Spurs/Climbers...what to buy?

[GlennG]

Hello guys , newbie here. 1 post.

I`m in western Pa and I`ve asked this question locally and received various opinions so I`d like to ask on this forum too.

I`m planning to buy a new set of climbers soon and want some input. I`m currently using fixed gaff bashlins. The gaff is to short ( about 1 5/8" ) for thick bark trees and this is the main reason for up grading. I`m wondering if I should go with either 2 3/4 or 3 1/2 inch gaffs.

Mostly hardwood here with some small evergreens here. The thickest bark is found on Locust trees.

Is there a goood all around gaff length or shoud I keep a long and short pair?

I`m a new climber as you all can probably gather. I`d just like to make a wise purchase the 1st time and have no regrets.

Thanks
Glenn

 

[NeTree]

I use 3-1/2" Buckinghams with the velcro cinch pads.

 

[MasterBlaster]

If your can afford it a set of both would be nice. At $350 a set(Bashilin+Velcro pad), it ain't cheap. If you are a small-framed person, you might get away with short shanks.

I'm big, so I use long shanks for everything-people think I'm nuts. But I never kick-out, and I fear no deadwood.

If you are big, additional padding helps. I have allways worn forearm pads on my shins - I put them on when I get dressed in the morning. Again, people think I'm nuts. They think it will be to hot. It doesn't bother me.

Longshanks work best for me.

 

[GlennG]

Thanks Guys

I appreciate the info. I think I`ll go for the 3 1/2" spurs. I`m a big guy too about 225lb so the big spikes will help. If I get comfortable in the new spikes I probably sell the old set. I will probably order after watching this post for a day or two.

Thanks Glenn

 

[Ryan Willock]

I learned to climb on bashlin pole gaffs with the super wrap pads. I now have and use buckingham 3 1/2'' fixed tree gaffs with weaver tripple T pads and find them very comfortable. I went with the long spurs as opposed to the short ones due to all the thick bark pines that we have in this part of north carolina.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Hey, Glen, if you do have a set of shortshanks keep them. They come in handy on smooth-barked trees. At 225 longshanks would probally work best for you - they might take a little getting used-to, however.
You might also consider the pads, too. I can stand on a spar relatively pain-free for as long as it takes. They also come in handy when you knell down on something.
If you don't have much of a butt, a saddle with suspenders helps a lot. I love being able to hook a 66 on, and hardly even feel it.

Longshanks require no walking on anything but soft soil; Take them off, or walk on tiptoe. You can get away with that with short gaffs, but not long ones. You don't wanna dull 'em. Get gaff-guards, and use 'em.

 

[treeman82]

I have the 3 1/2" Buckingham gaffs with the steel insert velcro pads. I find those pads to be really comfortable, with little movement.

 

[kiwiclimber]

as the others have stated,the velcro cinch pads with steel inserts
are a must have in my books,but it would depend on how long you would spend in them each day to justify the cost.I climb on buckingham fixed gaf 3 and a half inch.

 

[timberfell]

Glenng,

I have a pair of buckingham velcro cinch pads for sale in the used equipment forum for 75$, if interested.

Kurt