Spike angle i just cant get it right!!

TrimSolutions

Greetings,

I have been in the industry for over 2 years now as a groundy / stump grinder, and have finally got enough pieces together for my complete climb kit, i have cimbed a few trees and really enjoy it, the only problem i am finding is i cant get my feet on the right angle to really spike (my co-workers always call out from the ground that im not spiking propaly)...

After trying alot and thinking about this i think i put it down to me being really lanky and tall?, my question is can i purchase some different angled spikes, and is that common, also does anyone hear have problems with alloy spikes breaking? is it worth the investment for titanium?

I will tell you though that i feel comfortable even though my work mates say i look like a koala hugging a tree and i look very uncomfortable, But i myself do feel rather comfortable, but i do think, if its possible, maybe spikes with a different angle would really help....

Thanks kindly,
Scott

Eric Frei

Not leaning back and being too vertical is the usual problem.

Also some pads allow the climbers to twist and turn, with them going in at a bad angle.

The best pads to prevent this is the alloy "caddies".

Gecko climbers vs Caddy Pads

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Joshua Rugg

were those tree gaffs or pole spikes?

__________________
Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

TrimSolutions

Thanks Eric,

Not leaning back seems to make sense i will look into the caddies.

The spikes i use are actually identical to the red "geko" ones in your video, though i am missing one inner pad just under the hard red piece under so the red rubs against my shin constently.... does make it more difficult to climb.

might have to swap the "geko's" for the caddies... instead of buying a new shin pad for my old set.

kaazih

Note that the caddies don't work with the Gecko shanks, you will have to buy a whole new set of spikes (e.g. Buckinghams). Also the caddies come in two versions, one for 'regular' calves or narrower versions for 'grass-hopper' calves (I have the narrower version which would also suit you if you find that the Geckos still feel a bit loose even with the velcro straps done up tight as possible)

With the aluminium caddies and a good set of boots you can comfortably wear spikes all day and the caddies are great for resting on too when your're working the limbs.

You can also get european style spikes for the Geckos that stick out more than pole/tree gaffs.

Garry Brockley

I can tell you exactly what the problem is! you dont trust your flip line and rope you climb hugging the tree not leaning into your gear, it is a very common mistake, i know your thinking dont talk crap but i can tell you now you dont trust your gear enough yet! it can take three years or so of climbing to truly trust your gear. im 6'2" and know guys taller than me that climb and we all get the same angled spikes and don'thave a problem.

next time you ascend a tree put your flip line around the tree and lean back into it put your hands on the trunk sothat your arms are not fully extended but slightly bent at the elbow and just use your arms and flip line to ascend, then come back here and tell me if you truly trusted your gear when you first started climbing, next find a really good climber and go groundie for him and pick up tips or even better get formal training from a registered training provider.
good luck

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Joshua Rugg

when climbing thin barked trees or palms i think he'd prolly wanna try pole spikes instead of tree gaffs. often times tree gaffs give you that pivoting effect that makes some people feel scared. i clim alot of leaning palms with tree spikes and get that pivoting feeling but i trust my gear. the only complaint i have about tree gaffs and thin barked stuff is it gets uncomfortable but thats what we do as tree guys, were constantly in real awkward positions stretching out to make cuts.

__________________
Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

Alex Metzler

confidence in the gear and leaning back in your belt is the key for sure, its also important to keep your hips out from the tree as far as posible and to climb with your torso vertical, what helps aswel is gripping your flipline in close to to the trunk with your fists pointing inwards on each side,(wirecore line helps) as you ascend you flip it upwards then lean back and rest when you get tired, watch your mates climb and study theyre style then do what works best for you and we all climb uniquely.
hey eric i like how you call those alloy pads caddies, ive never heard them be called that but ima hav to start now hehe, i agree theyre comfy and theyre what i learned on so i wont give em up....

Joshua Rugg

also it helps to have the big toe side of your boot touch the tree.

__________________
Stihl
MS192T 14"
MS200T 16"
MS261 16"
MS440 25"

Husqvarna 359 20"
394XP 32"

Poulan P3314 14" ( new hire/groundy saw)

Eric Frei

That's what the Americans called them, I just followed suit. They're the bomb I agree, fantastic, and cheap!

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Alex Metzler

And jam those spikes in ther! Esp on those hardwoods, thatswhen youl gaf out if you lean in.
Remember: upperbody upright, hips out