Spike pad question...

I'm using the Buc-Pads that use two upper straps each at this time but still find that after a short while the shafts move toward the back of my calf. After reviewing some of the past posts regarding pads, I'm looking at getting the aluminum pads with foam,(Cadillacs). The question I have is this, will it work on the Buckingham twisted (offset) shank spikes without causing me problems, . Keep in mind that I'm a big guy at 6'4" & just over 250lbs. Because of my size, I can't wrap the lower strap around the shaft, just over it so its not as secure as I would like. So, are the aluminum pads still my best option ??? Does anyone else use the Cadillacs on twisted shank spikes? HC

Hey HC. We are similar in size (6'1" 225#) and I use the buc pads as well. I dont have twisted but I am going to the caddy's as well, for the exact reason you mention.

Sorry I cant tell you about the twisted, but I bet they will work!.

I stopped using those buckle up pads yonks ago for the same reason and bought those velcro with steel insert pads, much better but I do slip in a strip of foam to stop the steel insert rubbing your shin.

No-one sells those cadi's over here, do they come in different sizes?

Cads come reg or narrow, and they are the answer to your twisting problem. Order em!

Steel insert velcro's for me. Tried the aluminum pads, didn't work.

I just can't imagine why they didn't work for you. It's like you don't even need to have top straps, the ankle straps are enough. The cads seem to stay STUCK to your leg. I love em.

Thats good enough for me, I'll be ordering the lg aluminum cads before the end of the month. Thanks to those who responded. HC

i have the same problem. i want some!

The aluminium pads also come in two different shapes.

As seen from above, like if you looked down at your shins while wearing them, there are the standard ones that are shaped like a quarter circle, and then there are the "extended wrap" version that wrap another couple of inches around your shin.

The "extended wrap" looked like they ought to be just rock solid, so I tried a pair borrowed from a bud because I was thinking of switching. Well my friend likes them but I found them TOO rock solid, after a couple of hours in them I was shifting my legs around to relieve the pressure, working bent-knee, bow-legged, standing on just one and using my other knee to keep postioned, then switching, I just wanted them off!

The aluminium pads are great, but those extended ones must need to match your leg perfectly, or maybe I needed to dial the height adjustment in. OUCH!

RedlineIt

pads

i got me some super size double strap pads from karl kummerling today ..... i freaking love them ... you can put a twist on the lower chin wrap where it goes around a standerd kline shank ... best pads ive ever climbed in ... would work great for big guys ..... dark check umm out

darkstar, thats what I am using at this time,(12" Buc-Pads dbl strap). They are well used and will slide back after a while causing discomfort. They also retain a lot of heat on warm days with their thick felt padding !!! Because of my size, the pressure on the spikes would cause the upper shanks to move to the rear more so than on a lighter climbers,IMO. I also believe that with the aluminum pads (or cad's), would prevent the shank from rotating to the rear and offer better position retention on my leg. I'll find out soon enough cuz the order for the aluminum pads will be going in this week! HC

HC I have Sherrill seeing if they can get caddy's, if not, per Matt's (treeman82) recommendation I am goin to Velcro Steel. Buc Buc's blow in comparrison to caddy's or steel velcros I am sure!

BRO i hear ya ...i can see that at 250 pounds the pads could come on around THE FRONT .....and hurt ..... so if i were you id go for the other guys suggestions or id try the gekos ..... im only 150 pounds .... and ive been climbing in the tiny[[[[[[[[ hurtful]]]]] LLLLL shaped pads for years .... ACTUALLY i weighed in at 140 climbing a year in australia .... im a rock climber befor a tree climber ...???? i always thought ..,,,,,,,.as in climbing shoes ,,,,,,,, the tree gaffs must be a tight fit AND [[[[[[[[ ...ie..hurt a bit ]]]]]]]]] to be GOOD .... im learning now in my old age [ darn it ]
... the shoe and spike ... can be comfortable ... im so psyched to climb TREES again im lovin it ......... hey ...there is always somthin to learn ... we used to just ductape the crap out of our old spike padding and add alittle foam pads .... our crew has about 15 pairs of weirdly different set ups including my bros [[[chris chestnutt'S ]]] ... prototype ..... with log birling spurs on the bottom ......... i love ummm you can stand on a limb and not slip ...yo chris took a documented 85 foot fall to the ground landed face first on a oak stump .... while rock climbing .. .. he lived .... barely [A MIRACLE ]. lost a leg below the knee and most of his face still we are [using the protos ]...he made ........................hes one strong sprit .... and his prosthetic is tweaked for trees ... we will be doing the most sick job ive seen in years [weather holding ] this thursday ... no bukets or cranes can go near this 45 % mountain..... god speed ,,,,,,, still im thinking about finially trying the gekos? shoot me at will but be fast ?.......haha or ? ill sick chris on ya ...

Lotta energy in that post dark! The puncuation in the first paragraph is astounding.

I only weigh 225, but the problem is is that the spikes go back on the side/back of your calf, not forward and on the shin. It alters the angle the spike hits the wood too, which can make you more prone to kicking out I have found. With a shin cup it will be rock solid and make spiking alot easier! (my train of thought anyways)

250 is a big climber!

chris makes jokes now about how if only he had both legs amputated ..he says its great to wear the spikes on the fiberglass prosthetic without feeling it ... his first day back on the job was with me and we were working for a local professor ... well chris hadent tweaked out how to attach the boot/ spike to the stump .. so he wedges is foot in a narrow crotch and reaches up to a good limb to basically do a pull up to a new stance ... the customer was eye level standing on his porch as chris goes up the boot spike and all stayed put ... the old proffessor got this very very strange look of total uncomprehension .... we had such a laugh .... the proffessors eys were big as golf balls .... chris on the other hand had to take a second to re rig as he was standing on one lone spike .... i swear its true ...