I am looking at getting a new set of ice claws that have retractable sheaths to protect the picks when not in use (giving my around the neck style to my kids so we can have multiple sets with us when on the ice).

I see there are two styles now available. Around the neck like I have




and ones with long lanyards that you feed through your sleeves so the picks are always near your hands if needed.




I find the around the neck style sometimes get in the way because the cord is short and doesn't allow you to open your collar if you get hot and have a bulky coat (or if you do open the collar sometimes you separate the claws and expose the spikes. However, I’m wondering if the through the sleeve ones would get in the way of the kite bar or possibly injure a kiter in a fall if they fell on the pick and the sheath retracted.

Am I overthinking this? Anyone have experience with the through the sleeve model or think its best to just stick with the around the neck flavor?

No expert on his and I have never tried them. So far there are 30 views and no answer.

This is just my opinion so easy on the messenger (LOL)

1) If they need these ice picks how thick is the ice ??
2) If the ice is that thin, then get them off it
3) I would not rely on the neck ice pick especially for kids as they may have a hard time to reach them if they go in the water.
4) If you have to use one of these, I would use the ice picks that go thru your sleeves. If your concerned about interference with the kite bar, consider using long valcro strips that would hold the ice picks on the surface of the coat near the wrist or even strapped to the outside of the gloves.

JMHO

Quote: Originally posted by B-Roc

Am I overthinking this? Anyone have experience with the through the sleeve model or think its best to just stick with the around the neck flavor?

I don't snow kite, so take this with a boulder of salt as purely geeky observations from someone that spends way too much time researching things.

No you are not overthinking it. Scooting along on ice, taking a spill and having pointing objects flailing around in your proximity should give anyone pause.

Firstly, ice claws are kind of a niche market is and from what I can tell, the number of design variations really, really reflects that. Small market, not a whole lot of competition leads to a lot of mental stagnation.

The through the sleeve design gets most of the cordage out of the way, but leaves the claws dangling at the end of the cuffs with no real place to go.

Most of the claws that go around the neck seem to have attachment points on the claws that lend themselves to making a custom length leash for the spikes and making your own custom length coiled retention lanyards is very doable.

The one thing about that retractable claws that bothers me is that the axis that you apply pressure on to retract the protective covers is the one that also leads to a stab scenario.

The Pick Of Life has an easy to replace leash, is high visibility orange, and floats.

Customizing the leash length should address the open collar deployment issue.

If you really, really..... really wanted to minimize the flailing claws/accidental stabbing scenario.....

sigh.... loathe to say this as it flies the freak flag a tad too proudly. I expect Chris will spit up whatever he is drinking onto the computer screen

Oh whatever.... custom kydex sheath for the claws with "belt loops" that can be run through the webbing of the kite harness. These can be ordered or made at home with a minimum of supplies.

Officially renewing my membership in the lunatic fringe.

ATB,
Sam

I've thought about this many times and ultimately decided the risk of going through the thick Canadian ice I ride is lower than that of getting stabbed by sharp objects during a bail.

I have a homemade pair for early/late season fishing that I thread through my sleeves. That way they are not annoying me on my neck, and ready to use if I need them.

I've seen the ones with the retractable covers, and thought they will not protect you much over the bare spikes - the only real risk from these is of being stabbed, and the cover retracts when you are being stabbed with them. Not very likely to hurt yourself on the sides of the spikes :puzzled:

look at these I use...
http://www.nordicskater.com/safety.html

I like the retractable kind , keeps the point from grabing onto clothing. I dont like any of the setups I've seen. I take the cords and bungies off (I've got both types) and rubberband a claw to each upper arm (might try velcro someday). They are never in the way and easily within reach. I figure I can have one arm on the ice while the other hand reaches across to grab a claw. I like it in theory but thankfully have not tested it.

I don't know if you can tell by looking at it pics on my link on above post, but the points on mine are covered in it's little 'holster'. Don't even know I'm wearing them. Being they are drop proof is good also.

I have them both. I like orange tips are always exposed while in use. The shield on the black ones can freeze in place