Are these spikes to long for something like palms? They are going in real deep into the pine. Its hard to get them out some times and I'm not rally stabbing them in. Maybe its my weight. I'm about 240.
Another problem I'm having is that the cuff of the spikes is digging into the inside of my calf. Is that just something I have to get used to or am I set up wrong?
Those spikes arent too long, but climbing on the gecko's is a bit different from climbing on most other spikes. I quite like the velcro style calf straps, but I think buckingham make similar ones for their spurs. The geckos are a bargain and they are good spikes, they just feel a bit different. I think its the angle on the spur, and the way they sit a bit higher. I climb on steel bashlins, but I really like the aluminum ones. I've climbed on the gecko's only a few times.
I'm about the same weight as you or a little more. It's nice to be heavy in some ways because you don't have to use a lot of effort, and that lets you make good placements - you have time to line up a really good angle and that means you can develop good technique easier. If you find yourself having trouble getting your gaffs out then you are putting too much angle on them. If you are gaffing out too often then you need more angle. Until you get more confidence you're better off with too much angle than too little! If you want to change the angle then adjust your strap, not your legs. Keep your legs about shoulder width apart and try to have a natural stance. bowed legs is bad technique which over time will damage your knees. Good gaff technique is counter intuitive but it looks very natural when you get it. The main trick is in not bending your torso in - keep your whole body upright, don't bow your legs and adjust your angle with your strap. Take small steps. Wiggling your gaff helps get out if you've overcooked it but it enlarges the hole.
The fit of your spurs is something personal. You've got to try a few combinations of spurs and pads until you find something that works for you. Unfortunately you need to spend at least a few hours in each to see how they feel. Try swapping/borrowing from others around you if you can. Caddy pads are something that most people agree is excellent, and most also agree that the wider aluminum style spurs like you have are more comfortable on the foot than the narrower steel ones. The footwear you use makes a huge difference also.
The search function hasnt been working the last couple of days, but when (if) it does come back online there is good info on SRT there. There are mixed views on it... I use it sometimes, but I come from a rescue/industrial access background where we do a lot of SRT and I have all the (pricey) gear already. It has some pros and cons, I wouldn't use it on palms. I still feel a bit dicey using on trees period.
Shaun
