Spike pads

[Pstuffel]

Hello All,
First let me say that I am a long time reader of this site but a first time poster. The amount of info I have taken away from everybody here is amazing. I have learned so much from some of you guys and gals.
My question is if anyone has had any luck customizing there spur pads? I have been using a basic set of buckinghams for quite a while now. Being the thrifty kind of guy that I am I figure there has to be some ingenious additions to the pads that some of yall have come up with. I've thought of just gluing in extra pieces of foam to the inside but before I go screwing anything up I thought maybe I would seek some advice.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[familytree]

i wouldnt use glue, id just use industrial strength velcro so that you can remove your creation if and when needed.

i am not a huge fan of customizing my gaff pads or anything for that matter but if i was to do it id use velcro, you can buy it at home depot or lowes

 

[Colin]

shin guards

 

[fearless]

I used the basic pads for a long time and my shins took a beating. It got to the point that if I wore them for more than an hour it was very painful and I could barely walk once I got to the ground. About 6 months ago I bought the Buckingham super wrap pads with the steel insert and I haven't had a problem since. Probably the best gear perchase I've ever made, and worth every penny.

 

[Kevin]

Make sure the leg irons on the climbers are adjusted to fit your leg.

 

[tomthetreeman]

I cound not agree more. I think I have permanent damage from the old ones LOL.

-Tom

 

[chris_girard]

One of the best things that I ever did was take my High Climber Bailey boots to the shoe repair guy and have him sow a 1/2" foam pad with a leather coving on the sides of the boots.

You could literally have bare metal rubbing up against the boots and never feel it in the shins.

 

[Pstuffel]

Just curious what some of yall think a proper fit for spikes is? I wear ten inch tops when using spikes so I have them riding the top of my boots. I am guessing this is a personal preference issue for most. I think it is time to spend a little $ and buy some stouter pads.

 

[Kevin]

Touch the inside of your lower leg and feel the bone below the knee.
The top of the leg iron should be a half inch to an inch below that bone.

 

[DSMc]

Another thing to consider besides proper placement of the spur pad (which Kevin illustrated well) is the pad material itself. The pad wrap must be stiffened, like the type Fearless purchased, to stabilize the shank and, therefore, the spike or spur on your leg to maintain consistent angles. If the spur shank is moving on your leg as you work, your spur angle will constantly be changing. This is not only uncomfortable, but encourages bad form.

I personally feel all spur tops that don't have stiffeners beyond just stiff leather, which doesn't stay stiff, should be taken off the market. They are junk.

Dave

 

[Pstuffel]

Thanks Kevin and DSMc. Great info. Thats what I love about the Buzz. Gonna try lengthening the irons and see if that helps. It sounds like they are riding to low. I have looked at the super wraps but it will be a couple of weeks till I can get the $ together.