knee problems/infection due to wearing gaffs?

S

Squirrel

Location
Austin, Texas
My left knee gets infected every time I use gaffs, so I have gotten pretty good at removals without them. had knee surgery and the gaffs I have rub right on the area of original infection. I have a climber that i trust for the rare tree that I really need gaffs but I don't like to be too dependent on anyone else. How low can I adjust them and still be safe. I have the super pro wraps with the velcro straps to attach them to my shins which I bought to solve this. I thought about trying the gecko brand with the orange pad on top. Suggestions?
 
The steel reinforced wrap pads might help also. The pressure points would be moved around front instead of right in line with the shank. I would think if they were too low then your calf muscles would get bruised from being constricted when your muscles flex.
 
My climbing boots are designed for climbing linemen.
They are expensive and offer the best support available.
Steel shank, steel toe and very thick soles.
I use a foam insert in the bottom.
My winter climbing boots are Husqvarna felt insert chainsaw boots, also very good support.
Don't skimp on boots!
 
Hey Kev,
Those super-high, super-insulated boots might work in Canada, but will kill a normal man in FL or TX. We average over 90* daily for at least 5 months a year, anything below 70* in the winter is a cold front!

I used to have a nice set of Bashlin alum. gaffs with the steel- reinforced wrap pads. A guy who I fired liked them also, so now I have a pair of Klein offsets with standard pads. Never had knee or ankle problems so they don't bother me, but I'm looking seriously at those new T-2 Buckinghams with the alum. plate over the shin pad.......
 
Brian;
The line boots will be hot no doubt.
You can get the uninsulated boots but they will be hot in your climate as well.
The other problem I see here are the length of gaffs.
If they don't match the tree you're climbing it's like standing on stilts, very uncomfortable.
I'm looking at ordering the 1 3/4" replacement gaffs for my Buckinghams.
I'm using 1 1/2" Klein and 2 1/2" Buckingham gaffs.
 
I'm not familiar with the Redwings but somebody else might be.

These aren't the boots I have but they are similar.
Heavy sole with steel shank, lots of support.

buffalo_1040cs.gif

www.polecatlineman.com

The sole on my boots are more like the boot that Sherrill sells ...about 3/4" thick just in front of the heel.
http://store.wtsherrill.com/pgi-Product%20Spec?SB9
 
Since I got the B'ham padded, velcro pads with the stiffeners my legs no longer ache after doing removals. The large, aluminum top pads that Sherrill sells look good but I've enver worn them.

Tom
 
i dont know if they still are selling them but the geckos are the most comfortable gaffs i have worn. the fiberglass pad and the offset shank w/ the lightweight material just makes wearing gaffs (if you have to) comfortable. i used to wear buckinghams and always had bruises.
 
I too wore the redwings for years. I wouldn't wear anything else. I used to wear hooks 8 hours a day and did nothing but crane removals. It's been almost a year now since I put the RWs on. I've been wearing the Merrels. They work for everything. I have no problem wearing hooks and sacraficeing comfort. The boot isn't your problem. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't or couldn't adjust your hooks a bit lower and find comfort. Give that knee a chance to heal and maybe you can go back to wearing your hooks hire once its healed. I have permant burs on the inside of shins on the bone from the hooks rubbing all day. Maybe you just need to build up a calace.

BigJon
 
</font><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr />
I have permant burs on the inside of shins on the bone from the hooks rubbing all day

[/ QUOTE ]

Which bone would that be?
The top of the leg iron should be at very least 1/2" below the knee bone.
 
Squirrel,
Climbers rarely wear out, unless they are 20 years old and used every day. I'd look seriously at new upper pads and then properly adjusting the length. Have you ever adjusted them or are they still at the same setting as when you bought them?
I just upgraded from my old steel Kleins to the new Buckingham titanium climbers. The included instructions were very specific about adjusting the length so the top pad sits just below your knee. If you feel the front of your knee, there is a bump just below the soft spot which is below your kneecap. The top of the pad should be just below that point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom