I've got to agree with those that think spikes are essential part of a climber's kit. I'd say most of my removals need spikes at some stage, normally to block down the stick at the end of the job. I don't see how a lot of these jobs could be done safely without them. OK, you could leave stubs to stand on, but a lot of the time the space between stubs would mean dropping out large chunks..normally not acceptable, most stuff has to be dropped in handleable chunks in an area that's not going to cause any damage. Also, I find the stubs get in the way, catching on dropped branches and tangling with ropes. Of course, my circumstances may be different to others, but it's typical urban tree removal.
I used to hate using spikes. My second experience of them was gaffing out on a 60' sweet chestnut, which left me hanging by my lanyard against the trunk. I hated using them until I got my Bashlins. I find these comfortable, they've never gaffed out (touchwood)..they've even got letters stamped in the shank to tell me which climber goes on which foot!! They were expensive, but I look after them and keep them pin sharp. It's another example of the right gear, well looked after, helps you do more, faster and safer. I still don't like being on the top of a pole at the 6" diameter point, especially on thin barked species like sycamore and beech..little bit too wobbly. As for getting in the way, that can be a problem, but not too much of one. Mind you, spikes sold in the UK come with pole gaffs, just over 1" long. I've never seen anyone using the longer treegaffs.
