Not sure about Alcoa Jonny... I started climbing in Mallory's when I was about 13 and have for the most part stuck with some form of Mallory/Opsal/Caddy pad ever since.. Sure their bulky, rattle like a mofo, and don't impress the ladies, but after trying just about every pad known to man they still remain king in my book. I still have a few pairs of original Mallorys laying around here, so I will try and dig them out and get a picture posted.
wrecked by Geckos
- Thread starter Kandelero
- Start date
Reach
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Atglen, PA
I love how light they are, but I often wish I had bought the aluminum version, or a set of titanium Bucks. I don’t climb much anymore though, so part of the problem is that I am perpetually out of practice, since I only climb half a dozen times a year, and usually not something big.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
I have tree gaffs on my CFs. The euros were issued to me by the company I was with at the time. I switched back to mine quickly.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
Are your CFs the non-adjustable style? I feel like those had thicker stirrups. The new style hug my Arborio evos without problem if properly tightened. The velcro lower straps make a big difference.
Reach
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Atglen, PA
Mine are adjustable, but do not have Velcro straps. I just yank on the regular straps with all I’ve got to make them tight. I want to try running the straps under the spurs next time I put them on, I heard recently that doing that will solve my problem. I too wear ArbPro Evos, just got a pair of Evo 2s, but haven’t worn them yet. Maybe they’re better too?
I did not realize there was a new style, maybe the stirrup has squarer corners? I’ve had mine a couple years now so they may not be the newest version.
Crimsonking
Been here a while
We have the same ones, it sounds like. The stock straps are garbage. Mine fell apart after two months of use. The new quick release velcro straps are great, though.
I have not used the standard Geckos but the DMM version is very good, having a large, forward swept arch support.
It is possible, but not likely that the hip pain being experienced by the OP is from his spurs alone.
RyanCafferky
Been here a while
- Location
- Hood River, Oregon
I started my career climbing on steel Buckingham spurs with Caddy pads. Thought that was the cats meow. Until I tried Geckos that is. Loved my Geckos and climbed on those for years. Had those until the Kiwi Klimbers came out and haven't looked back since.
It is my experience, there are climbers who spend most of their time on their spurs and climbers that spend most of their time on their rope. Early in my career I was the former, now I'm the latter. This is dictated partially by tree species and partially climbing style. Both can significantly affect how much you like or don't like your spurs. I'd look at how you climb as a whole rather than just looking at an individual piece of the kit causing discomfort.
Also, this might be a silly question but have you adjusted the spurs to the correct height for the length of your leg? This simple step can make all the difference in the world.
It is my experience, there are climbers who spend most of their time on their spurs and climbers that spend most of their time on their rope. Early in my career I was the former, now I'm the latter. This is dictated partially by tree species and partially climbing style. Both can significantly affect how much you like or don't like your spurs. I'd look at how you climb as a whole rather than just looking at an individual piece of the kit causing discomfort.
Also, this might be a silly question but have you adjusted the spurs to the correct height for the length of your leg? This simple step can make all the difference in the world.
Yep. The DMM version of Gecko's is much better than both the CF's and the standard aluminums. The stirup design on the DMM's is very similar to Bashlins. Along with Bashlin's gaff profile, which is the best in the biz, the Bashlins are very tough to beat.....
The thick shaggy barked trees that I climb can quickly expose any weaknesses in a spur, and for me I found the Gecko's gaff profile sub-optimal.
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I took mine apart once to sandblast, prime, and paint. When I put them back together I thought they were just how I had them, looked fine, but must’ve been too short. Had gross wet blisters on my calves from 3-4 hours of work. Readjusted them a little taller and they were all better.
I'm tall so it's an easy adjustment -- maxed right out. Transferring weight to line part of the new strategy for sure.
what a
what about the KK's do you love so much btw?
RyanCafferky
Been here a while
- Location
- Hood River, Oregon
The things I love about the KK’s are:
Light weight, very comfortable, good foot ascender built in which I rarely use but when I do I am glad it is there, and they are adjustable which the carbon fiber geckos are not. I was lucky enough to get them from someone on here that tried them and didn’t like them. Otherwise it would have been hard to justify the expense.
climbstihl
Branched out member
- Location
- Germany
How tall are you that a 34" is considered skinny?
southsoundtree
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- Olympia, WA
Pole gaffs are always easier on my legs, and are my go-to, unless I am chunking big spar wood without an overhead TIP, or on very thick and flaky bark.
The species matters.
34inch waist is fat....lol
I need the room for my beer....errr.....power belly
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