Spike pads

i use the big buck pads. they are nice once adjusted correctly, but the spur shanks kinda twist on me a bit from time to time. id recommend the 'caddy' pads, super comfortable!
 
I use these and I love them! Make sure they have the steel/metal insert.

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What Casey just said...with the twisted shank spikes. As comfy as I could expect for the price. Spend more and get more comfy...but, those have worked for years for me.
 
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What boots do you guys wear with those?

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I just wear some hikers...same ones i use to prune. They have soft bottoms but are solid enough not to bend over the spikes. Also I am rarely in them for long periods at a time like a full work day. If I were I would probably wear my red dawgs.
 
Have to agree with the Geckos. I have the Aluminum ones-less spendy. They are no comparison comfort-wise to my old gaffs.

They are also going on sale 15% off in December with Sherrill.

You won't regret it one bit!

Eric
 
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What geckos do you have Johnny?

Those suckers are spendy!

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I have the regular aluminum Gecks with short pole gaffs. I was always hesitant to upgrade as well, my kleins have always been good to me and comfortable enough, or so I thought, until Taylor let me try his Geckos. I ordered a pair the next day.
 
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I've got the "C" pads with steel inserts. Most comfy I've used yet. Little to no shank twist, fewer shin bruises. $46/ pair from sherrill is hard to beat.

http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional...-w-steel-insert

They make one for both bucks and one for others.

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yeah these are the exact pads i use. they are great!

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That's what I have.
It's been awhile since I've had to wear them, just couldn't find the adjusted sweet spot. I could probably punch a couple of extra holes in the belt for better fit.
 
Jim, hope you don't mind a side thought in with the pad selection. Its about comfort.

Anybody use those bolt on platforms that support your feet? Wonder if they make them more stable and comfortable in terms of shifting?

I heard from a guy that he takes plywood in a small,rough boot shape, cuts a spacer to the stirrup thickness, and makes a plywood/ spacer under heel-stirrup-spacer under front of foot/ plywood sandwich. He said that they work for a while until they get too wet. Then another quick and easy screw-together platform is made for each. Cheap. Not great for standing on branches, but for straight-forward conifer removals, he liked 'em.

I'll bet that the commercially made one's are helpful, too.




BTW, I climb most all removals with pole spikes and basic leather pads, and I don't get much shin discomfort.

Because I got them used ($25 on ebay) the leather straps that hold the upper part of the shank to the pad was a bit worn. I was concerned about them breaking while in the tree, so I drilled the leather and foam (I'm guessing) pad and the shank, allowing me to use a pan-head bolt and large thin fender washer on the inside (against the side of my leg, don't even feel it) and exit throught the adjustable hole to a lock washer and nut. Peened the threads a bit and filed it smooth. No Slop!

I have a second pair of tree spikes, and a pair of tree spikes. I've used the tree spikes a few times, but rarely. I use a choked climbline when I'm climbing, and feel comfortable climbing thicker barked Doug-firs, being mindful of where I am stepping on the thickest bark at the trunk. I can believe that I don't always get purchase into the sapwood, but I don't really spur-out, only few times. For thinner barked trees, they're even better, here: maple alder etc. Just did a second walnut, good, too.

I just wonder if people overlook short spikes.
 
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