A Review on Rapid Rails

by Mark Buckley

Product:

Non-Typical Rapid Rails

Manufacturer:

Ameristep
901 Tacoma Ct.
P.O. Box 189
Clio, MI 48420
810-686-7121
http://www.ameristep.com/treestands/rails.html

Price:

Approximately $99

Description:

Image courtesy of ameristep.com

Field Notes:

I tested the Rapid Rails extensively this past season. From October to December, I averaged approximately 3-5 stands a week, using the Rapid Rails as my primary means for ascending trees.

Weighing in at slightly over 11 lbs, these stackable ladder sections performed superbly. Made of sturdy aluminum, and powder coated, they are durable, and look to stand up to many years of abuse and use. I quickly found that they required some minor modifications. First off – two bungee chords were employed to keep them stacked tightly while packing them out into the field. This becomes less important if you use them in combination with a couple models of Ameristep tree stands that incorporate straps for carrying the rails; however, this was not the case for me. I then borrowed the shoulder straps from two old duffel bags, and clipped them to the steps of the bundled rails for makeshift shoulder straps. After some minor adjustments, it proved to be a pretty comfortable and effective means for packing these out into the field.

After the first couple of hunts, I made a few additional modifications to the rails that proved beneficial as well. When setting up the rails, or taking them down, one has to be careful not to bang them against each other lest they make rather loud, hollow sounds. I found that by wrapping black electrical tape around contact points and filling the hollow interiors with spray foam insulation helped out quite a bit.

Spending many seasons climbing on screw-in steps, one can quickly appreciate the security and safety that these ladder sections provide.

Here’s my basic method of using the Rapid Rails:

I strap the first section, the longest, on the base of the tree, at a height that allows me to comfortably step on the bottom rung. The strap uses a standard cinch that is released by pressing a button. Lengthen the strap out, wrap it around the tree, hook it into the other side of the rail, and tighten the strap. The second ladder section can be placed on the tree as well from the ground – the same method is employed (this may or may not work for all users – I’m 6’4”, and can reach fairly high). Once the first two sections are in place, I climb to the top of the second section using a safety belt around the tree. I carry the remaining two sections with me, and can strap the third section on while the fourth is balanced between my waist and the tree. This allows me to put all the sections on with one ascent of the tree, and takes no more than 5-7 minutes when I get to the base of the tree.

Its important to note that while the rails are extremely versatile and can be used on tree trunks that are not straight, they are easiest to use on trees with rough bark. The strap catches well, and the rail does not sag. Smooth bark trees can be used, however when doing so I try to put the strap over a limb so that the rail doesn’t sag much. Otherwise, just put some weight on the rail, and it will “settle” into place, become very stable.

By mounting the sections nearly right on top of each other, one can get 12-15 foot in the tree, depending on the starting height. With a little spacing, one can easily get 16-20 foot or more into the tree. I almost always went at least 20 foot into the tree while using the Rapid Rails.

Descending is easy, I simply climb down, un-strapping a section as I reach the one below it. If you’re using a safety belt (as you should), you can stack the top two sections on top of each other and carry them down. Or, simply un-strap them and drop them – as long as they don’t hit each other, they don’t make much noise.

Conclusions:

I’ve found the Rapid Rails to be an invaluable part of my hunting experiences. I hunt a lot of state land, which doesn’t allow for screw in steps. Using a climbing stand, or packing out climbing apparatus such as the Rapid Rails are your only real choice. They seem much sturdier to me than any stackable climbing sticks I’ve used. For the private land that I hunt, they allow me to quickly move to a hot location, with very little hassle at all. If I could change anything about them, I’d have Ameristep address the noise issues, and make a shoulder harness for carrying just the Rapid Rails. However, these considerations can be addressed for little to no cost for the hunter, and do not prohibit me from recommending them to others. In fact, the Ameristep Grizzly Game Cart that I purchased this year comes with shoulder straps that work very well with the Rapid Rails – I might just have to send Ameristep an email.

This product gets a “highly recommended” from me.