Gecko Spur Owner's

[mikemcC]

Hey guys I know this topic has been beaten to death but I am going to order a new set of spikes tomorrow and am still undecided. Currently I own steel buckingham's with the cushion wrap pads and they are just not doing it. They are uncomfortable and heavy. So I am thinking of trying out a set of gecko's, what do you guys think of yours? How are the pads on them? Are the angles on them hard to get use to? Are they worth the money? Thanks for any help.

 

[Glennak]

I don't like the angle of the gaffs I would prefer them to be more inline with the shank. I was told you could get a different type now but have not seen them.

 

[kamcbrayer]

Yea they have a European style and an American style replaceable gaff. The Buckingham steel climbers don't weigh you down that much, especially considering climbing with a Stihl 440 sometimes dropping wood. Upgrade the pads to the cast aluminum, so-called "caddy pads". I use them, thought about buying those steel insert cushion wraps but was talked out of it. Caddy pads do great. Don't spend a fortune on the spurs if you can "cheaply" upgrade for under a $100.

 

[kamcbrayer]

But those gecko's do look comfy.

 

[treeoperations]

i have a set of geckos, and love them to bits, there not the carbon fiber ones but there still light as the pads are nice and comfy and work well with either chaps or chain saw pants and they allow a good amount of airflow under the pads, i reccomend the long gaffs if you only have one set, i started with long gaffs but i didnt like them in hard trees like gum so i just brought a set of short gaffs and its only 2 screws to change out the gaffs which takes the best part of five minutes, if your rich buy 2 sets, one with long gaffs and one with short.

 

[mikemcC]

Yea they have a European style and an American style replaceable gaff. The Buckingham steel climbers don't weigh you down that much, especially considering climbing with a Stihl 440 sometimes dropping wood. Upgrade the pads to the cast aluminum, so-called "caddy pads". I use them, thought about buying those steel insert cushion wraps but was talked out of it. Caddy pads do great. Don't spend a fortune on the spurs if you can "cheaply" upgrade for under a $100.

the buckingham's are old and need to probably be replaced...they have non-replaceable gaffs so I am going to have to order a new set.

 

[kamcbrayer]

the buckingham's are old and need to probably be replaced...they have non-replaceable gaffs so I am going to have to order a new set.

Well in that case, TIME TO UPGRADE. Go for the Gecko's. I love when "IT"S TIME TO UPGRADE" equipment. I hate spending money, but when your getting something new, it's exciting. I just ordered $1,300 worth of new gear. My gaffs are fine, it will be sometime before I buy another set. Maybe next year. Good luck!

 

[jefflovstrom]

All my guys have them but one who loves Bashlin only and won't even try the Geckos. I would get the American pole gaffs #30224P. My dealer said they come standard with the tree gaffs that no-one wants, but he will switch out the gaffs to keep me coming to him.
Jeff

 

[tree MDS]

Try the gecko's, them things is sweet, you wont even know theyre on.

I like the american tree spikes.

 

[PurdueJoe]

I have a pair with the euro style spikes and don't mind them much. Granted I picked up a pair before I got use to or comfortable with the American style gaffs. They are super light and once you do removal you'll be mad you didn't switch earlier. Only down side is they aren't as bullet proof as the old school spurs that only have steel, aluminum and leather in their construction. Basically don't leave you climbing bag with you spurs anywhere where a branch or anything heavy can come in contact with them. The hard red backing the pads Velcro too doesn't hold up to that abuse the best.

 

[treesquirrel]

I love mine! I have the aluminum ones.

I did have to glue the pads onto them though. Kept coming off.

Sam

 

[md_tree_dood]

I have them with the euro style, which basically isn't as pointy as the american style. They all have the bend in the gaff unless you get the pole spike. They are far superior to the buckinghams but they are also alot more expensive. If you can afford it they are well worth the extra cash.

 

[mikemcC]

thanks guys for all the help...i will be buying a set of gecko's very shortly. thanks again!

 

[senechal]

excellent choice. I let a coworker take mine for a spin when the shanks of his old buckinghams had gnawed away for a couple hours worth of chunking down fir. He seemed to get a grasp for the cost after that.

 

[mikemcC]

just wondering if anybody has a set of gecko's that they don't like and want to get rid of them. If so I would love to buy them! Let me know guys!

 

[jefflovstrom]

Wow Mike, Its been almost a year since you said you were buying a pair real soon. What happened?
Jeff

 

[mikemcC]

I bought a brand new set of bashlin's off a guy I knew. They were still in the box when I got them and couldnt pass the deal up at the time. I have the velcro pads on them but they are just not that comfortable for me.

 

[jefflovstrom]

Ah, yeah, when you get the Geckos, you wont go back.
Jeff

 

[mikemcC]

thats what I am told. I figured I would see if anyone has a set they want to sell first before I drop the coin on a new pair. I keep hearing all the hype about them and can't wait to try a pair out.

 

[ronnyb]

I've been using Geckos for 4 or 5 years. The upper pads and velcro is worn out, and Sherrill wants $277 for the replacemnts. Tough choice to spend the money or go back to my old Buckinghams.