Why do climbing spikes use buckles??

[TimberMcPherson]

I have one heck of a time getting my spikes on tight enough, I have made a tool to make it easier, but its still a pita.
But as I wrestle with a slippery strap and trying to get-the-next-hole only to have them resettle up the in tree and having to try to tighten or loosen them while suspended, I thought that people having been fighting buckles on there spurs for over 100 years.

I know they are simple and for the most part they work well, but surely they could do better.

Why done they use the kind of buckles you find on MX and Ski boots and inline skates? They are strong, easy to rachet up and as long as they are made well, wont fail AND you can adjust them on the move.

 

[treeoperations]

i dont think the snow board/ inline skate style buckles would work with with the dirt we encounter.

ive got geckos with the velcro straps, basturd setting the heel strap but once thats done there so fast and your away, and being wider they are more comfy when on for long periods.

 

[TimberMcPherson]

I had them on a pair of MX boots I had, if you want a case of constant abuse, hits, mud, bush bashing and general gear wrecking testbedding, that was it. Very tough and dependable.

 

[treeoperations]

I used a pair of MX boots that were modified for down hill for a while and found the buckles would jamb once you got a couple small rocks and some mud in there.

The positioning of the buckles on MX boots would be different to on a pair of our spikes, on our spikes they would be lying rather flat and on the front of our feet