ice cleats

I just ordered the Yak chains suggested above. Went with large hoping they would fit over my winter hiking size boots. I already know the XL fit my large pack boots. Thanks again for the tip.

Stabilicers Hike model with the Velcro strap are nice. I wear a size 13 Bogs boots and the XL fits just fine. The Yaktrax walk are not heavy duty enough.

No perfect answer for everyone.

Kahtoola’s are great, but some people have foot problems from the spike’s pressure points.

The chain-type cleats work well for many, but are prone to icing up in slushy to freezing conditions and being ineffective.

Hex head screws, ice studs, etc. work well if you have dedicated ice boots with THICK soles so they don’t penetrate to the liner – and you don’t mind changing into extra boots without spikes to not rip up the flooring everywhere else you go.

It comes down to what works for your boots, your feet, and the conditions you’re fishing as to what’s “best.”

I currently have the yaktrax xtr’s. Great traction with no icing , but mine are old enough where the chains are not welded. So most of the chains have been damaged. I’m looking into the yaktrax summits for my next set.

I got a new pair of Katoola in the mail yesterday and haven’t tried them out yet. I was going to get the Stabilicer Max but saw a post on Ice Shanty that Campmor had the Katoolas for $55. and change with free shipping so went that route. Oh and at the top of the page was a 20% off with the code number which made it come down to that price.

I picked up a pair of Yaktrax chains a few weeks ago. I have been impressed with them. They don’t seem to have that “dig in” factor previous kinds I’ve used have had, but I have consistent grip and haven’t slipped yet on hard slick ice, slush, or watery ice like last weekend. And they were $25 bucks and I’m cheap. I’m happy with them so far.

My kahtoolas broke Saturday. Quick and easy decision to buy them again.

busse3775 wrote:

I am stuck between the Yaktrax, ICEtrckkers and the Kahtoolas. Only reason I haven’t already bought the Kahtoolas is sometimes I fish out of my Jeep and I don’t want to put a hole through my weathertechs or even worse, step on some of the fabric in my fish house and put a hole in it.

This is the reason why I don’t have Kathoola’s – I’m too lazy/forgetful to take them on and off all the time.

Have used Yaktrax Pros for years, usually get at least 3 seasons out of one pair with the current set on season 4. They work well but they’re not perfect, good bang for the $$ though. Will be buying Diamond Grips for my next pair. Hope this helps, good luck

Busse – Yaktrax and ICEtrekkers are one in the same. Both are names registered trademarks of the same company. Same product, different dba name.

On year 5 with my Kahtoola’s. Won’t ever go with anything else. They go on and off in 5 seconds and you could easily walk up a 45 degree slope covered in glare ice. If you fall down wearing those, you are a klutz.