Steel and Aluminium are the most common climbing spikes in the arboriculture market with other options available such as Titanium or Carbon Fibre. Steel is the heaviest but are extremely durable and will out-live the leg straps, gaffs and shin pads which can all be replaced. Aluminium is a lightweight alternative which is strong and durable. Aluminium is highly regarded as a great compromise between steel and carbon fibre due to the lightweight material maintaining a high level of strength.
Spike/ Gaff length is also important. Long gaffs are effective for large diameter trees with thick, rough bark where you can really dig in. Long gaffs stick out further away from the foot making smaller gaffs a better solution for climbing small diameter barked trees.
Although, how much of the tree actually has rough thick bark? On most, it is just the lower 5 – 15% of the trunk where minimal time is spent.
Small shafts tend to feel more natural especially when climbing on small diameter stems and provide a better balance than when using long spikes. Therefore, small spikes are usually the most effective and comfortable when working at height, however; this is usually just down to personal opinion, climbing style, type of trees mostly worked on and what climbers have been taught in!
Fortunately Life-Gear supply FREE an extra pair of climbing spikes/ gaffs across all our climbing spurs. We also offer adjustable height models for Steel and Aluminium Spurs at great prices!
