i always wear spikes on take downs.
true you can still get around without them but some trees are a bit tricky,for eg. getting out on the end of a low lateral smooth barked limb with your safety high point that is level to where you want to tip tie a lowering rope,having spikes on is always going to get you out further.
wearing spikes gives you the ability to stand in the optimum/safest position to make the cut.how do you safely cut off a branch at the trunk without suitable footholds/branch/stubs/etc to stand on?
do you come out of the tree once branches are removed to put your spikes on to complete the barrel?
a good pair of shoes with non flexible soles(steel shank)are a necessity if on the spikes for long periods.those metal plates that disperse weight across your shoe shoe sole sound like a good idea but make things slippery when branch walking.
true you can still get around without them but some trees are a bit tricky,for eg. getting out on the end of a low lateral smooth barked limb with your safety high point that is level to where you want to tip tie a lowering rope,having spikes on is always going to get you out further.
wearing spikes gives you the ability to stand in the optimum/safest position to make the cut.how do you safely cut off a branch at the trunk without suitable footholds/branch/stubs/etc to stand on?
do you come out of the tree once branches are removed to put your spikes on to complete the barrel?
a good pair of shoes with non flexible soles(steel shank)are a necessity if on the spikes for long periods.those metal plates that disperse weight across your shoe shoe sole sound like a good idea but make things slippery when branch walking.
