What’s the most comfortable tree climbing spikes?

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

I had Treehog other model, its very bad disign but I modified them slightly and use them fo two years, then I both Notch fancy ones and it's rubbish, so third attempt was a Distel with velkro, and it is spot one, I highly reccomend. 

[Tommy_B]

Anything Treehog is guaranteed to be pretty much rubbish and aimed at people who haven't used enough gear to know that it isn't much cop

[Jamie Jones]

OK as the Original Poster... I am looking at the Distel Spikes...
But I have Questions as to what people find best for all around use:
1) Spikes: Long or Short?
2) Upper Calf attachment: Valcro or Click Buckles?
3) Lower Boot Attachment Straps? Valcro or Leather Straps & Buckles?

[Dan Maynard]

My 2p worth

1.Short

2.Velcro, doesn't need to be tight just snug so adjustment is good.

3.Buckle, good and tight so positive pin in hole

 

Of course everyone has their own idea.

[Doug Tait]

Same here.

Short, Velcro tops and strap bottoms.

 

Velcro tops were a revelation for me.

[gand]

I've just tried the Panther carbon and the Ally one's. Both very comfy with top velcro and the standard straps on the bottom. The carbon had the medium gaff and the ally had the short. I didn't find that much difference between them apart from weight, and if I'm honest it doesn't seem much when you're wearing them

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

19 hours ago, Dan Maynard said:

My 2p worth

1.Short

2.Velcro, doesn't need to be tight just snug so adjustment is good.

3.Buckle, good and tight so positive pin in hole

 

Of course everyone has their own idea.

Same things

[Mr. Squirrel]

On 27/08/2022 at 22:05, Joe Newton said:

Distel Gecko are the comfiest I've had. Wouldn't bother springing for the carbon ones, the weight difference is negligible when you're standing on them. They weigh the same as a set of triple ladders.

I had the Ally ones for ten years and they were fine, but I never enjoyed wearing them. Sprung for a set of carbon clicks a couple of years ago and they we’re worth every penny. I think there’s a subtle difference in shape, as even just standing in them is much more comfortable. The click buckles are brilliant too. No regrets. 

[Mr. Squirrel]

22 hours ago, Jamie Jones said:

OK as the Original Poster... I am looking at the Distel Spikes...
But I have Questions as to what people find best for all around use:
1) Spikes: Long or Short?
2) Upper Calf attachment: Valcro or Click Buckles?
3) Lower Boot Attachment Straps? Valcro or Leather Straps & Buckles?

2&3) I can highly recommend the click buckles top and bottom.

[Jamie Jones]

Thanks for all the advice...
I brought the Distel DMM with Valcro and Clip-Lock Buckles and Short Gaffs..
I have used them today for the first time, and they are very comfortable. But, I have been forever gaffing out with them while on a conifer
I also found that they were much harder to use? I know I have got everything set up correctly.
Question:

1) Has any one else had issues when they first went over to Distel? 
2) How many of you are on the long spikes or short spikes?