Velcro straps for gaffs

[Eagle1]

I have purchased the "better support" system for my irons. They hug my shin with a wider strap. I used them today and was very disappointed. The small strap that goes threw the gaff top slot kept twisting and causing the entire system to shift. Any one have feedback or comments?? They are not cheap and I am considering going back to the 1" strap that hurts but kept everything in place..

Thanks as always.

 

[MasterBlaster]

Perhaps you didn't get that "small strap" inserted properly. You gotta do it right, a piece of paper helps.

 

[Dadatwins]

There are 2 different types of velcro straps, one with a metal shin support and one without. The one without the shin support will shift around a lot more than the one with the metal support. Can't really feel the metal support when you wear it but it does keep everything in place.

 

[Eagle1]

Yes yes.... No metal in mine. MB,,, I have that piece of paper and did it right. Are you saying a piece of paper will help support the gaffs??

 

[Dadatwins]

The paper will help you get the velcro tighter, but if you want them to support you without twisting around get the ones with the metal support. Try them on and you will feel the difference.

 

[Eagle1]

It is shifting and twisting... I hate that

 

[NeTree]

Me too. I made a metal band that I welded in to correct it.

 

[Eagle1]

Maybe I wii use my new Lincoln mig to tac myself in.... or the old straps. I liked the comfort of the wide straps but that shifting..... no good

 

[Koa Man]

I have found the ones with the metal inserts to be very uncomfortable. I like the ones without them. I have since changed over to the aluminum pads with the black rubber and have found them to be extremely comfortable.

 

[a_lopa]

i dunno ive always found the standard ones ok,tried them velcros and had same problem

 

[Eagle1]

I saw those and thought about them. They are thick with 2 buckles??

 

[MasterBlaster]

Eagle, is it rotating around your calf?

I gotta admit, I pull mine extremely tight. They don't move much after that.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I have them too, and will work with them for as while then need to tighten them up a bit. It's very easy to adjust them in the tree. I'll never go back to the big pads.

 

[xander9727]

I have a set with the steel inserts. I like them OK. I just like klein gaffs better so I usually use my kleins with the buck pads. You can only use the steel inserts with buckingham gaffs (or so they say). I wear chippawa climbing boots that are 18" high so the type of gaff doesn't really matter. I set them up so the straps are on the boots and it prevents the discomfort.

 

[lync]

Are you wrapping the lower strap around the iron before you buckle it up. This really helps stabilize the Iron.
Xander they will work on the kleins, just grind the top of the climber about 1/16 inch narrower, and it will fit thru the metal slot in the climber pad.
Corey

 

[xander9727]

Thanks, I like how much faster the velcro is to put on/take off.

 

[Curtis James]

I have beeen debating which kind to get I guess I'll just have to take the drive to the nearest store to try some out. I can't see droppin to much on them though. I just don't want it to eat up all I am spending.

 

[Greg]

Go ahead and spend a few bucks on a tool that you will use for what...5,7,15 years possibly? Wrong time to be cheap.
I have been climbing with Geckos for about 6 months now and really like them. They have great upper supports with a big velcro strap.
Greg

 

[NeTree]

Greg, how do the geckos feel in comparison to bucks/kleins/etc?

Like gaffing out, etc..

 

[Burnham]

These, or like item from other manufacturers, will really do the job for you in stopping the shifting/twisting of the shank. They are hands down the most comfortable gaff pads I have used. I have been in them for 10 or 12 years and would never go back to a non-rigid pad. Some call these "cadilac pads" and with good reason. They seem to be more popular on the West coast than elsewhere for some reason. When you wear the foam out you can replace it...the foam lasts a good long time, and the aluminum frame lasts forever.