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Spurs

T

Tree hunter

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2020
Messages
215
Anybody using spurs as their main climbing method ?
There are some great videos out there on it.
Fling arrows 2 yrs ago did a really good one.
Recommendation for spurs??
 
I have used them.

You would be fine if you put them on at the tree.

Going up is easier than going down.

Guys that use pole gaffs on trees instead of tree gaffs are dumb.

Don't risk it, pole gaffs are made to wedge into treated wood.

Tree gaffs are made to penetrate the bark to keep you in the tree. They are longer and have a sharper point.

I was going to go to this too but went with cranford screw in steps. Much better choice for me. Plus cheaper.

You won't find a good pair of gaffs for under $200.
 
dbow0603 said:
I have used them.

You would be fine if you put them on at the tree.

Going up is easier than going down.

Guys that use pole gaffs on trees instead of tree gaffs are dumb.

Don't risk it, pole gaffs are made to wedge into treated wood.

Tree gaffs are made to penetrate the bark to keep you in the tree. They are longer and have a sharper point.

I was going to go to this too but went with cranford screw in steps. Much better choice for me. Plus cheaper.

You won't find a good pair of gaffs for under $200.
Click to expand...

There is alot that is false about that statement.

#1 pole gaffs are commonly used here on the east cost by arborist all the time, they are much more comfortable to climb with, I don't recommend using them on super thick bark trees but I'd be willing to bet pole gaffs are used more than tree gaffs in the arborist industry.

#2 Buckingham, Klein, climb right, those are just a few of the really big names that can be picked up for under 200 bucks and they are all high quality climbing spurs that arborist use constantly.


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Do a search on here and you will find a lot of threads about them. I used them pretty extensively last year. When you do your search you are going to find just as many if not more prefer pole gaffs to tree gaffs. Pole gaffs keep your feet closer to the tree and feel a lot more stable. I never had a problem climbing any tree with pole gaffs. Going up is a little easier then going down but, not by much. Take little steps on the way down and it is pretty simple. I went away from them because I found myself using a ring of steps more than my platform. They can be tricky to put on an off on a ROS, still tricky but much easier on a platform.

If your interested in trying it you don't have to commit to a $400 pair of carbon fiber spurs to start. You can pick up quality used steel spurs for $100-$150. Steel spurs are typically in the 5-6lb range, still a pretty light climbing method considering you can go as high as you want.

Here are a couple of threads to get you started:

Those that use Spurs

Do you use pole or tree gaffs? Watched a video where a experienced climber said he preferred the poles in 90% of the trees he climbed.
saddlehunter.com

Questions about spurs!

Me being slightly insane and wanting to try everything that has to do with climbing lately, I have a itch for trying spurs. My issue however in life that I'm trying to tame is my urge to go all in and buy the best without even trying it (like buying a super expensive pair of carbon fiber spurs)...
saddlehunter.com

Spur Usage?

Are people not using spurs anymore? I purchased a set a while back that included pole gaffs and tree gaffs, just because I wasnt sure what type of trees I'd be getting into. The property I hunt is owned by family. While I would like to own it someday, I have a hard time with using spurs and...
saddlehunter.com

Spur Strap Suggestions

Hey guys, I recently got my first set of spurs. I got a set of Buckingham spurs, with Weaver Super Climber pads. It was immediately apparent that the straps, specifically the noisy metal fasteners, will need to be replaced. Anyone have any suggestions as to what you're using for straps...
saddlehunter.com

Edit: And if your interested, I have a used set in the classifieds ;)
 
Tree hunter said:
Anybody using spurs as their main climbing method ?
There are some great videos out there on it.
Fling arrows 2 yrs ago did a really good one.
Recommendation for spurs??
Click to expand...
Its a great climbing method if its legal, I use it exclusively on a few of our leases. Stay away from sport climbers, they all around just suck, I would also stay away from any of the Chinese made ones. Look at arborist forums and you will find your best information.

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I have the climb rites aluminum with tree gaffs. I would probably be happier with pole gaffs but it was one of the it’s better to Have and not need than need and not have situations. About twice a year I’ll get in a really big pine with thick bark and be glad they are the tree gaffs.
 
They are hands down my preferred method. A secondary lineman’s belt is a must IMO. It’s sketchy trying to bypass limbs without one. They are fast and quiet and for me they are very comfortable. Most importantly I am confident in my ability to climb with them in pitch black.
 
They are my preferred method. They are light and get me Any tree and any hight I want. What more can you ask for?

I have tree gaffs and no experience with pole gaffs. I’ve heard pole gaffs are more comfortable and easier to learn with but I’ll take the added safety of the tree gaffs. Learning wasn’t easy or hard, it was just awkward. But what does that mean? It means I climbed a tree to hunting hight about 6-8 times and the first 3 were scary and uncomfortable. The next couple were better, by climbs 6-8 my technique was better and I was very comfortable. But those first 3 climbs I was thinking of quitting.

and oh, I only practiced twice in the yard. Those other “practice” climbs were done in the woods while trying to figure out how to set and step onto my predator with spurs lol.

guys need to just stick with it and not give up.
 
Cbinderjr said:
There is alot that is false about that statement.

#1 pole gaffs are commonly used here on the east cost by arborist all the time, they are much more comfortable to climb with, I don't recommend using them on super thick bark trees but I'd be willing to bet pole gaffs are used more than tree gaffs in the arborist industry.

#2 Buckingham, Klein, climb right, those are just a few of the really big names that can be picked up for under 200 bucks and they are all high quality climbing spurs that arborist use constantly.


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Click to expand...

1. Show me one source (facts only as you say) that shows pole spikes are just as safe as tree spikes.

2. Show me one source where you can buy a complete set, clip and go of Buckingham spikes for under $200.

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Better to learn how to climb up a rope and not abuse the poor trees, their bark doesn’t need aerating like the lawn, I’ll stop the preaching now.
 
dbow0603 said:
1. Show me one source (facts only as you say) that shows pole spikes are just as safe as tree spikes.

2. Show me one source where you can buy a complete set, clip and go of Buckingham spikes for under $200.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Never used the words just as safe, there is an appropriate tool for every situation, your term you used was ignorant saying that anyone who uses pole gaffs is dumb. I simply stated that there are tons of professionals that prefer a pole gaff over a tree gaff and they use them everyday of their lives.

A quick ebay search and you can find dozens of quality spurs including buckinghams for less than 200 bucks. I have a pair of buckinghams I paid nothing for, the deals are out there.

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Great information and will check the other sights
Brochy I’m listening.
This is what I love about this Community Community .
Thanks all
 
Spurs are my preferred and currently my only climbing method. I started with cheap/heavy Klein's to make sure it was for me before investing in a lighter pair. I also started using a tree squeeze for the first year, but am confident enough now to just use a linesman's belt. I also use pole gaffs(guess I am not as smart as I thought) and have not had any issues. However, as mentioned earlier thick barked pines can be a little sketchy but doable taking your time.

I take them off and put them on by putting the spike in the tree and them placing my foot in and buckle up. This allows me to get my foot higher and support my weight once I put my foot in the spur, no balancing act.

Now I rappel down so I don't even need to put them back on.
 
predatorhunter said:
Spurs are my preferred and currently my only climbing method. I started with cheap/heavy Klein's to make sure it was for me before investing in a lighter pair. I also started using a tree squeeze for the first year, but am confident enough now to just use a linesman's belt. I also use pole gaffs(guess I am not as smart as I thought) and have not had any issues. However, as mentioned earlier thick barked pines can be a little sketchy but doable taking your time.

I take them off and put them on by putting the spike in the tree and them placing my foot in and buckle up. This allows me to get my foot higher and support my weight once I put my foot in the spur, no balancing act.

Now I rappel down so I don't even need to put them back on.
Click to expand...
It's your life.

Freely advertising this method is also reckless as some newbie my actually think what you're doing is fine.

Here is some knowledgeable information....Not that OSHA or ASTM know anything....

Pole gaffs and tree gaffs have different design criteria. The specifications for personal climbing equipment, which include climbing gaffs, are found in ASTM standard F 887-97, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment. Section 8 of the standard, Climber Gaffs, provides not only for differences in the minimum length of pole and tree gaffs, but also subjects pole gaffs to additional requirements related to the angle of the gaff as well as the relative positions of the point of the gaff and the stirrup. It is possible that a manufacturer may specifically design a gaff for thin bark trees; however it still must meet the design criteria for tree gaffs, not pole gaffs. Pole gaffs have not been specifically designed for trees, thin-bark or otherwise; they have been designed for poles.

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dbow0603 said:
It's your life.

Freely advertising this method is also reckless as some newbie my actually think what you're doing is fine.

Here is some knowledgeable information....Not that OSHA or ASTM know anything....

Pole gaffs and tree gaffs have different design criteria. The specifications for personal climbing equipment, which include climbing gaffs, are found in ASTM standard F 887-97, Standard Specifications for Personal Climbing Equipment. Section 8 of the standard, Climber Gaffs, provides not only for differences in the minimum length of pole and tree gaffs, but also subjects pole gaffs to additional requirements related to the angle of the gaff as well as the relative positions of the point of the gaff and the stirrup. It is possible that a manufacturer may specifically design a gaff for thin bark trees; however it still must meet the design criteria for tree gaffs, not pole gaffs. Pole gaffs have not been specifically designed for trees, thin-bark or otherwise; they have been designed for poles.

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Click to expand...
I am sure you mean well, but by calling people "dumb" for something you disagree with is NO way to get your message across. Ignorant would have been better. Oh, and I am not advertising anything. I just simple stated what I do.

What no kudos for using a tree squeeze? Have a nice day.
 
As an experienced climber in the tree care industry 21+ years experience climbing on tree spurs. I can say tree spurs are much safer for you to use as they have a longer shank to penetrate the thicker bark trees. Pole spurs have a much shorter shank which does keep your feet closer to the tree giving you the "more control" feeling. Which is not a bad thing on thin bark trees. Pole spurs can kick out if a tree much easier especially with a climber with little experience. Ultimately while using spurs its all in the angle you keep your feet to avoid having kick out.
 
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