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Is it too wet for the bucket truck to get to that pole? Are you in the backwoods and you can’t get the truck to the pole? How about you’re down a truck and you want to keep things moving along efficiently? If yes, then it’s time to put on those pole climbing gaffs, hooks, or whatever you want to call em’.
We’re spoiled with options from awesome brands that have been around for years, perfecting the craft of producing high quality lineman climbing gear. Read on to check out 6 of the best options available on the market today and how to sharpen your gaffs.
Best Overall: Bucklite Titanium Pole Climbers
This climbing gaff really does have it all. Buckingham took the popular big buck climber pad and added it to this new gaff kit. Now you can have one of the best climbing pads and one of the best climbers for the ultimate gaff kit.
These Bucklite titanium gaffs come with a contoured shank, offset stirrup, and weigh 17 ounces. They also have the quick connect component over the top of your boot and feature the Grip tech that helps the gaff stay true to the center of the pole. For the ones that are concerned with protecting their gaffs this kit comes with a built in gaff guard system.
If you are looking for top of the line, new to the market pole climbing gaffs- these are hard to beat.
Best Budget: Bashlin Aluminum Climbers
This is the gaff setup I am most familiar with- I have used them for many years. So light on the feet and the pads feel great- the best pads I’ve ever used.
Today was yet another day full of back country woods that we couldn’t get bucket trucks to. So I was climbing all day in nearly 90 degree weather and once again these gaffs held up perfectly. No pain and extreme comfort is what you’ll get with these Bashlin gaffs.
Unfortunately with this gaff setup you’ll need to purchase the pads and pad straps separate. Don’t fret, setup is easy. Get all 3 and have yourself a top tier pole climbing gaff that will serve you well for many many years.
Best Runner-Up: BuckAlloy Black Climber Kit
Similar to the Best Overall Buckingham gaff kit above. However these do not have the big buck pad, they instead have the more traditional velcro pad size. The shank is also non-contoured, which is what I prefer. It’s lightweight and looks great with the green high vis border and solid black out design.
These gaffs are very easy to put on and take off. Many lineman love the velcro style for the simplicity and comfortable fit. If you are into gaff guards these come with some magnetic gaff guards to keep those bad boys safe when not in use.
Made from aluminum, one of my favorites, because they produce such a lightweight feel. The hook and loop straps make it easy to put the foot straps on and they fit quite nicely too, especially on the back of the foot/boot. If you choose this highly recommended black gaff setup, you’re gonna have one of absolute best pieces of gaff technology on the market today.
Best Under $350: Klein Hydra Cool Pole Climber
Hard to beat a gaff kit for under $350. Plus there are tons of lineman that really like these gaffs. And it’s hard to disagree with them, the price and value you get for these is hard to match. Lineman really like the price, velcro pads, comfort, and gaff placement- reducing cutout on the pole. If you are into contoured gaffs that’s what you’ll get here.
One of the features I find most interesting about this gaff pad is the bi-layer design. The top layer has cooling properties and keeps moisture away. The next layer is their for cushioning, providing good comfort all day long. So you know these things are meant to withstand wet situations while still feeling nice to wear.
One common feature you’ll find in lower priced gaffs is the inability to replace your actual gaff; the only thing you can do is sharpen them. However these Klein Hydra Cool Gaffs actually have replaceable gaffs.
One major difference these gaffs have in comparison to the previous gaff recommendation is the weight. These things weigh a whopping 8.6 pounds! Made of steel which is definitely going to be more heavy than titanium and aluminum. But, lots of lineman use ’em and love ’em so they must not be TOO heavy.
If you’re in the market for some solid gaffs, but don’t want to spend a bunch then these are a great option and will have you up that pole with confidence and comfort.
Best Under $350 Honorable Mention: Buckingham Steel Gaff, Permanent
Admittedly, these are just a bit more than $350, however I had to include them. They have the “L” shape gaff pad, contoured shanks, an offset stirrup, and weigh about 2 pounds. Honestly, I’ve never tried the pads, but I’ve talked to a few lineman that enjoy them and actually prefer them.
This Buckingham Steel Gaff is another kit so you’re gonna get your gaff climber, pad, and straps all for a very reasonable price. Again, hard to beat that kind of value.
A drawback of these gaffs is the non-replaceable gaff. So if you break a gaff you’re kinda SOL for an easy replacement. It is rare to break a gaff, so it’s not something to seriously stress about, but definitely something to be mindful of.
Most Unique: Buckalloy American Kit
American made and proud of it. These are the BuckAlloy aluminum gaffs, but they’ve been hydro-dipped with the american flag. They look awesome, but I’m going to guess the sweet design would wear off eventually.
These gaffs are non contoured and weigh less than 1 pound! Buckingham has already made the list for the titanium, steel, and now their aluminum gaffs. These gaffs are quality and look badass in the process.
Put on the red, white, and blue gaffs and wear ’em proud…especially since it’s a top tier gaff choice and just so happens to have a nice design touch.
Final Words
If you’re looking for some of the best lineman pole climbings gaffs on the market or you don’t have a bunch of disposable cash, there is something for everyone on this list. One great thing about all of these options is they all come as a kit so you get the climber/gaff, pads, and straps…except for the Bashlin recommendation, but I included the straps and pads I use and love.
If you are interested in more top tier recommendations for lineman gear check out this article where I go over the best lineman boots- A Lineman’s Guide: The Most Comfortable Lineman Boots.