tree climbers from cabelas

madboarman · 10-01-2005, 10:54 AM

I think I've used just about everything deer hunting. I haven't used these. They are the spikes that connect on the sides of your boot, like the guys that work for the electric company use. Anyone know anything about these? If they work and are safe?

dick_cress · 10-01-2005, 06:08 PM

I have a pair and love them but have a word of caution or two.

#1. It is highly advisable that you use 10" high boots.
#2. The next time I use mine I am going to have someone else tighten the straps for me.

I spoke by phone to the man that makes and sells them and he advises that one cannot get the straps too tight. I have yet to be able to get the straps tight enough and they can really be uncomfortable around the ankles.

Would I buy them again YES! When they are needed and mine have been six times, they are a valued piece of equipment in my tent.

Another thing that is also my fault . . . I do not use them often enough.

Go the extra mile and get the safety belt as well . . . you will not be sorry.

As to safety they are as safe as can be . . . I haven't had any accidents with mine.

PABowhntr · 10-07-2005, 05:16 AM

Great advice above. You have to be careful though as some states will not allow their use on public land...because of the potential for damage to the tree.

Ifly · 10-08-2005, 12:32 PM

I used pole climbers for many yrs. deer hunting..if you want to use them..I strongly suggest you get the real climbers..with long shanks that come up to just below your knees. Also good ones come with shin pads and don't take two people to put on. I bought a pair of the Cabela's type about 10yrs. ago..I still use the safety belt that came with them..but only attemped to use the climbers one time. They cut into your shin bone just above your ankle.
I'm sure they will work if you want to endure the pain andextra stressand wear special boots...but I would try to find a pair of real climbers if it were me.
That long shank alows you to lock in when hanging off from tree putting up stand..etc. and is a way to rest also. The short shank is not enough support..which you need all you can get when 25' or so up and have treestand halfway on with chain wrapped around the tree...in the dark before daylight.

dick_cress · 10-08-2005, 02:37 PM

I do not disagree with Ifly but have you priced the real loggers spikes . . . OUCH![:@]

Totemkopf · 10-08-2005, 02:49 PM

There are safer and easier ways to get up a tree.

Ifly · 10-08-2005, 08:03 PM

We used to get ours from power company and telephone workers. I don't know of anybody back them that actually bought a pair. I know times have changed..but this was back in the 60's thru the early 80's in Ga. Pole climbers was all everybody used..commercial treestands were noton the market yetand no climbing stands until Baker came out and I hated that thing..turned me off to climbers for many yrs.
We made our own loc-ons and used pole climbers. Then what they called tree climbers came around..just a little longer spikes..I actually liked the pole climbers better because they didn't hold you out from the tree as far when you were hanging a stand. Leaning in too close will cause you to cut out.
I know a few friends that fell out of stands..one paralized for life...another two broke legs..but don't know anybody who fell using pole climbers...and unsaftey consciouse as we were back then..nobody used saftey harness while in stand only used saftey belt going up to hang and take down stand..sometimes. Hardly ever used a saftey belt coming down..lots of time I just got below the stand and slid down. The biggestthingI had to watch for was stepping onmy feet with the spikes while walking..that and when you walk in the woods wearing spikes..if you step on a rock or root with thespike or part that curves under your boot..it don't give one inch and will shatteryour teeth if you ain't carefull.
I always use saftey harness nowdays.
I would check on the net and at flea markets..etc.