sgrim wrote:
Grip Studs look to be at least 2x more expensive than other options.
Are they that much better than say, tire screws, or aluminum studs?
I mostly use Chota STL shoes which will readily accept any stud out there and I have tried them all.
Ice screws used for tires used in ice racing or the Chota STL studs are REALLY sharp, really cheap, grip like crazy and are made of hardened steel however, they wear out quickly and when worn out they suck but if you are willing to change them after almost every fishing trip, nothing grips better when they are NEW.
BTW – They are SO sharp when new if you step on your fly line you will end up with TWO fly lines…
…trust me I know from experience.
Other downsides are they only come in one option that looks VERY much like a regular hex head sheet metal screw so they can protrude too far beyond the sole depending on the sole type & design. They also have a regular sheet metal thread so they don’t hold as well, especially in holes that accepted studs a few times, in felt or if you over torque them.
Hardware store hex head sheet metal screws are similar in design; they are cheap but are not made of hardened steel and are nowhere near as sharp as the Chota STL or ice screws. Bottom line, while they are cheap they wear out even faster and don’t grip as well so expect to change them more often than ice screws for maximum grip.
Grip Studs, the Orvis Posigrip, L.L. Bean Maxi Grip, Chota Long Rifle and Simms Hard Bite are all carbide studs which won’t dull AS fast but definitely don’t grip as well except when they are brand new. However to be honest only the Orvis Posigrip and the Chota Long Rife really have any bite that compares to a New Chota STL or ice screw.
One downside to all of these carbide studs EXCEPT the Grip Stud is they only come in one option that looks like a regular hex head sheet metal screw with a regular sheet metal screw thread. This causes the same issues with loosening and protrusion ALTHOUGH the L.L. Bean Maxi Grip have a considerably smaller head.
BTW – The L.L. Bean Maxi Grip is what they use on their wading shoes.
Another downside to carbide is very hard rocks. If carbide studs protrude too far beyond the rubber or felt sole so only the carbide is making contact with the rocks, you WILL slide on a hard smooth rock. When I fish places like that, I temporarily replace my carbide studs for brand new Chota STL or ice screws.
I have also tried aluminum bars and even aluminum sheet metal screws at those places but I still like NEW ice or STL studs better. Some of the aluminum disc options like the Korkers Triple Threat Aluminum Hex disks look interesting, but I might try plain aluminum washers first. I just don’t know how comfortable they will be to walk or hike in.
The problem with regular screw studs is unless you are wearing a shoe that is made to accept them like the Chota or Simms, expect lackluster results in regards to staying put or achieving the ideal sole to stud contact ratio.
This is why Grip Studs excel. They have so many different option that you should be able to find the perfect stud for any shoe AND the thread is totally different and when installed properly won’t come out like a sheet metal screw can.
No one stud is perfect for all shoes or all places. To be be honest; studs aren’t perfect for all places.
Bottom line the choice is yours ‘cause it’s your money and your arse if you fall.
