Anyone here use spurs to climb? Looking for some pros and cons. Other than tree damage, doesn't seem to be much of a down side
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Just check your local laws for public land...and permission on private...PeaceGlad I saw this. I'm very interested in this as well.
What did you find noisy about using the spurs?...thnx in advanceThe down side is they aren’t legal in many state public lands. Also someone said they are quiet I disagree. They definitely make more noise than rope systems but less noise than hanging sticks. They are without a doubt the most efficient way up a tree. As Pik said practice extensively at ground level. Learn to properly use your linesman rope and take an extra (or you can use your tether, to help go around limbs when you encounter them. Also I recommend climbing above where you want to set your platform, set your tether first, that way you don’t accidentally spike into your platform strap in the dark and you have your tether set in case you cut out setting the platform.
The noise it makes as you step into the tree this will vary depending on the hardness of the tree you climb. The bark that kicks off of loose bark trees as you climb. And the accidental clang that can be made as you step on the platform (doesn’t happen often but does occasionally happen). like I said the noise potential is not nearly that of using sticks but definitely more noise than preset Ddrt climbsWhat did you find noisy about using the spurs?...thnx in advance
Negatives for me are:
Gaff outs
Hard to put back on at height
Punching holes in pants
Like you said, tree damage
LOL...I have been trying to think of how to reply with respect and kindness...You Mr Phatkaw just accomplished that very thing...Peace AllNo offense, but you must need more practice...
In his defense I’ve never met a man that climbs that has never gaffed out. I never poked holes in my pants but I did step right into the strap holding my platform in the dark one timeNo offense, but you must need more practice...
I dont put them back on at height...rappelling is too badass not to do it!...a gaff out is no big deal really...yes my spurs are attached to my backpack at height too so there isnt any more stuff on the tree ...I just take my time and pay attention so there is no clanging...and I have them stealth wrapped and my platform is paracorded...They aint for everybody for sure...I have gotten very attached to mine...lol...peaceIn his defense I’ve never met a man that climbs that has never gaffed out. I never poked holes in my pants but I did step right into the strap holding my platform in the dark one time
I don’t have trouble putting them on at height but I do clang metal on metal occasionally, and it is definitely more crap to hang while in the tree but I hang my back pack and rope, so I usually hang my spikes off my back pack strap so it’s not accidentally banged around if I walk the back side of the tree for a shot.
I never said I don’t like them as a climbing method. In fact when I am allowed to use hooks, they are my go to method. However I hunt 85 to 90 % of my hunts on public land where it isn’t legal. For those instances I take my ropes. Rappelling is easy but so is ascending via Ddrt or Srt. If I climb on spikes, I also climb down on them otherwise I’d be taking rope and if I am carrying that extra rope and rappelling gear, I might as well just save the extra 3 or 4 lbs (for my spikes) and just climb with ropes. I do appreciate different perspectives but the OP asked for potential up and down sides. Noise for me is a down side as is limited use opportunity. I also can’t fault a man for what he sees as positives or negatives. Everyone has different comfort levels. Gaffing out sucks for me. It doesn’t happen often but I also won’t lie and say it never does or it’s no big deal. Gaffing out is noisy, usually you’re scratched up and if someone isn’t using their linesman rope correctly or a tree squeeze they could end up going for a fall. Those are true negatives. I probably used hooks more than nearly everyone on this site (there are a few other line workers and arborist on here that might have been in the industry longer than me) but ask any of them if they prefer hooks or a bucket truck and I bet you get bucket truck as the answer 9 out of 10 times lol when the new wears off, climbing is just climbing. As with any method there are upsides and down sides to everything. Ok I am done hi jacking this threadI dont put them back on at height...rappelling is too badass not to do it!...a gaff out is no big deal really...yes my spurs are attached to my backpack at height too so there isnt any more stuff on the tree ...I just take my time and pay attention so there is no clanging...and I have them stealth wrapped and my platform is paracorded...They aint for everybody for sure...I have gotten very attached to mine...lol...peace
Now thats an awesome idea...Bucket truck as a climbing method!!...of course there would be some downside to that also...lol...Have an awesome day guys and stay safe!I never said I don’t like them as a climbing method. In fact when I am allowed to use hooks, they are my go to method. However I hunt 85 to 90 % of my hunts on public land where it isn’t legal. For those instances I take my ropes. Rappelling is easy but so is ascending via Ddrt or Srt. If I climb on spikes, I also climb down on them otherwise I’d be taking rope and if I am carrying that extra rope and rappelling gear, I might as well just save the extra 3 or 4 lbs (for my spikes) and just climb with ropes. I do appreciate different perspectives but the OP asked for potential up and down sides. Noise for me is a down side as is limited use opportunity. I also can’t fault a man for what he sees as positives or negatives. Everyone has different comfort levels. Gaffing out sucks for me. It doesn’t happen often but I also won’t lie and say it never does or it’s no big deal. Gaffing out is noisy, usually you’re scratched up and if someone isn’t using their linesman rope correctly or a tree squeeze they could end up going for a fall. Those are true negatives. I probably used hooks more than nearly everyone on this site (there are a few other line workers and arborist on here that might have been in the industry longer than me) but ask any of them if they prefer hooks or a bucket truck and I bet you get bucket truck as the answer 9 out of 10 times lol when the new wears off, climbing is just climbing. As with any method there are upsides and down sides to everything. Ok I am done hi jacking this thread
That Beep! Beep! Beep! sound when it backed up would scare off deer.Now thats an awesome idea...Bucket truck as a climbing method!!...of course there would be some downside to that also...lol...Have an awesome day guys and stay safe!