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Climbing spikes. Good or bad

Swampwalker said:
Is using gaffs harmful to the trees? Can't imagine using them public or private if they are. Not a tree hugger, just try to do the right thing.
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Some say yes some say no. Depends on the tree, conditions, etc. Arborists generally don't use them unless the tree is coming down. I can't say this is the case 100% of the time though. Apparently certain tree diseases can be spread if they aren't properly cleaned from climb to climb and tree to tree.
 
barlowchiro said:
I use the climbrite aluminum spurs. I love them. I didn't feel that the learning curve was bad. I walked in the woods and climbed 25ft up a tree the first time I put them on. I don't recommend that approach, but just just showing that it isn't hard to do. They do cause some damage to the tree, but so do climbing sticks, lock ons, bolts, etc... I used tree gaffs before, because they are longer, they may do more damage. Just switched to pole gaffs, maybe the shorter spike will do slightly less damage. Can't beat them for quickness, quietness, and versatility. Hike in, find a good tree, climb up and hunt. They fit in my backpack, lightweight. Private land, I won't use anything else. Public land, gotta go with the sticks.
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Not trying to start anything here but my sticks definitely don't do as much damage as gaffs to a tree. Even the Wild Edge Stepps rarely penetrate the cambium layer.
 
Jtaylor said:
Not trying to start anything here but my sticks definitely don't do as much damage as gaffs to a tree. Even the Wild Edge Stepps rarely penetrate the cambium layer.
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Agreed, the damage by spurs is definitely more than sticks, etc... Just saying that they both do some level of damage.
 
Thx, everything I see says not to use them unless you're taking the tree down. Really surprised at the number of guys using them regardless. Not like there isn't other options. Kinda question the response that sticks and loc ons do the same kind of damage. I suspect I'm stepping on toes here, but we all love trees. Right?
 
Swampwalker said:
Thx, everything I see says not to use them unless you're taking the tree down. Really surprised at the number of guys using them regardless. Not like there isn't other options. Kinda question the response that sticks and loc ons do the same kind of damage. I suspect I'm stepping on toes here, but we all love trees. Right?
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Read previous post, not same kind of damage, but damage nonetheless. I would argue they do less damage than drilling holes and placing bolts into a tree.
 
Swampwalker said:
Thx, everything I see says not to use them unless you're taking the tree down. Really surprised at the number of guys using them regardless. Not like there isn't other options. Kinda question the response that sticks and loc ons do the same kind of damage. I suspect I'm stepping on toes here, but we all love trees. Right?
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You could make the same argument for screw in steps or bolt style methods. It's all in what your state allows and what you feel comfortable with. The state agencies should be more well versed in what is right and wrong to scew, bolt, strap etc. to the trees. If you don't feel right about it, use another climbing method.
 
I mistakenly thought I would need tree gaffs for the big oaks I climb. Wrong. Pole gaffs are fine. They still mark up the trees. Not sure if the damage is as bad as a 3"-4" screw in step though. I reckon if you climb the same tree over and over it would not be good.
That said...I like using them and it didn't take long to figure that out.

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tedk said:
Any concerns about weight limits? I’m about 245. Will spikes hold up? I don’t want to get 15 feet up and have the foot hold start to bend. Any bigger fellas using them?

also, found climb rights in amazon for $150. Good way to go or would I regret not snatching up the $600 carbon fiber kiwis in our classifieds right now?
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Spikes/spurs are ok for bigger guys- I go about 230 and the more weight, the more the spike/gaff digs in, now there is a point to where that is not true- but that’s when you are pushing 300 plus


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I don't use screw in steps or bolts, so no hypocrisy here. All what you're comfortable with and what you're conscience allows. Been an education. Thx fellows.
 
barlowchiro said:
Read previous post, not same kind of damage, but damage nonetheless. I would argue they do less damage than drilling holes and placing bolts into a tree.
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I agree on less damage than bolts but only on the first time up. Hunt it again and the advantage goes to the bolts.
 
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