve already seen this video a couple times years ago but went with different more expensive sticks that I am happy with. I am looking for a backup setup. I have benefited from your detailed product reviews. If I could humbly make a suggestion to return my gratitude it would be to buy a good pack like a mystery ranch. I also had an x2 but that pack handicapped my capabilities and where I could go and what I could do. For example, I shot two bulls last year. A 400lb bear that I baited with my pack and hauled out on my back. Two mature bucks I had to bone out and carry out on my back because I was that far back… A couple years ago, I injured my shoulder working out, couldn’t use my bow for a year and a half or carry the x2 with over 25lbs. A good pack can be adjusted for people to accommodate shoulder and back problems. Total game changer. I hike a few times a week and hunt all across America and am not affiliated. I got mine on sale originally 550 for 300

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you for all the support and for the feedback, A H! I truly appreciate it! Mystery Ranch makes some great packs and I appreciate the suggestion! I will have to keep that in mind for future purchases! Sounds like you've had some great success and have first hand knowledge on a good pack! 👍🏼

[@philipbyersoutdoors3295]

Great video!! 2 questions.. what is that name of that back pack you're using and also how high do you get to your platform with the 3 sticks and aider? Thanks!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks, Philip! I'm running the Eberlestock X2 pack! It's awesome! Probably the best pack I've ever owned. It's a day pack with an inner frame so if I ever need to pack anything out I can. I typically get up to 22-24 feet (including my platform which is about 1-2 feet above the top stick). I can get higher if I need to by stretching out each stick to my max stepping distance.

[@philipbyersoutdoors3295]

@@madhuntsadventures thank you!!

[@madhuntsadventures]

@@philipbyersoutdoors3295 Yessir!

[@timwaldroup9654]

Looks like you are very comfortable with your system..

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Tim! I was definitely comfortable throughout the entire 2019 season and I already can't wait for the 2020 season! ...and I'll probably be making a few changes this year!

[@jerrydumblauskas1268]

How high up can you get with this setup? And thanks for the video btw :)

[@madhuntsadventures]

You're welcome, Jerry! Thanks for watching! I can get up around 26-28 feet (with my platform 1-2 feet about my top stick) if I space them out to my max distance. However, for a comfortable climb I can get up around 22-24 feet.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

I love my Hawks, also have the 2019. I use 4 sticks with and aider on the first stick. I also made daisy chains for them. Awesome setup

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks, Chris! So how high can you get up with sticks and an aider? Like over 30 ft?

[@jimmyinglish2669]

Great video! Might think about using a HSS safety rope along with lineman’s belt for added safety. Be safe and God bless

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks for the tip, Jimmy! God bless you as well!

[@jimmyinglish2669]

@@madhuntsadventures I forgot to ask but how high are u typically going with your sticks? U normally space them about knee high apart? Thank you sir

[@madhuntsadventures]

@@jimmyinglish2669 Great questions, Jimmy! I try to get up around 22-25 feet and I've gotten around 28 feet when I stretched out my sticks as far as possible. I space mine higher than knee high because i'm using an aider. The bottom of my aider is knee high and it hangs down below the bottom of the stick about 22-24 inches. Hope that helps!

[@jimmyinglish2669]

@@madhuntsadventures awesome! Thank you so much !! Take care and God bless you

[@chuckwhite8365]

How much does your Eberlstock pack weigh empty? I really like the way the sticks store in that pack.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Great question, Chuck! The pack weighs 4lb 12oz. I have a review just for the Eberlestock XC pack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raepnpSqpbGAfpI It is a day pack with a metal frame which can be used for packing out deer, elk, sheep, etc.

[@chuckwhite8365]

Thanks for the weight info. I had found your pack review after I posted the question and caught all the specs there too. I use a much smaller tactical gear pack now to carry my predator platform and misc gear but carry the sticks using a DIY shoulder strap that doubles as my back band. I just upgraded to a CRUZR XC so a new pack will have to wait.

[@madhuntsadventures]

@@chuckwhite8365 that makes sense! There are SO many things out there that we "need!" Haha!

[@jeffalden6769]

Good video! Ever think of putting 2 more aiders in the pack? I just bought these sticks yesterday. I am putting amsteel on like I have all my other stuff. Saw a great video of a guy using 1/4" and it's great for hooking to the button. I like it on my other sticks. Also 7000lb winch rope off eBay is just like amsteel. $24 for 50 ft

[@madhuntsadventures]

Great information, Jeff! Thanks for sharing! I've kicked around the idea of adding additional aiders or bringing one per stick but I haven't because it's easy to move the one up as I go and then I don't have them blowing in the wind at eye level for a deer. But I have considered it for sure! Great question!

[@jeffalden6769]

@@madhuntsadventures I have seen the amsteel looped out the fronts of the bottom steps 18" down. Using a continuous loop with buried ends. 3/8" rubber air line 8" piece to put foot on. Which keeps it open loop and the rope out the fronts gives you the spacing off the tree

[@madhuntsadventures]

@@jeffalden6769 That sounds like a great idea! I put a piece of 3/8" air line inside my tubular webbing and tied knots on each side of it to hold it in place and it works great! I love the idea you mentioned. I've also been kicking around the idea of cutting my heliums down and using a two step aider to make my load lighter and easier to pack in.

[@ronniejohnson3781]

I love these sticks,my only issue is when it's below 30 degrees the suction cups break VERY easily

[@madhuntsadventures]

I agree, RIPPINLIPS 1448! I love mine as well and haven't had a desire to switch anything. The only thing I'm planning to do is change out the strap for an Amsteel daisy chain. Stay safe!

[@outdoorswithcharlie6431]

I'm a new subscriber, enjoyed the video. I will be using the 30" heliums for the first time this fall. I was considering buying an additional set, just so I'd have an extra stick but after seeing your aider set-up I'm thinking I might have something that could work for that. Did you buy that strap or did you make it from something that you had laying around? I've got some tree stand safety straps that came with the stands, that I'm not using...you just gave me an idea of what I could use them for.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Welcome to the channel, Outdoors with Charlie! Thank you for the support! I bought the 1" tubular webbing from REI but you could using something laying around if you have enough material. Hope you have a great season with your setup!

[@BlackPowderTherapist]

what climbing belt and lineman belt do you use? trying to buy stuff

[@madhuntsadventures]

Eddie, when I was using my modified Sitdrag I used the Metolius rock climbing harness. That provided me with the safety I needed until I got up to hunting height. Then I would switch over to my Sitdrag to hunt. But if you purchase a saddle you won't need to purchase a climbing belt because the saddle has lineman loops to climb. I purchased my climbing ropes (lineman rope & tether) from FlagHouse and Backcountry Gear. I hope this answered your question. If not shoot me another question for clarification. Thanks!

[@JakeVickers]

Thanks for the video - I use these sticks, and am always looking for new ways to do things. I'm going to try the same aider setup as you I think. I've also been trying to see a good video on how one carries these sticks in with a pack, and the Eberlestock is one I'm seriously looking at. I am curious about your dump pouches though - I like that big one. Which one is it? Thanks!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Jake! I appreciate the comment! The Eberlestock X2 is by far the best pack I've owned and it works perfectly with climbing sticks! I bought dump pouches through Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K2322VB/ They are pretty cheap in price but they've performed great through the 2019 deer season. Good luck!

[@chancehutcheson621]

How high can you realistically get with the three sticks alone? Just curious. I plan to use an aider but i still would want to know. I have youth on my side but I’m also a shorter guy.

[@madhuntsadventures]

With just the sticks alone and no aider? Well I've not tried that but I would say around 15-18 feet hight. I can get close to 25-28 feet with aiders. I would definitely use aiders if I were you! It makes a big difference and they are basically no added weight at all.

[@CKays217]

What kind of backpack is that? Just bought some hawk helium sticks and trying to figure out how to haul them out in the woods

[@madhuntsadventures]

Cody, I use the Eberlestock X2 backpack. It is a little pricey but WELL WORTH THE MONEY! It's by far the best pack I've every owned. I have a review on the pack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raepnpSqpbGAfpI I struggled to find a pack that would allow me to pack in my sticks, camera gear, and hunting equipment and this pack is awesome! Here is a link to Amazon: www.amazon.com/Eberlestock-X2-Pack/dp/B00D5CSE26/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29JN0WDG6W7KY&dchild=1&keywords=eberlestock+x2&qid=1592100036&sprefix=eberlest%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

[@Greenhornet-jr2uo]

I like double steps, big guys need a break in between

[@madhuntsadventures]

Haha well some little guys do as well! Thanks for watching!

[@thespu239]

No close-ups of how to attach

[@mthomas8338]

Junk. buttons broke first time out

[@madhuntsadventures]

That's unfortunate, M Thomas! I've had mine since 2019 and not one has broken to date. Hopefully you contacted Hawk and got it taken care of! Thanks for the comment!

[@danielolfier6335]

Is there anyway we could email?

[@madhuntsadventures]

Sure thing! My email is: [e-mail]

[@danielolfier6335]

Just seen this will be emailing you.

[@bobbyjones9719]

Enjoyed the video. Being a new SH awaiting delivery of my CRUZR, I’m getting close to ordering my ascending/descending tool. Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Wild Edge steps. I had narrowed my choice down to the Helium’s until I saw Chris Cain and others demo the Cain SteppLadder. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. BTW, it was your demo video that convinced me to go with the CRUZR. Thanks.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you, Bobby! I appreciate that! Welcome to saddle hunting! You’re going to love it! As far as my tbought a on the Wild Edge Steps, I like them but also have irritations with them. They are easy to pack in and pretty light weight, but they can be a pain to get seated on the tree at times. Sometimes you need to cam them over several times to find the “right fit.” I really love climbing sticks with an aider and I’m planning on switching to a platform this season. I was using three Wild Edge Steps as my platform but I’m tired of fooling with three pieces and want to just have one thing to secure to the tree. I hope I answered your questions! Thanks for asking! If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Also, I have three saddle hunting review videos that may help clarify things for you if you go to my channel.

[@josephabdo6664]

Looks like a pain in the ass. I'll stick to my summit Goliath, but cool video

[@madhuntsadventures]

😂 Thanks for watching, Joseph! It's really not that difficult and I like climbers as well and have used them in the past. 👍🏼

[@anthony-ip2ox]

Every video is on a straight tree with no limbs, I could climb more efficiently with my climber.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Possibly true on a straight tree, anthony 234. However, I often climb trees with branches but for the sake of making the video I used a tree without any. Using sticks allows me to choose which tree is best for the wind and specific setup while a climbing stand guy would be forced to hunt a straight tree. Thanks for the comment and for watching! I do appreciate it! Just a sidenote, I used a climbing stand for many years and I still like them and am not against them, I just prefer to have more tree options these days.

[@anthony-ip2ox]

@@madhuntsadventures what sticks would you recommend to get about 18 ft minimum to the platform

[@madhuntsadventures]

@@anthony-ip2ox great question. I personally like to use Hawk Heliums but I know lots of guys like other sticks as well. You could easily get 18' high with three Heliums and a movable aider.

[@typeonekills3746]

I bought these sticks last here there not a great stick at all very sloppy on the tree and grabbing they move out to you due to bad set up and don’t stack great . The cop sticks are much better they lock in place so much better.

[@madhuntsadventures]

Type one Kills, thanks for the comment! I appreciate your perspective! I didn't have any issues at all for the 2019 season. I've never heard of the cop sticks so I'll need to look into them! Thanks for the information!

[@peterpizzurro]

The Hawk Tungsten are total trash! It's easier to carry in an actual ladder!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thank you for the feedback, Peter! Thanks for watching!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Please kill the music!

[@madhuntsadventures]

Sorry, Mr. Skeptical but the video is already posted with the music.

[@typeonekills3746]

Sorry I Ment xop sticks there so much better

[@madhuntsadventures]

Gotcha! I’ve never tried the XOP sticks but would like to!

[@bkbowhunter1]

Nice video pretty much my same setup I’ve used the helium sticks all season really like them probably doing a review on them soon

[@madhuntsadventures]

Thanks bkbowhunter1! I can't wait to watch your review!