Looked at the bottom of my boots this morning and decided the time had come. Is there a better replacement stud than the Simms Hard Bite?
My Simms studs are shot, too. Thinking about ordering some Kold Kutter ice studs (for motorcycles); even if they wear out faster than the carbides, they’re only $20 for 250 of them.
Regards,
Scott
Saw those - they look like they would do the job and a great price.
I use them and they work pretty well. I never used Simms so I can’t compare.
Most intriguing. Do you have to cut them down? Have also heard of people using #6x 3/8" type AB sheet metal screws which you should be able to find even cheaper. There are a few other related products like the Stabilicer replacement cleats which are purpose built, but I’ve never used them myself. I do know the first SIMMS set of cleats was the last one I was going to buy…but they just haven’t worn out yet…
No cutting. My buddy gets them in 200s on ebay and we just screw them into the felts. I think they are 3/4". They also extend the life of your felts.
I see that Orvis made some, but no longer offers them. Anyone ever use these - the “Posigrip”?
i use the ice cutters in simm’s vibram soles and they work fine
I’ve always used sheet metal screws from the local hardware store. Never had a problem with them wearing out.
Just make sure the screw length is less than the thickness of your soles. I use a #10 x 1/2" screw on my boots. Also if you have problems with the screws pulling loose, try putting a drop of Gorilla Glue on the screw threads before driving them into the soles.
I use Goathead Gear Spikes. Like them a lot bite hard and stay put like an old stubborn goat. Fairly reasonable price too.
I will second the Goat heads put them on my boots last fall have put close to 75 -80 days on them and there is very little ware on them.
steve
The Kold Kutter studs seem to be holding up pretty well (and keeping me vertical). Haven’t tried them on any of the rivers that really give me problems, yet, but so far, so good and I haven’t been forced to eat cat food to cover the cost of the Simms carbides.
Regards,
Scott
Oh, heck, here fishy! I thought you had noticed some new guys on line here! Doggone. Boot studs. That’s a heck of a difference! 
Yes, dull and boring, huh?
Well … One can always hope. Got my heart beating, though!!
Took a seat while wading yesterday; wasn’t a particularly slippery stream so I figured something was up. Checked the studs on my boots - here’s a side-by-side of a Kold Kutter I installed a year ago, and a new one.
5 minutes with a 1/4" socket to replace them all.
Regards,
Scott
I’m definitely going kold kutters when my current studs wear down. A year before they needed replacement, the bag will outlast me.
I’ve seen the same with my Kold Kutters, but this after 50 days or so on stream. With a package of 250, I can afford to replace them once or twice a year. I also figure the studs are saving at least a little rubber sole wear and maybe extending the life of my boots.
I will second the Goat head spikes, use them for my steelhead boots like all wheel drive especially on the flat slate we sometimes encounter
steve
New Kold Kutters worked great. No slips, no slides, positive traction.
Regards,
Scott