IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Vermont => Ice Fishing Vermont => Topic started by: mik on Jan 07, 2019, 03:04 PM
-
I looking for information on what to look for in buying quality ice creepers that I need for Ice fishing.. ETC, light weight, durable and price. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)
-
Kahtoola micro spikes. They are not cheap (50$ ish) but work better than other types I’ve tried. They make you feel really sure footed. I have some yak trax and they are no where near as safe feeling.
-
Second vote for the micro spikes. I have size 15 ice boots so it’s a bit of a stretch to get the largest size on. I leave them on the boots all winter to save wear on the rubber trying to get them on and off. Can’t drive in those boots anyways. I got 5 seasons out of my first pair and i’m on season 2 of my second pair.
-
micro spikes. i bought a pair of the knock offs and they are junk. if you can get an older pair that come in the bigger box that says 2012 choice award on it, they are better than the newly issues ones.
-
Kahtoola microspikes.
-
If the soles of your boots are thick enough, screw 3/8 inch hex head sheet metal screws into the bottom of your boots. I put a dab of silicon on the screw to seal it up a bit. I screw the studs in at the start of deer season and wear the boots all winter for everything - ice fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, shoveling snow, driving (just not in the house).
Use a drill with a socket to screw them in. The traction is awesome and I've never had a leak in three years with the current boots (Bogs Rancher). The screws weigh almost nothing and you never have to struggle to put the creepers over your boots.
It's not perfect - three or four screws fall out of each boot over the course of the winter. It can also be slippery walking on tile floors (convenience stores, etc.). But this setup is so steady on the ice, I feel like I could walk up a wall.
-
I use Stablicers and am quite happy with them.
-
Kahtoola microspikes.......I think this is my 5th season with them.....had to repair one this year, but at least they can be fixed!
I think I paid $40 at the time.
-
Kahtoola microspikes. You won't go wrong with them. I leave them right on 1 pair of the boots all winter
-
Kahtoola microspikes are the best in my opinion. They run in the 60 to 70 dollar range but are worth it. I keep them on a pair of boots all winter except in deep snow when they aren't needed and change out when I get to the fishing spot.
-
Micro Spikes are the only way to go! Easy to put on and they never come off -- a bit pricey, but you can't beat the traction you get -- long lasting, as well -- I have 2 sets and my oldest is at least 5 years old and still good...!
-
;) Thank You all to all that responded! Great info. Thumbs up to all :thumbsup:
-
I'll add this too. The kahtoola people are great for customer service. I broke a pair last year and they replaced them no questions asked. Great product.
-
Stabilizers. Easy on and comfortable. Tried lots of others these I like the best.
-
i haved the kahtoola also . love them easy on and off. great grip on the ice
-
I've had Kahtoola's for 5 years now and they are Fantastic. But Pricey!
I found these on Amazon: Unigear Traction Cleats Ice Snow Grips with 18 Spikes.
They are very similar to the Microspikes and half the price. $34.
I just received them and will Out on Sunday to try them out!
-
Kahtoola all the way. God these things bite the ice!
-
Yaxtrax Diamond Grip has been good to me. $29.99 on Amazon
-
Kahtoola Microspikes! Highest quality I've found. Looks like after this weekend we won't need them :'(
-
Yet another vote for the microspikes check kittery trading post they have promo codes when the Patriots win usually good for 20% off
-
Damn, my microspikes just broke after 1 year. Well... let's see how Kahtoola does with their warranty.
-
yak trax xpr, burned through the other brands . these have bigger spikes so the snow build up underneath has less effect.
-
there are reports of micro spikes dry rotting and breaking and ruining boots.
micro spikes are crazy priced. you can get the same thing for 10-18$ on amazon or ebay if you want to walk on hard plates of steel. the heel plate hurts my heels and i wear 200$ boots. i don't like my micro spikes at all and have two more pairs of the cheaper version they work the same way except the cheaper version comes with a strap to make sure sticky snow doesn't remove one or both of them and a carry bay. micro spikes does not come with them nor a carry bag. they want to charge extra 10$ extra for it.
because i can't stand that type of slip protection i use kold kutter ice racing screws in 3/8" and have been super glad i made the switch years ago. you can't wear the micro spikes or cheaper version all of the time like in a suitcase shelter or it will bust up the floor big time.
because of the long length of the spikes, thy will hold snow and that snow will grab more snow and continue until your walking on snow balls and have no slip protection but will be uncomfortable walking on them as the continue to grow bigger. the supper short length of the racing screws that are self cleaning hep with this problem i had with the snow balls on the micro spikes.
once you use the screws you'll have slip protection full time for shoveling snow or what ever your doing outside in winter. i never fell on a lake, but did while shoveling until i added the screws and now i am good full time.
you can get 250 screws for 20$ and have enough to do 4 pairs of boots with spares.
-
Until you drive the screws too far and ruin $200 boots by putting 3/8" holes in them, lol!
-
Until you drive the screws too far and ruin $200 boots by putting 3/8" holes in them, lol!
i didn't say what size diameter the screws are. i said how long they are.
i also said i have been using them for years. this will not happen. they are too short for that to happen. they are on 3 pairs of my boots and have been for years. lol!
-
I got 1/2” in mine and no leaks , as the rubber is thicker on trans Alaskans
My bud has had them in his for many years and no problems either ,
-
I had the yak Trax ztr's for a long time and I loved them. Now I have hilsound trail crampons. Man they are comfortable and the grip is out of this world
-
Eagle claw makes a very similar product to the Kahtoola micro spikes that I purchased at a bait shop because I forgot my kahtoola's at home one day. I've used them a ton over the last 3 years and have had 0 issues. They were half the price of Kahtoola's
-
Katoohls have gone way down in quality in my opinion. They still dry crack and break in a few years just like yak traxx but cost 50+ dollars more. Ill stick with the yak traxx pros on amazon for 20$
-
I love my Microspikes. I am extremely sure footed. They are on sale at Bass Pro right now! save about $20 and free shipping
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/kahtoola-microspikes-ice-cleats
-
Eagle claw makes a very similar product to the Kahtoola micro spikes that I purchased at a bait shop because I forgot my kahtoola's at home one day. I've used them a ton over the last 3 years and have had 0 issues. They were half the price of Kahtoola's
These things are great for the price!
-
I use yaktrax diamonds. I have a pair of the yaktrax springs too, which do work great on glare ice but not if there is any snow.
Avoid the Celsius ones like the plague. Somebody gave me a set and I can't even figure out how to get it on my boot.