First set of spurs

[rangerdanger]

Well, this summer I get to start taking part in the climbing portion of some removals, and am in need of a set of spurs. I'm not looking to go for the Geckos. I've tried a pair of ours with Super Pads, which were pretty comfortable.

Looking for recommendations or opinions on different spurs. Thanks!!

 

[NeTree]

You'll get as many opinions as there are climbers.

I use Bucks with caddy pads. Some like the Bashlins better.

If you can get to try a few sets out before you buy your own, that'd be ideal.

 

[rangerdanger]

From what I've read, Caddy pads are the way to go.

 

[NeTree]

They beat the T pads by a long shot.

 

[Altissimus]

Tree , Kliens with Buc superwraps (straps not velcro) , Pole , Buckinghams (I almost never use these) ... Good Luck RADA

 

[gf beranek]

There's just too many choices today.

 

[No_Bivy]

carbon gecks......never go back here

 

[SkwerI]

Depends on your budget, really. For basic steel, I'd go with Buckingham or Klein. The tree Klien gaffs hook out so they set further out from the tree, so it's a preference thing. Some love them, others hate them. I climbed on Kleins for several years and loved them.

Next step up would be aluminum, Bashlin is pretty much the best choice there.

Next step up would be the Buckingham T2 titaniums. I have these. They are lighter than the aluminum without the bulk. They are the same thin profile as the steel climbers.

Most expensive choice would be the carbon fiber Geckos.

For pads I'd recommend either the velcro wraps or the shin cup pads. Although you're young and would probably be more than happy with even the basic pads for a few years. The high dollar pads are more accommodating for older, less elastic body parts.

 

[rangerdanger]

Thanks. My budget is around $200 to $350. I was just looking on Wesspur and I like the look of the Bashlin ones. Seems they would be the perfect middle ground until I was ready to upgrade.

Only question on the Bashlin though, can I use caddy pads on them.

 

[brendonv]

I've got a set of used steel Bucks with Velcro pads. They have pole spikes on 'em and I have the extra tree spikes somewhere. I'll sell 'em cheap. Retail around $250. I might be able to get you a brand new pair, same thing with tree spikes, not sure though.

I'm thinking around $100.

Lemme know.

 

[MasterBlaster]

From what I've read, Caddy pads are the way to go.

You read well, Grasshopper.

Thanks. My budget is around $200 to $350.

200 bucks? Entry level spurs start at $300.

 

[Frans]

My advice is to use a pair of your dad's maybe? Try to get a pair second hand and use them for awhile. After you have used them and get comfortable in them, then start looking at a new pair.
You will have a better idea of what is comfortable for your own feet and style of climbing.

Buying a pair without really knowing what is comfortable for you is a gamble.

But you could always sell them if you hate them.

 

[rangerdanger]

I've got a set of used steel Bucks with Velcro pads. They have pole spikes on 'em and I have the extra tree spikes somewhere. I'll sell 'em cheap. Retail around $250. I might be able to get you a brand new pair, same thing with tree spikes, not sure though.

I'm thinking around $100.

Lemme know.

Sounds great!! I'm going to mess around first though with some Bucks and Kliens we have, to get a feel for the different style pads and gaffs. Let you know soon.

 

[brendonv]

Lemme know, I can get you pics too. Just add shipping and ins. ranger.

 

[Wagnaw]

If I were you, I'd get something really heavy and uncomfortable, ride em' for a while to get used to it, then upgrade to geckos. You'll feel like you're walking on air, AND you'll be able to appreciate the difference.

I like Fran's idea. Before I bought my own spurs, I rode short steel buckinghams with velcro wrap pad (the non-cinch kind). They would twist and were heavy. Then I worked for my dad for a bit, and his spurs didn't have any pads! ...just a strap and a metal shank. ...then super buck pads on a set of steel kleins. ...now geckos, and all I have to say is

 

[MasterBlaster]

I can't believe I dropped the bucks on the CFG and they just didn't work out for me. OR Ekkka, lol.

Go figure!

 

[CurSedVoyce]

Aluminum Bashlins with caddys to start... then expand your horizons..... about as simple as it gets

 

[sotc]

maybe im weird but the actual spur has never bothered me, i get used to whichever kind i have at the moment. the pad is the thing that affects comfort, ive climbed on leather and that was fine then i upgraded and could tell the difference. if it doesnt suck it will work imo

 

[MasterBlaster]

Aluminum Bashlins with caddys to start... then expand your horizons..... about as simple as it gets

I'm done with aluminum shanks, they get wallered out too easily. I guess I'll get the titanium ones next since the Geckos didn't work out for me.

 

[GASoline71]

When I first started climbin'... I bought a pair of older Bucs off of ebay for $50 bones and then bought the Caddies from Wesspur, and new leather straps for $25. I had about $150 bucks wrapped up in the whole shootin' match...

I sold them to a highline climber a while back... but it just goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune to get started mang!

Gary

 

[CurSedVoyce]

I'm done with aluminum shanks, they get wallered out too easily. I guess I'll get the titanium ones next since the Geckos didn't work out for me.

But how long did you have them and how many hours on them ... ?? And granted I dont do near the gaff work you do

 

[MasterBlaster]

I guess you didn't follow the thread?

 

[Blinky]

I like regular bucks with super L pads. I think a lot depends on the shape of your legs and how they fit with a particular combination of gaffs and pads.

Try as many as possible before you buy and try them while working. You need an hour or two to know if they're gonna hurt you or not.

 

[Bounce]

I like steel Buckinghams with the ultra stiff wrap pads myself. The main thing is to get a rigid pad that will hold the shank next to your leg steady so it can't wobble.

Caddilac pads will not fit onto Bashlins without either a hammer to pound them on or a dremel to enlarge the slot in the pad.

 

[Burnham]

I like steel Buckinghams with the ultra stiff wrap pads myself. The main thing is to get a rigid pad that will hold the shank next to your leg steady so it can't wobble.

Caddilac pads will not fit onto Bashlins without either a hammer to pound them on or a dremel to enlarge the slot in the pad.

Not so fast there, Sean..some of the caddie brands are specifically designed to fit Bashlins...mine were.