Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Leader Accessories Climbing Sticks - 30" x 3 pack



WHAT'S INCLUDED?
o Operator's Manual
o (3) Climbing sticks with buckle strap and cam strap

FEATURES:
o Dual-sided steps
o 3 lbs 6 oz each step (total of 10 lbs 2 oz)

PROS:
+ More affordable price tag than most other brands
+ 2 steps per side (total of 6 steps per stick)
    o Safer and more convenient than a 3-step stick
+ You can modify this in TONS of ways to suit your needs
+ Quiet transportation

CONS:
- Almost a pound heavier per stick than top competitor brand - 3 lbs 6 oz (as opposed to 2 lbs 8 oz per stick)
- Fewer accessories (such as a climbing stick quiver)
- Not as many users customizing these particular climbing sticks as opposed to other brands (silencing, rope modifications, removing weight, etc.)
- 250 lb weight limit as opposed to some that have a 350 lb weight limit (this doesn't affect me but it might some buyers)
- Owner's manual could go a bit more in depth (best ways to secure the sticks for travel, for instance)

POTENTIAL MODIFICATIONS TO CUSTOMIZE TO EACH USER'S NEEDS (OPTIONAL):
1) Remove 2 of 3 buckle clips (lighten weight to some degree)
2) Camo tape/stealth strips to reduce metal-on-metal noise
3) You could choose to remove 3 of 6 steps on each stick like many competitors are set up (lighten weight)
Note: There are a couple other modifications. I suggest searching a video website for those other optional modifications

WHO ARE THESE STICKS BEST FOR?
If you are looking for a quality set of sticks at a good price, these sticks are a good piece of equipment to consider. If you walk short or medium distances to your stand, the additional 2.5 to 3 lbs aren't likely to make a huge difference. If it is an issue, there are still a few modifications that can be done to reduce the weight. Simply put, these aren't the top of the line, highest feature climbing sticks but they do represent an excellent value.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER OTHER CLIMBING STICKS?
You should look for other sticks if you 1) walk far distances with stand and sticks 2) want the top of the line sticks that are lighter in weight 3) want to use accessories for your sticks that are already on the market (some have a climbing stick quiver and tailor made stealth strips for reducing noise, for instance), or 4) you don't mind paying a little more for the best equipment.

CONCLUSION:
Overall, these sticks hit a very good niche of the market. Other brands sticks certainly charge a premium for their product. If you don't need the "extras", I think you will be very happy with these. I have mode some modifications to my sticks. I plan to use them a bit more during the season to know what other adjustments I may or may not wish to do. For now, I am quite happy with their performance.





FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) DISCLAIMER:
I received this product at a discount for purposes of testing. However, the opinions expressed herein were formulated based on my personal use of the product. I welcome all suggestions, feedback and/or product questions!

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