Long duration in spikes

It all depends on your shoes, your climbing style, spike choice (tee or pole) and if you have cankles! The lighter the better though.
 
Kiwi Klimbers are probably best, all around.

The new Edelreid spikes are allegedly comfortable, but no spikecender.

Most people get along great with distel/gecko spikes.

Antec axis are little-known, but probably great for medium or less statured folks. I have no knowledge of their compatibility with spikecenders.

Everything else is just the same old 1930s spikes, gussied up.
 
If you haven't spent much time climbing in spurs, youre not gonna get all day comfort no matter which spurs your wearing. You need to log some serious hours in gaffs, learning and toughening up. As Royce said footwear is also important. If you are really gonna be in spurs for long periods of time, then you better have a boot that's actually made for climbing in spurs. Evo's recommendation on Bashlins is a really good one, as wells as DMM Gecko's (didn't like regular geckos) and Buckinghams. All are fantastic spurs, and combined with the right pads any of these would serve you well.
 
Last edited:
I like my old Bashlins with the buck pads. I have a brand new pair of Geckos and they are rough on my bony legs. I can't stay in them over about 10 minutes.
 
I didn't like the Cadillac pads, personally. I have the velcro wrap pads with inserts. Very comfy. It is a matter of match to the user's body, and adjustment of shank length.

Take a break on your rope as much as reasonable.

If I get a high TIP, I sit for a lot of the removal. I'm kinda old and feeble, though. ;)
 
I never could find any comfort in any type of pads other than the super wraps. I've used the steel insert super wrap pads since I first started using spurs. I have tried geckos which are nice and lightweight but pads are not comfortable at all. The edges just dig into my shin.
 
southsoundtree said:
I didn't like the Cadillac pads, personally. I have the velcro wrap pads with inserts. Very comfy. It is a matter of match to the user's body, and adjustment of shank length.

Take a break on your rope as much as reasonable.

If I get a high TIP, I sit for a lot of the removal. I'm kinda old and feeble, though. ;)
Click to expand...

Caddy Pads have a regular fit and a narrow fit. I tried the narrow and can't imagine who it would fit.
 
I use the Climb Right aluminum spurs with pole gaffs and never really get “uncomfortable.” Found that wearing chainsaw pants with the extra padding in the front really helped with the comfort and the safety!
 
I've climbed with pole spurs and tree spurs. Pole spurs have a place. I wear them on the right trees. I've had more comfort with less pad with pole spikes. Less leverage on your knees, IMO, independent of shin comfort.

Angled shanks, relative to the shin cup of the pad make a huge difference.
 
I agree with @southsoundtree you pair the right length gaff with the right tree and you are a step ahead of the program. I will differ with @ROYCE I am not a light boot fan but some of that could be body type and climbing style. I personally wear Nicks lineman boots with double thick leather soles. They are quite heavy and a bear to break in but offer superb support (for me) and comfort all day long which goes along with the superb support. I weigh in at a solid 24o in my draws and stand 6'3" tall so all that factors in. Biggest thing is keep trying til you find the winning combo. Climbing uncomfortable can lead to making poor decisions!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom