What’s the most comfortable tree climbing spikes?

[Jamie Jones]

I have been climbing for a while now using Treehog climbing spikes. I find them very uncomfortable both to the soles of my feet and shins even with a good sturdy chainsaw boot.

I was therefore wondering if anyone has found out what is the most comfortable climbing spikes to use? 

[Retired Climber]

I think it depends what suits you. I used to wear Buckingham spikes and really rated them. I haven't seen them for sale for years though, so not sure if they are popular (or even made) any more. 

 

I think that you can get a good idea of what will be comfortable just by trying on in a shop. Generally, for me anyway, if spikes are comfy on the ground they are comfy in the tree. Get to your nearest dealer and try a few. 

 

 

[Will C]

I favour the Geckos with Velcro rop straps and leather bottom strap. Adjustment  is a big part of comfort, have you played with the height of your existing ones?

[Jamie Jones]

55 minutes ago, Will C said:

I favour the Geckos with Velcro rop straps and leather bottom strap. Adjustment  is a big part of comfort, have you played with the height of your existing ones?

The only adjustment is how tight you can get them on your feet

[Steve Bullman]

Climbed on geckos for years and they are super comfy. More recently I’ve been having a play with the panther carbon spikes. These ones are actually adjustable unlike my geckos 

[Will C]

5 minutes ago, Jamie Jones said:

The only adjustment is how tight you can get them on your feet

Ok, didn’t know that - all the sets I’ve had were adjustable, you normally have to take the top pads off, then there is 2 screws/Allen bolts that you remove and then can select a different set of holes. I always reckoned a good 2 fingers below the back of the knee. 

[Jamie Jones]

9 minutes ago, Will C said:

Ok, didn’t know that - all the sets I’ve had were adjustable, you normally have to take the top pads off, then there is 2 screws/Allen bolts that you remove and then can select a different set of holes. I always reckoned a good 2 fingers below the back of the knee. 

The one I have are on the back of my calf’s and just over half way up my leg

[Bolt]

12 minutes ago, Jamie Jones said:

The one I have are on the back of my calf’s and just over half way up my leg

Is the padding over your calf?

 

I assumed it was more conventional to have the padding over your shin.

 

 

[Dan Maynard]

The training centre had a range of different spikes to try when I did my CS38, I hated the Treehogs from the moment I put them on and I don't think anyone else liked them much either so your answer might be nearly anything else.

 

Its also not a one size fits all - I have the Stein X2 which are designed to suit taller climbers, super comfy for me but I know other people find them terrible. 

 

[Bolt]

I wouldn’t really want to put this on either leg…. But if I had to choose, I would be drawn towards putting it on my left leg.