Tethrd Skeletors VS. Hawk Heliums - They aren't the same!

[@unadillariveroutdoors9690]

When you set ur daisy chain try turning ur stick sideways to get the next loop then pull the stick back into the tree. Doing that sets the stick perfectly with little to no movement, for the hawk sticks. I’ve used the hawks for two years and I’ve been pretty happy with them. Purchased a set of the skeletors and I was very surprised at how much better they are. Either way they are both good sticks and I will still use both but the skeletors will be my primary choice in the upcoming season

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I’ve done that many times, but sometimes even that doesn’t work. The dynalite system is 100x easier and works every time.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Somehow I only saw half of your reply at first. I agree, I am not bashing on hawks because overall I have been happy. however the skeletors are definitely better and I feel are the more well thought out solution.

[@unadillariveroutdoors9690]

No I’m not saying ur bashing them at all but the skeletors are absolutely a step above. I like both sets of sticks a lot especially once I put aiders on them.

[@jurdontyson7287]

Thank you for the review of both. I have been using the Hawk 3 step sticks for 2 years. They have worked very well but a bit heavy and long. I was going to mod my hawk sticks to the 2 step size. After this review, I am going to pull the trigger and purchase the Tethrd Skeletors. Thank you for the in depth comparison.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I dont think you will be disappointed.

[@urbanarcher3535]

You nailed my two biggest issues with the Hawks. The daisy chain problem and the suction cups both can be dealt with but it can be a PITA! I am looking forward to getting my hands on the Skeletors

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I’m sure you will enjoy the skeletors. They are a step above.

[@maxbooms5039]

@@TheBudgetSportsmanpunny

[@madhuntsadventures]

Good honest review, Nate. I've been interested in the Skeletors since I saw them and I hope to give them a try at some point. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I really wish they came in under $200, but I definitely think they are a great option for the mobile hunter.

[@sawtoothscream1521]

Love my skeletors sticks. No regrets after running them this season.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I agree

[@dustinbubb6789]

I paid 85 dollars for my hawk sticks they were on sale but original price was 109 for a set of cheapest on the market

[@benjamincooper8531]

I've been waiting for this comparison. One thing to note about the hawks. They've made some changes and improvements. The suction cups are much better now, and instead of the cam buckles they now come with versa straps, which I don't like to use with the actual loops, but they work great doing the buckle-less method.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Interesting! Glad they are making improvements. I suppose if the hawk stick come with daisy chains, then that keeps the prices of the hawks low. They are definitely a great budget option, but the skeletors are a step above in my opinion, but they do come with a "step above" price.

[@benjamincooper8531]

@@TheBudgetSportsman they hawks definitely aren't quite as nice, but when I found them for $100 it was worth it to get them. Iike them way better than the full length hawks I was using before. I certainly wouldn't mind getting some skeletors at some point though.

[@DONdayce]

I've had Hawk Heliums since I started hunting and all the sets I've bought were at the $100 price point for the 4pk. Even now it's pretty common to find them at the same price, so in my opinion the $100 price point would be a better comparison regardless of the "actual" MSRP.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Ok, you might be right there. I did try to make it clear that sale prices were common.

[@PennsylvaniaSasquatch]

Awesome video! Haven't tried the skeletors yet, but have been quite happy with my Hawk Helium's using the rope Mod (Chinese Cinch Knot) for my set-ups.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

The hawks are not bad, but in my opinion the skeletors are a step above.

[@PennsylvaniaSasquatch]

I can believe that. How do you carry your sticks? Are you a saddle hunter or stand hunter. I've found that carrying all of the gear necessary to be mobile can be quite cumbersome.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I saddle hunt. I carry everything in a Mystery Ranch Backpack. It can be cumbersome but it is WAY less cumbersome than the summit climber I used to carry. You can see my entire setup (before I switched to skeletors) in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaWkgaxsiqxlbrc

[@PennsylvaniaSasquatch]

Okay, thanks!

[@walter992]

Great video. Almost ordered the Hawks but ended up going with the Skeletors.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I think you will be pleased. The hawks work fine, but the skeletors are step above.

[@aaronmeeks1155]

The new hawk sticks comes with versa straps. I just wish they still was camo

[@chadbinette3201]

The biggest pro / con to me is the fact you can buy 1 skeleton or 4 hawks for the same price. I just ordered a 4 pack of hawk helium 20" sticks for like $110 on Amazon and got them within a week. And this weekend I was at Cabela's and they had 4 pack of the hawk helium 30" sticks for $160. Which I kicked myself cause online it was a 4pack of 20" steps or a 3 pack of 30" steps and I go through some thick crap so I wanted the shorter ones for packing reasons but wish I would of seen the 4 pack at cabela cause for another $50 can get probably another 6-8, maybe even 10ft with the longer sticks , where as online I figured 4-20" sticks would be comparable to 3-30" sticks, but the forth 30" stick would make a big difference height wise. It's great to have light weight gear, but here in Maine we get October to bow hunt and November to rifle hunt, so I can't justify dropping the bank for 8-10 days of hunting a year. We can't hunt Sunday and today (nov-16) the last 3 Saturday or hunting season have been 60-70 degrees. I have no complaints about the hawks for the price.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

No doubt hawks are cheaper, also no doubt for me that skeletors are better. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@chuckclark7444]

I modified 32" leverage sticks. Took off the V bracket and strap with the steel clamp. I put on a button and tehyrd versa link strap. Then heard about Skeletors. Guess I'll be using my mods for a while.?.?

[@Lpass2020]

I just bought the hawk 30 inch and they come with daisy chains from the factory. I'm not the best example for saving weight though. I've been in heavy construction for a few decades so an extra 2 pounds doesn't bother me.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

It all depends on your needs. The hawks are fine sticks, but I personally would never get the long version, for weight AND bulk. Also, I can carry extra weight in sticks, but I’ve started quartering some of my deer and carrying them out in my backpack. Once I add 4 quarters and loose meat to my back, I’m thinking about where I can shave weight from my equipment.

[@JayNayMay]

Just bought 2 sets of 4 hawk sticks. 79.99 on black friday sale. 175 after tax for the 2 sets. At that point I'll just use the hawks and run buckle straps. No worries

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Wow that is a great deal.

[@nickricholetti754]

i switched the male and female rubber suction cups from my bigger hawk sticks and put them on the 20”. they were way softer

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Nice.

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

Good review/comparison Nate. It’ll be interesting to hear an update after a couple years of use 👍

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I got in a couple of late season hunts with the skeletors and I was pleased. We will see what happens with time.

[@craigaekus4545]

Have hawks with tether daisy chains Plan on buying skeletors this year

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I think you will be pleased.

[@ScottWConvid19]

With 4-20" sticks that give 18" of distance between steps, separated at 18" apart up the tree, with a platform 18" above that, that's a total of 162" or 13.5' off the ground. So in order to get up to my favorite height range (18'-22') I'd either have to get aiders or buy another 4 pack of steps, right?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Most people that I know use aiders, but yes your math is correct. Carrying 8 sticks isn’t ideal for a mobile hunting system.

[@ScottWConvid19]

@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks for all your info

[@Zelleram55]

For what its worth, I have found the safest easiest aider is a one step moveable aider that stays attached to my leg/foot with bungie accessory cord. I like it because there is never fishing around for your aider step, its always attached, I just hook it on the stick and step sown into it. I get an extra 18” or so with each stick. I can easily get to 20 ft with 4 mini sticks. I usually only cary 3 sticks and aider and hunt at about 15 ft. You can see how I use my DIY aider in the video below around 2:45 minutes in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWXHY6eCaqp8pa8

[@blakelafleurCECOLC]

Gonna run my hawks I just bought his year (yes already did the diy tinkering) but I do have a question for you… what are your thoughts on the 20in vs the 30in? I have the 30s and I can return them up until tomorrow so hopefully you’re able to get back to me soon. I’m thinking of just carrying 2 30in sticks into the field with me (added an aider step to each stick) Thanks for everything! I often purchase gear you recommend.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Hey Blake, that’s going to be personal preference. One of the reasons I choose to saddle hunt is not just a weight savings but a bulk savings. I carry my sticks in a backpack and nothing sticks higher than my head with a 20” stick. For me that’s a big advantage. I guess if the math works out to get you high enough with two 30” sticks, that would work fine too, it will probably weigh almost as much as 3 shorter sticks and by my math probably wouldn’t get you as high (I guess that depends on aiders and step spacing)

[@bkbowhunter1]

Great review. When they first came out just going on looks I thought they were very similar. After seeing a few reviews especially this one. I can see the difference. I used the full length hawk helium sticks for 2 years they were ok but little on the heavy side. I just recently got the trophy line wing man so far I like it. Going to do a few mods on it.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Yeah, the "look" very similar but there are some very significant differences. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewarbour5733]

Great review. I’ll be ordering some skeletor sticks!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I’m sure you will enjoy them!

[@johnhayes2299]

After having them both in hand together. I would buy the hawk again. The skeletor pros are nice but if im caring 8 to 10lbs ill just get the hawks. Now the one stick is a totally different decision

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I used the hawks for a season or two and the skeletors for two seasons. I definitely enjoyed the skeletors way more...BUT I did order some one sticks this year.

[@bryonleche3627]

Great review. Thanks!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Your welcome

[@joelfindley7140]

Why are you pins on the skeletor bottom stand-off on the wrong side?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I had one stick in the pack ship with the pins backwards. I was only using 3 to climb so I actually didn’t notice it till I made this video.

[@mikebaker1044]

We’re did you get the tethrd sticks thanks

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

tethrdnation.com/

[@mikebaker1044]

@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks

[@hyperlee78]

Ive been using my lone wolf sticks over 10yrs and i just sold it for a set of hawk helium. After seeing this video clip makes me want to sell the hawk and get the skeletor. I love the fact that the skeletor foot rest are at a angle.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

The hawks aren’t bad. I used them for two years with no major complaints, but when I tried the skeletors it was clear that they were a step above

[@WildGameLegacy]

I have the hawks and they work....so when I upgrade, it's gonna be to the ONE stick x3 with aiders

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Nice! The one sticks are just a little pricey for me.

[@peterplanz2310]

Excellent review!!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks Peter.

[@chrisholka298]

Tethrd one sticks are the bomb

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I got myself a set on the end of season sale. Looking forward to using them next season.

[@nathanbriner32]

How to actually use a daisy chain. Gotta turn your stick sideways then loop it.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I’m aware of that technique and it works ok sometimes, but there is no way anyone convince me that Daisy chains are better than the dynalock system. I’ve been using both this season and the skeletors are just fuss free and easy to use every single time.

[@thesustainablehuntingcompany]

Another great review!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks

[@lizzleyt]

Just keep the stock straps but ditch the buckle and attach them with the "buckle-less method". I'm almost 300# with all my gear and never had a problem with this method...

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks for the suggestion. My point is that the skeletors come with a really great, ready to use solution. There are a number of ways to change the attachment method on the hawks, but the skeletors come out of the box ready to go with the best system I’ve seen or used.

[@lizzleyt]

@@TheBudgetSportsman I get what you're saying, I wasn't trying to disagree with you. Was just trying to point out another option for those that might not know about it. Thanks for the video I always enjoy your content. 👍

[@joshisoutdoors8142]

Truckers hitch for the daisy chain!!!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I have tried, but more time consuming and cumbersome than the tethrd attachment method.

[@the_every_day_hunter]

Just ordered the hawk heliums for 89 dollars , Mabey I should have watched this before I purchased

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

You can't beat the hawk sticks at that price.

[@the_every_day_hunter]

@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks for that, just gonna start saddle hunting this year

[@mikescustomtackle9898]

Ok you seem a little Pro Skeletor on this review and that is fine. Anyone who has run the daisy chain for any length of time knows you angle the stick to the loops and you can gain a nother loop shorter very easily. You can actually get them to tight. The biggest issue I have with the Skeletors is the bottom standoff issue they have been having. They bend and collapse with use. They did to much machining on them. They will replace it only if you bend or break one. Tethrd is not fixing this on their Skeletor sticks and to me is a no way I will use them.If they have any probability of failure your life is not worth the risk. I just talked to them the other day again about this problem and they are still using the thinner bottom standoff so this is not a problem they are taking care of until it breaks on you. That is terrible customer service in my opinion and not worth my life knowing an issue to shave a few ounces. Good review other than the couple things not performed to equal out the way they are used..

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

You are correct and I wasn’t trying to skew the info. My personal experience with pulling the stick to the side has been hit or miss. Sometimes it works. Sometimes (as you mention) it’s too tight. My point was that no matter what you do with Dailey chains, there is a fiddle factor. I should have spent more time explaining that, but I was trying not to make the entire video about my personal annoyance with daisy chains. I did in fact mention that there were many things I tried to make daisy chains work…and they do work. I’ve used them for two years. But my point of that entire section is that there is no fiddle factor at all with the skeletors. I appreciate you sharing your concerns about the standoff issue. I can only speak to my experience and knowledge and at this point I haven’t had an issue and I have only heard hearsay about an issue. I’ve heard several people speak about the problem but only one person that was speaking from first hand experience.

[@mikescustomtackle9898]

@@TheBudgetSportsman I understand what you are saying you just said nothing on the negatives for the Skeletor sticks and that is why I said you were a little team Tethrd. Their little locking pin system well you think is great is a nightmare in low light let alone the dark for getting them stcked together. The standoffs are a deal breaker for me because it is a safety risk and Tetherd is aware is is doing nothing until you have a failure. This to me is a lawsuit waiting to happen and very surprising for a company like Tethrd but its all corporate greed and the money.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I actually said the skeletors stacking pins are fiddly and I hoped they got better with practice. I don’t think I actually said they were great except that they are very secure. I do really like the skeletors, but I apologize if I came off sounding biased. This is only my opinion…the skeletors are better than the hawks.

[@lucaskiel4683]

I disagree, he doesnt seem biased at all. A better product is a better product and thats what he was pointing out.

[@jeffpersenaire2117]

skeletors are too light duty, the feet on my bent the first day I used them.

[@calmlikeabomb1340]

Wish they sold one of them instead of packs of 4 only.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

It is a bummer. Best bet is to find a guy who only climbs with three sticks and see if he will sell you the fourth.

[@ScottWConvid19]

👍🏼

[@stevieray1828]

With four, three step hawks i can get up as high as i need to. I wouldn't want the smaller 2 step sticks

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad there’s options for everyone. I would rather save weight and bulk with a smaller stick and add an aider to get higher.

[@donniehickman7928]

So they copied the Hawk sticks and done all the DIY for you? Nice.... i been using hawk for years and have modified mine. Cant beat them for the prrice, the others are too much