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Climbing spur question

JFin15

JFin15

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2019
Messages
455
Location
Central AL
Ive never used spurs and am strongly considering it. Im looking at a set of used Klein spurs with pole gaffs. Would this be a good pair to start with? Is the pole vs tree gaff a personal preference? Thanks in advance
 
I don't have any experience with the Klein spurs. I bought a used/modified set of Climb Rite aluminum spurs with the tree gaffs. I really like them. Very easy to use, quiet, and versatile. Now I don't recommend this method, but I had never climbed a tree with spurs before and hiked into a new spot last weekend, found a suitable tree, strapped on the spikes and climbed right up to hunting height with my linesman rope. Hung my platform, took a couple more steps up to get onto the platform. Once my tether was attached, took off the spurs, hung them on a hook and hunted. When it was time, put the spurs back on and climbed down using the linesman rope. The only reason I mention that I had never climbed with spurs before is to just point out that it isn't difficult and doesn't take a long time to learn them. However, I should have practiced at least a few sessions before attempting it.

This video convinced me to get them and so glad I did. Opened up more trees to hunt out of and easier to pack in and out.

 
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My first time I went up 6' in my backyard once. Then hunted them at height right away.
 
JFin15 said:
Ive never used spurs and am strongly considering it. Im looking at a set of used Klein spurs with pole gaffs. Would this be a good pair to start with? Is the pole vs tree gaff a personal preference? Thanks in advance
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The general consensus seems to be that pole gaffs are all you need for almost all trees and since your feet are closer to the tree they feel a little more stable. I have only ever climbed with pole gaffs so I can't confirm that. I practiced with spurs a couple times this summer and used them for a handful of hunts this year. They were easy to learn how to use and definitely have their benefits but, personally I find myself using my sticks more often and I need some funds for a platform so the spurs are for sale in the classifieds. (Already modded and I'll give you a great deal by the way )
 
I haven't used spurs in more than 30 years. Is my memory correct that pole spurs are significantly shorter than tree spurs? I recall strongly preferring the shorter length spurs.
 
swd said:
I haven't used spurs in more than 30 years. Is my memory correct that pole spurs are significantly shorter than tree spurs? I recall strongly preferring the shorter length spurs.
Click to expand...
that is correct
 
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GCTerpfan said:
The general consensus seems to be that pole gaffs are all you need for almost all trees and since your feet are closer to the tree they feel a little more stable. I have only ever climbed with pole gaffs so I can't confirm that. I practiced with spurs a couple times this summer and used them for a handful of hunts this year. They were easy to learn how to use and definitely have their benefits but, personally I find myself using my sticks more often and I need some funds for a platform so the spurs are for sale in the classifieds. (Already modded and I'll give you a great deal by the way )
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let me find that thread
 
Pole gaffs 99% of the time.


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PJC said:
Pole gaffs 99% of the time.


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Click to expand...

The spurs I bought have tree gaffs so I just ordered some pole gaffs to try them out. The tree gaffs seemed a bit long, meaning my foot felt too far away from the tree. I think the pole gaffs will be perfect.
 
you bet. I have pole gaffs on my spurs. Never needed anything else. On some trees that have large bark and crevices between ridges you just need to go slow and make sure your gaff is stuck before stepping up. You may get a slip or a gaff out but its no big deal, just reset it again.
 
Pole gaffs= pole ............tree gaffs =tree. If u are climbing trees use tree gaffs. Tree spikes will not gaff out like pole spikes.
 
Travis Cain said:
Pole gaffs= pole ............tree gaffs =tree. If u are climbing trees use tree gaffs. Tree spikes will not gaff out like pole spikes.
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I have to agree. I was a cable splicer (climbed poles) for a brief stint in college. My cousin, who got me into the trade, thought he could take his pole gaffs and climb a huge pine to get a free view of a Stones concert. Cost him a collar bone and tibia.

I’ll admit, poles are easier to climb with for the most part, and feel more stable, but there’s a reason that they make two kinds.

JMO
 
I have tree gaffs. I rarely gaff out but it was pretty awkward learning the first 8 climbs. I am guessing that pole gaffs have way less learning curve and feel more comfortable. However if they gaff out more often I would say go with tree gaffs. Better to have a steeper learning curve but never gaff out.

I will need to try pole gaffs to truly answer this question.
 
Phaedrus said:
I have to agree. I was a cable splicer (climbed poles) for a brief stint in college. My cousin, who got me into the trade, thought he could take his pole gaffs and climb a huge pine to get a free view of a Stones concert. Cost him a collar bone and tibia.

I’ll admit, poles are easier to climb with for the most part, and feel more stable, but there’s a reason that they make two kinds.

JMO
Click to expand...

I agree. I never gaff out. But I ALMOST gaff out on every other climb!! And that’s with tree gaffs so I often think I wouldn’t do well with pole spikes but I can’t be sure until I try.
 
Climbing spurs are a great tool to have in your arsenal for run and gun hunts.
The shorter pole gaff is the only way 2 go in my eyes, I climbed a lot with both a pole and tree gaff and as stated before your feet are closer to the tree and it feels more stable.

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You only need tree gaffs for heavy bark trees like some oaks. (they are longer) otherwise pole gaffs would be fine.
 
I live and mostly hunt in the south where I climb a lot of pines with shaggy flaky bark so im thinking tree gaffs would certainly be better for those and pole gaffs for oaks. The smoothest tree we really have would be a red oak with hard bark. I would think pole gaffs would be better on those.
 
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