Wild Edge Steps | Heavy Weight Hunting First Impression

[@danielisri5688]

The solution to the problem you presented in the video is: 1. Make the part from stronger steel. 2. Add a reinforcement rod before the edge. Good luck

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

The actual solution is, seat the step correctly. The steps themselves are durable enough as manufactured but they can’t account for user error. I’m sure your suggestion would reinforce them, but at 1lb a piece I wouldn’t want to start adding more material. I’ll chalk this one up to me being in a hurry rather than a defect.

[@hangtimeoutdoors5507]

I know this video is a few years old but you need to use both hands when you cam them over. I have had one side bend but it was from me using one hand.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I think I had my rope too tight too, but you’re 100% correct on both hands

[@jessebaney5498]

I bought 4 of the knock off brand steps and ended up welding some 1" angles half way up the V. That's where I connect my 3 step aider to. That is my fix to the side to side movement fix. This is my first year saddle hunting so I'm hoping it works out like I picture it. Thanks for the video.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

How did your steps turn out? I switched to sticks but still own mine.

[@jessebaney5498]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures The aider attachment works great and I'm not worried about the aiders sliding out. Have noticed that the top aider step is a little tricky to get my foot in because it is the closest one to the tree. Still getting use to the steps though. going to finish out my deer season with them and make a judgement call if I want to keep running them or go with sticks.

[@harveyrousejr.2069]

I've been using the Wild Edge Steps for 3 seasons and have allot of climbs under my belt. I'm 6'2" about 90 lbs. lighter than you, however, I've had mine slip as well. I thinks its tree related and the degree of unevenness of the bark. I just always make sure before I begin my assent that I'm attached to the tree. If it slips, I don't take a fatal fall. I've also got a set of Lone Wolf tree sticks and I've had them slip as well for the same reason. I'm planning to modify my steps by converting the ropes to 1/4" Am Steel to eliminate some rope bulk.

[@jasonreis1974]

For the placement. Straight inline if possible why.. it's a double step ladder system. Not a left right left right staggered system. The adjustability yes when called for

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Simply what’s comfortable for the user.. in-line, staggered, whatever works. You could argue there isn’t a wrong way to climb if you get up safely, efficiently, and get the height needed to be successful.

[@yanceylott9843]

did you ever make a video of the final impression of the steps?

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I haven’t yet. I need to though. Overall they aren’t bad. Stretch your ropes and practice your knots and you should be okay. I’m going to be testing one sticks soon.

[@matthewpokusa1724]

I've used them for two seasons now and my first season i had lots of issues. I did have to stretch the ropes. I was close to 300 lbs and had no issues this past season. My first season I did find that they would cam over and feel tight but were not tight enough. I bent one as well. I had it too tight and forced it to cam and bent the leg. I bent it back and use it as my first step now. I haven't had any issues with it but I keep it at the bottom of the tree for my own peace of mind. Honestly I've come to love them and will keep using them. Just like anything else they are not for everyone.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

They aren’t bad and maybe I didn’t represent that well in this video. I think they have a lot of advantages over sticks, especially if you don’t have the straightest tree. I like the weight compared to my lone wolfs too. I’m thinking of incorporating them into my sets more for extra height or even for the less than ideal trees. Ultimately they are money well spent

[@matthewpokusa1724]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures I don't think you did a bad job with your representation of them. I feel you gave an honest opinion of them. They do take more work and practice then normal climbing stick and i feel most people don't truly understand that. And lets be honest everyone is different. I bought a set of climbing stick last season and only used them 3 times. I have used the WE steps for 90% of my hunts this past season and truly love them. The climbing sticks not so much. We all like what we like. My opinion is that they are great and the next person says they suck while another is still on the fence. I really enjoyed your content and im looking forward to seeing more. Keep up the great videos.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I really appreciate that! I’m going to use them more this year I think since my lone wolfs are so dang heavy 😂

[@ronflood9814]

I made continuous loops with Amsteel but I put them on after I put on camo form they don’t slide after that point with knaider swaider

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Good to know, thank you. I just checked out the new Tethrd one sticks yesterday and oh my. It’s too bad they are crazy expensive.

[@ronflood9814]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures yeah I have wild edge lone wolf sticks and the new shikar tethrd wasn’t out yet for production but I might get those but I really don’t like they sell 1 per set or 3 set I’d really like a set of four but but this year I will be using shikar for mobile in and out hunts and the wild edge I had a 12 pack from years ago I will but probably doing a few pre sets

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I’m looking for some good light weight sticks.. as you know there is plenty to choose from.. it’s a wild group (saddle hunters)

[@zurroutdoors7762]

I am a similar size as you and totally believe the rope stretch is a problem. Also have bent a few of my steps. Bent them back and no issues yet. I am changing my ropes out on the steps to amsteel. I girth hitch the rope to the step and amsteel has zero stretch. Only issue now is sometimes too tight to the tree. Keep up the solid work.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Thanks. I seriously thought about going to amsteel. How expensive you think it would be to do 6 steps? Also I was super nervous about my first bent step.

[@allantrafford6262]

I'm about 270. Pushing 300 with gear. Fairly new to wild edge steps but I can tell you this for sure....stretch em first. Makes all the difference in the world. I ran out and hunted soon as I got em and they did loosen up a little. Once they were stretched out they are rock solid. Also practice and learn the proper camming method to get the most secure attachment every time you strap one on a tree. I personally like the steps alot and will continue to use them. Very versatile.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Yeah rope stretch is real. I’m more comfortable now than I was when I filmed it. I won’t be getting rid of them any time soon, as they’re too versatile. Some guys were trying to talk me into buying sticks but I can’t justify it right now.

[@allantrafford6262]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures yes. I've got sticks but I kinda feel like if I carry sticks I just as soon carry a lock on as well. I'm trying to minimalize weight. I have a single stick coming but I'm skeptical as to if i can single stick without too much work and noise.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Exactly this. I want to be as light as possible. They steps are nice and do the job.

[@josephsimmons4908]

I am 6.2 and 270 .. the ropes do need to stretch and but that will get better the more you use them. And the slip will get better. As for the bending of the steps I have 12 and 8 are bent. I have learned that the 270 on the cam over is what bends them. The guy who owns wild edge is a smaller guy and probably has never seen this issue. I have had my steps 2 years and I only hunt from a saddle and use these steps. Let me know if you have questions I would be glad to answer the best I can.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you so much for the feedback. I may reach out at some point this season

[@mbjdno779]

Check out Genisis 3D printing. They sell the Gripr. It hold 5 steps and will attach to your belt

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Saw those, pretty awesome design.

[@OklahomasWorstAngler]

Solid b roll dude! And yes, you are a big man 😍😂

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

heh it says you have 6 subs

[@scottbrammer8275]

For the slide issue, check out Mark Doring jb weld fix. Good suggestion on staggering the step instead of setting up like a ladder. Learned that one myself this year.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I’ll do that now! Thank you for the comment!

[@sycog7711]

hey!....just build a dozen myself.....wold have cost me over 400 bucks cnd.😭 to ship in Quebec so bought 65bucks of steel and some tube webbing and and elbow grease and voila!......i love them... i will say you need to find a tree with thinner bark.heavy/flaky bark WILL make the steps tillt.the flakes are to easly shed .(old pines.)or balsam fir( sap). unless you chip away the bark first. i think you will get the hang of it the more you practice......stay safe and happy hunting.🤘

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you, solid advice! I learned quickly that the tree and bark are absolutely important when setting up. Painful lessons to learn but could be much worse. Thank you for your comment and good luck with your 2021 season!

[@TheOKfisherman]

I need to show you some knaider Swaider tips I learned

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Like duct taping the damn things to my boots 😂😂

[@TheOKfisherman]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures i just used an easy fix method using gear ties because they slipped off my muck boots

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I may give it another shot. Scared me the first timen

[@TheOKfisherman]

Lol eyes tied behind your back🤣

[@mikenutto396]

So the bending issue, your camming them over wrong. You have to have both stand offs against the tree. If you cam them over without both stand offs against the tree you will bend them. So you cammed it over ( fighting the process) with one stand off against the tree and bent it. I can take a brand new step and rope out and it will cam over and not kick out or bend. These take some time to learn to use right. I've been using them for six season. The rope does stretch, also I've had pre sets in trees, for some time and haven't had a rodent eat them. I still check them as I climb to re set them to make sure ( I don't trust anything either ) but I have yet to have a rodent issue. I hope you have better luck , and you were having user error for sure here

[@TheOKfisherman]

Sick b roll buddy

[@deeh6200]

I’ve had the same problem with mine kicking out on a couple of hunts last year. They just take me too long to set up in the dark. I practiced setting these up numerous times before actually using them hunting. I’m going to be using lone wolf sticks next season. Good luck next season.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

You too! Let me know how you like the lone wolfs. I thought about getting some of the tethered 1 sticks.

[@rpgsniper7680]

You rope was over the stand off. I’ve seen it happen on a from a couple people on forums I’m on. I use the WE stepps as well and some lone wolf modded sticks. I’m 5’8” 270#.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

I adjusted - good catch though. As an aside I learned the hard way about rope stretch 😂. I think I’ve got things figured out now. How do you like your LW’s?

[@rpgsniper7680]

@@OkieOutdoorAdventures I messaged you on IG

[@hawknives]

Why thy would build a product with 3 points of contact when 4 points of contact would never kick out on you. Christ bless that Company.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

They weren’t bad steps but I ended up switching to one sticking. They were heavy and I didn’t like having to mess with the ropes as much as I did. Also certain trees they just didn’t bite and I really didn’t feel like falling again 😂

[@harperfitz1449]

You tied it too tight so it bent

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

There were a couple things going on, and having my rope too tight was absolutely part of the issue. I learned that these, for me, are better to set and leave rather than trying to place them the morning I’m trying to hunt.

[@teamcrooks6913]

Watch Joe Walling's, "Modified Cain Method for Wild Edge Stepp Climbing" and his loop method for tying on the Stepps. I think it will work extremely well for you. Hunt safely, my Friends!

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you, very much. I’ll check it out ASAP!

[@ryanritchie2333]

6 foot 300 lbs as well and have to agree with the rope stretch issue. I purchased and ran out to hunt and had 2 kick out on me as well. Came back from that hunt and hung all 16 to stretch. Havent had any issue since. Just purchased some tethrd ones to try sticks out this season.

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Man I’ve been thinking about picking some up (tethrd sticks). Everyone says it’s so much easier.

[@jeremyeskew1395]

Oh yeah that will make the ol chili ring puker up at 25 ft up lol 😆

[@OkieOutdoorAdventures]

Damn right

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I hunted with these this yr. He's right, they will kick out on you, very dangerous! They suck! Tying the knot in the dark is hard! You have to get them exact the first time, or re tie!

[@jeremyeskew1395]

Its the killer okster lol