Edelrid Talons

[SomethingWitty]

No offense brother, but that looks painful and I'm not talking about your welds!!! Doesn't that cordage cut into your leg? Maybe not so bad with some good climbing boots? I am curious as heck to know!

I switched it to 1" webbing. It holds like a foot ascender. The tenex was handy.
The important thing is that there is no way that the strap can smoothly run over the spike. It has to find another way, or you have movement or crushing pressure.
I chopped off the outside down to the loop and threw on a little piece with a hole in it at an angle that is closer to my foot. A quick link is my current strap holder on that side.
There is a consistent U shape on both the front and back, and they both push at about a 45 from vertical in towards my ankle.
The movement is quite limited with no unpleasant pressure.
These upper pads have way too much slop. I think a similar strap with a stiffer pad is the way.

 

[SomethingWitty]

I needed a Guinea pig before I started harassing the lower straps on my geckos, but I may well start using these old bucks.

 

[Jonny]

The Velcro lower straps from Buckingham are awesome. Perfect fit every time, kinda soft and pliable compared to the rubberized nylon straps but holding up well.

I need some tough Velcro straps for the uppers too. Got some but they’re falling apart.

 

[SomethingWitty]

The Velcro lower straps from Buckingham are awesome. Perfect fit every time, kinda soft and pliable compared to the rubberized nylon straps but holding up well.

I need some tough Velcro straps for the uppers too. Got some but they’re falling apart.

The velcro uppers on the geckos are great, but the lowers are bulky and there isn't a smooth spot for them to run, so I have the same problems, plus they get a lot of sawdust squished in them.

I know that this thread is not quite for this, but the talons stand out because of those lowers, and the thread has accomplished its mission.

They're ugly, but a quick test says I'm buying opsal pads for them because they rock.

 

[JeffGu]

My Gecko CFs have the wide velcro top straps, which are nice, and I put the Buckingham velcro lower ones on them. I happen to love them... I've not had some of the issues I've seen mentioned by the folks who don't like them. Sawdust and crap get in them, but a stiff brush removes it in a few seconds.

I think @SomethingWitty is dead on about going over the gaffs with the straps... his mods seem much more like what is needed. I won't mess with the CF climbers, but might take an aluminum pair and mill some strap attachments for them. I have a buddy who welds aluminum with enough skill that his welds look like fine art. Mine look like bird shit.

It is certainly worth experimenting with. My first instinct is that there must be a good reason that most climbers have the stupid split ring lower strap arrangement. But, I also know that OEMs constantly miss the boat on stuff. They probably do it because it's cheap and easy.

Cool idea, and worth fiddling with. I hate it when lower straps get all loosy-goosy on me.

 

[SomethingWitty]

My Gecko CFs have the wide velcro top straps, which are nice, and I put the Buckingham velcro lower ones on them. I happen to love them... I've not had some of the issues I've seen mentioned by the folks who don't like them. Sawdust and crap get in them, but a stiff brush removes it in a few seconds.

I think @SomethingWitty is dead on about going over the gaffs with the straps... his mods seem much more like what is needed. I won't mess with the CF climbers, but might take an aluminum pair and mill some strap attachments for them. I have a buddy who welds aluminum with enough skill that his welds look like fine art. Mine look like bird shit.

It is certainly worth experimenting with. My first instinct is that there must be a good reason that most climbers have the stupid split ring lower strap arrangement. But, I also know that OEMs constantly miss the boat on stuff. They probably do it because it's cheap and easy.

Cool idea, and worth fiddling with. I hate it when lower straps get all loosy-goosy on me.

I'm excited that someone thinks I'm not dumb, I just wish it was someone more reputable.

 

[JeffGu]

...someone more reputable.

What are you talking about? I have a reputation that preceeds me. I wouldn't be surprised if there are law enforcement people and homeless drunks in your area that have heard of me.

 

[RBJtree]

I've never had a problem with the split ring buckle straps. When I used original geckos I took one wrap on the shaft and they never moved. With my bashlins I go under the shaft and they have a little movement, but not enough to bother me in the slightest. Maybe its because I wear logger heal boots with spikes? I forgot my boots one day and wore the bashlins with my tango lights(small heal) worked fine. Another day I did a short climb with hikers (no heal), not so good.
This is a thread about talons? Sorry I got distracted.

 

[southsoundtree]

I'm moving to velcro straps.

Gotta have good boots for spurs, or your feet will pay over time. When I spur in softer boots its a very quick climb, or working up a vertical-ish tree with plenty of places for an overhead TIP. My saddle takes about all of the load, and my spurs and lanyard are for positioning.

 

[owScott]

Here ya go Up There, have a picture. Also, they dont slide over my heel at all in my blown out old arbpros.
View attachment 61297

Hell my arbpros look like that and they aint even old. The guy who works for me like his.

 

[Bruxtree]

Ima raise this dead thread.

Thanks to all who commented on my thread. After much deliberation I decided to go with the Talons with short gaffs(I prefer short as you have the option of using your feet if needed). They turned up yesterday and I must say, after putting them on to adjust, they feel great. Can't wait to scale a tree and put them through their paces. Will let you know how they go. Have a tricky removal to do next week(fence under dying tree) so looking forward to doing it now.

How are the Talons treating you? Still climbing on them? How have they worn?