Ice Cleats

[Matt Schalk]

Just wondering what kind of ice-cleats everyone prefers and why.

Maybe there's an old thread on this that I missed??

Pros and cons? I just repaired my "cheapie" LaCross's with Ultraflex from my stamped metal (with the bent corners) cleats digging into the boots. It split the boot on the inside where the heavy rubber strap latches to the cleat. I wear two on each boot. They work well in little or no snow. Don't have a problem with them tearing up my Hodgman's.

Nylon straps and buckles are out in my opinion - can't run in them unless you like tripping and falling on the ice.

Korkers (new and old styles) seem too heavy.

The rubber "bootie" styles with the carbide tips didn't work too well for me.

Interested in knowing how folks like the Creeper brands and styles - have seem them but never owned any. Or any other styles or ideas. Golf boots??

Surprising how few ice-fishermen actually wear or have ice-cleats. Slip sliding away .....

[Fidel Casserole]

I wear the cheap ones from HT that slip over your boots. While they don't provide the exact footing I prefer (spikes are only in front of ball of foot) I have been able to adjust my walking on the ice to make them work. I just make sure I use a sliding type walk as I go so that I stay on the front of my foot. I won't go on snowless ice without them anymore, seen 1 too many friends tumble. They only complaint I have with the cheapies (these were like $5) is the rubber eventually breaks. But at $5 for 2 seasons I can't complain!! Just avoiding 1 fall, and the pain that comes with it, is worth the money for me.

[jeremy L]

arctic spurs. 15 bucks, and very strong. i'm a big guy and cheap ones bent on me when i had to walk of dirt or pavement with them on. this stay strong. They also have alot more grip. they are a breeze to put on and take off.

BTW, 15 bucks for cleats is very cheap considering the pain and possible money loss, in medical bills, that could come from a fall onto the ice.

[Tattoo Mike]

I wear the same ones as Fidel. I however wear 2 pairs on each foot with one put on backwards. I never slip now. I had a problem with them coming off 1 time so I used a short rope to secure them.

[William H Bonney]

CLEATS??????????????????????????

I thought falling down was part of ice fishin?

Although,I haven't wiped out in a couple of years, I don't ever remember gettin' hurt when I did. The trick is: When you start to fall,,,,,,,just fall! Don't try catchin' yourself, that's when ya get hurt,,, wrenched backs and knees!

I never really pick my feet up off the ice anyway, when I'm walking out. I just kinda shuffle out there!


Next thing ya know, there will be a sign at SANG the says:

NO Metal Spikes! SOFT Spikes ONLY! (Course Rules)

[Bolo]

I just put some short sheet metal screws into the knobs on the bottom of my Ice Kings. They work great, just don't let your wife catch you walking across the tile floor. That can get ugly. I have to replace some once in a while but they work, when I wear them. I have taken a few bad falls this year. Those arctic spurs are good though, those are the ones with the green tubing I think. They go just above your heel, you don't have to walk funny like you do with the ht's. Just my 2 cents, well maybe 5 cents. Bolo

[TrailFndr]

I use an older pair of cleats with the nylon straps that go over the top of the boot and around the back also.

I got them tight on the boot and only wear the boots out on the ice, so I never have to remove them. With 10 spikes to each foot, I don't slide at all.

Tried the cheapo ones and they never stayed on the foot where I needed them.

[MSUICEMAN]

I use the arctic spurs with the green latex tubing and love em, especially since i got em for free. THey sometimes can be a pain to put on, but they are pretty comfortable and give you all the grip you need. Plus if the latex wears out (mine haven't yet, going on six years) they sell replacements cheaper than buying a new set. Seem to be built pretty darn heavy duty cuz i'm a big guy and never had problems.

steve

[MichiganMike5]

I have the heavy duty steel "accordian fold" type creepers and the new HT rubber ones. Stopped wearing the Creepers due to the hassle of getting 'em on and off with the mesh straps and plastic buckles. I like the HT's because they slip on and off easily even with mittens on, and they seem to work pretty good tractionwise but I would prefer to have at least one row of cleats on the heel. I was going to try a pair of the "Yak Tracks" but couldn't find 'em locally so I grabbed the HT's instead. The Yak Tracks look like they would work great and be as easy to get on and off as the HT's. If the season wasn't about over I would order a pair of the Yaks to try out.

Mike

[Matt Schalk]

I think I'm gonna check into getting the Arctic Spurs. My buddy, Rich, has some and he hasn't wrecked them yet. I looked at some of the accordian styles and I think they'd hurt my feet like my old hockey skates used to. I'll probably go with one of my old ones strapped across the front of the boot for added traction.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Fishfoote]

I just use the rubber slipovers with steel cleats - they seem to work pretty good for me. I have been considering picking up a pair of these pack boots, for $35 bucks you can't go wrong!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2715053633&category=36152

[griff]

I would suggest the fishing minnesota website, they carry what for me is the best set of creepers I've ever owned and I have gone thru a bunch of different kinds. The others I've tried either wont stay on , make my feet cramp or just plain don't grip the ice. They're a bit pricey at about 40 bucks but worth every penny IMO.