Hunt aroundfor the bulk purchase of Ameristep Grizzlys (the bigger step). I bought 50 steps for $100 a couple years ago. Even if they are $2.50 / step now, I'd go that route. For as much as I hate setting up screw in steps, they are nice. Big and strong. I now use stick ladders for almost everything, but still have some stands with screw ins. If I was gonna use a bolt...I'd get 8" personally. I'd rather have more in the tree and more to step on. my .02

Oh...and you guys have $1000's of dollars in your bows and change em like diapers and are worried about $0.80 more per step?