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Helium Stick Modification - a closer look

I also do not use the bolts that came with the versa buttons. I got grade 8 hardened bolts and then countersunk the head into the LW versa buttons. The lip on the versa is just to keep the loop from slipping off - the weight and pressure of the rope is on the bolt shanks - so there is no harm in counter sinking the bolts in the soft vinyl/plastic versa buttons. The stack far better this way. I also have went to epoxying on small 1/4 inch thick rubber pad were the two small bolts come in contact. Two loop bungees and that is all I need to get these thing rock solid and very quiet.
 
ANOTHER CONVERT TO THE SITDRAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're counting @Maustypsu I just made another $.02! Keep buying 'em guys. Pretty soon I'll have enough for a happy meal.
 
g2outdoors said:
ANOTHER CONVERT TO THE SITDRAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're counting @Maustypsu I just made another $.02! Keep buying 'em guys. Pretty soon I'll have enough for a happy meal.
Click to expand...

Add another $.02

Mine came in the mail a couple days ago. Now to find a sewing shop that will do what I need.


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g2outdoors said:
ANOTHER CONVERT TO THE SITDRAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you're counting @Maustypsu I just made another $.02! Keep buying 'em guys. Pretty soon I'll have enough for a happy meal.
Click to expand...

i'd never be able to buy a Happy Meal at that rate. you guys know I can't hold onto my 2 cents for very long....
 
G2 since you are a high demand customer - wonder if we could get the sit drag guy to use heavy duty polyester 1.5 inch webbing and no material. He could sew two vertical supports? I just don't think the material really adds anything for our purposes - the straps are what take the brunt of the weight. Man I would order 5 of those today if he would agree to do a special order. I don't need the tree strap jus the webbing harness minus the canvas material.
 
I left a message for him. Waiting on a call back.

I have a few other ideas to incorporate that I think would make a big difference. I'll keep you guys posted.
 
redsquirrel said:
In case you haven't read it, amsteel is not recommended for tying knots (ie the rope mod). It is very slick. Dave is using on his sticks and loves it, but I just wanted to make you aware of this.
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Thanks Red for making me aware of this.
 
DaveT1963 said:
If you use amsteel splice a loop in one end -this one goes over versa button. Wrap it around the tree and then pass amsteel rope over top of versa button and then UNDER the amsteel rope going around tree. the I take two wraps around the versa and then throw in two hal hitches - done this way it will NOT slip are all - when weight is applied to the stick it compresses and locks the amseteel very much like a Jim Stepp knot. I have used just the compression with no wraps or half hitches on one stick to check cameras and it holds by itself (BUT I WOULD NEVER DO THIS ABOVE 5 FOOT). I have tried a lot of ropes and the 1/4" amsteel is perfect for this mod IMHO - I weight 220 and no slippage yet.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave. Do you also use the 1/4" for the stepps too? I might as well set a platform or two up while I am getting the amsteel.

I may come back with more questions, but I think I am good for now (until I order and receive the amsteel).
 
all I ever use for my Jim Stepps and helium sticks is 1/4 inch Amsteel blue. Amsteel blue does not like CERTAIN knots - but with compression type knots like used with a Jim Stepp I have never had any slippage. On the sticks, After it gets compressed I throw in two half hitches. I have not had a single problem with slippage in five years of using it with sticks - I will never go back to cam buckles on sticks..... still use one for my platform with versa button, along with amsteel rope to cam platform, but I know Amstell would work for both connections on my platform.
 
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DaveT1963 said:
all I ever use for my Jim Stepps and helium sticks is 1/4 inch Amsteel blue. Amsteel blue does not like CERTAIN knots - but with compression type knots like used with a Jim Stepp I have never had any slippage. On the sticks, After it gets compressed I throw in two half hitches. I have not had a single problem with slippage in five years of using it with sticks - I will never go back to cam buckles on sticks..... still use one for my platform with versa button, along with amsteel rope to cam platform, but I know Amstell would work for both connections on my platform.
Click to expand...

Thanks Dave. I plan on using it for sticks and top stepps. And may try it for a bridge on a sit drag.

I am looking for a cheap source for about 100' of 1/4" amsteel blue in silver color. Any recommendations for a cheap source?
 
Ok, now that I finally have my helium's set up correctly, I have to say these are by far the best sticks I've ever used when mod'ed. I've hunted them twice so far. They are light and packing three in is nothing although I still have cam buckle straps on theme, I haven't got my ultra tech for them yet.

I did my cutting to the exact lengths Dave said in his video. The only difference for me was that when I put the versa buttons on, I drilled the holes slightly different, 6 inches from the top of 1, 6.25 for number 2, and 6.5 for number 3. They stack perfectly like this.

With 3 of these sticks with single aiders I can get to 15 feet. I have been using 2 cranford rope steps and my platform to get to 20 feet. For me, 3 sticks is the maximum, any more gets to be too many. I plan on carrying a total of 5 cranford rope steps so that I can quickly adjust to whatever height I need up to 25 feet. I don't see a mobile strap on system getting much better than this (although leave it up to us to figure one out).

Thanks again @DaveT1963 !!
 
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SaddleMaster said:
Curious if anyone has tried a prusik with the rop mod? Seems like it would make set up a little easier/quicker. Thoughts?

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=1794244&d=1383085047
http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2119013
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I'd rather sit on the ground then use another prusic. Using a prusic requires 2 hands on the rope. With normal rope mod, one hand is on stick which gives solid hold while you tie the single over hand. Never tried the Muddy sticks, probably a hair quicker.
 
g2outdoors said:
I left a message for him. Waiting on a call back.

I have a few other ideas to incorporate that I think would make a big difference. I'll keep you guys posted.
Click to expand...

Did you ever get a response from him?


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redsquirrel said:
Ok, now that I finally have my helium's set up correctly, I have to say these are by far the best sticks I've ever used when mod'ed. I've hunted them twice so far. They are light and packing three in is nothing although I still have cam buckle straps on theme, I haven't got my ultra tech for them yet.

I did my cutting to the exact lengths Dave said in his video. The only difference for me was that when I put the versa buttons on, I drilled the holes slightly different, 6 inches from the top of 1, 6.25 for number 2, and 6.5 for number 3. They stack perfectly like this.

With 3 of these sticks with single aiders I can get to 15 feet. I have been using 2 cranford rope steps and my platform to get to 20 feet. For me, 3 sticks is the maximum, any more gets to be too many. I plan on carrying a total of 5 cranford rope steps so that I can quickly adjust to whatever height I need up to 25 feet. I don't see a mobile strap on system getting much better than this (although leave it up to us to figure one out).

Thanks again @DaveT1963 !!
Click to expand...

Is there a link to this video you referenced? I'd like to get up to speed on the helium sticks and the modifications you are talking about in this thread.


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PJC said:
Is there a link to this video you referenced? I'd like to get up to speed on the helium sticks and the modifications you are talking about in this thread.


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Click to expand...

Part 1

Part 2


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