Choosing spikes

[g00eY]

I'm trying to decide between a couple of spikes before I go and make my purchase. Basically I've narrowed it down to two spikes: Reebok LJ/PV and the older (white) Mizuno LJ (or PV/TJ... what is the difference). I've tried on a bunch of Nikes and Asics, etc..., but have not liked any of them as much as the Reebok. I have yet to try on the Mizuno, which is what I'll do tomorrow before I make my purchase.

Has anyone compared the older Mizunos with other spikes? If so, what do you think is better/worse/different about them?

[AR01]

I've heard nothing bad about the Mizunos at all.

[txpolevaulter_k25]

I have mizuno sprint spikes, and the are the most comfertable fastest sprint spikes i have ever worn. They are similiar to the pv spikes they have, so I would give them a try. I also love my nike pv 2s though, they are really nice!

[BethelPV]

I love the Mizuno LJ's, the old ones as well! I love them and all our vaulters in our group are switching to them because we like them so much! I even have 2 pair!!

[g00eY]

I ended up getting the old Mizuno LJ (the white ones). Dick Pond's had the TJ/PV, but only in something like size 13 (I'm a 9). They are pretty darn comfortable. I can't wait to vault in them this week!

Does anyone know what the actual spikes are called? They look like a cylinder with a smaller cylinder on top. Are these legal for IHSA competition?

[AR01]

If you're talking about the kind of spike I'm thinking of, I think that some schools might not allow you to use to kind on their track. I would have some pyramid spikes on hand just in case.

[g00eY]

Yea... I'm going to have to go pick some christmas tree spikes up. I have regular 1/4" and 1/8" pyramids, but I'd rather have some christmas trees as back ups. However, I've never been to a meet where they actually check the spikes, with the exception of sectionals.

[kenny]

Where I am the guys seem to really like the Mizuno Spikes. One thing I will say is the difference between the Japanese Models and U.S. Models is like night and day. If you can get a hold of the Japanese Model...DO IT.

[OH-IOvaulter]

Does anyone know what the actual spikes are called? They look like a cylinder with a smaller cylinder on top. Are these legal for IHSA competition?

The spikes that you are referring to are called compression tiers. As far as I know, there would not be a track around that would ban them, as they don't put any undue stress on the track at all. I'll give a short summation of the different types of spikes and intended surfaces on which to use them.

Pyramid Spikes: Are Shaped Like a Pyramid, and are generally intended for dirt tracks. Range from 1/8" to 5/8" depending on necessity for traction.

Javelin Spike: Are long versions of pyramid spikes (1") and are used when the javelin runway is dirt and not synthetic.

Needle Spikes: Look like little cones and range from 1/8" to 3/8" and are for your typical synthetic high school and college (outdoor) tracks.

Compression Tiers: Also called Christmas Trees are stacked cylinders as described above that are intended for all rubber Mondo type tracks (i.e. College Indoor tracks). They don't penetrate the surface and don't provide speed through traction, they compress the rubber and then when the runner moves the position of the leg the engineered rubber returns the force during push off.

[rainbowgirl28]

The spikes that you are referring to are called compression tiers. As far as I know, there would not be a track around that would ban them, as they don't put any undue stress on the track at all.

Many high school tracks are very strict on 1/4" Pyramids ONLY.

Our coaching staff has a giant vitamin bottle filled with 1/4" Pyramid spikes for the kids to use as needed.

[OH-IOvaulter]

But any coach worth their weight in salt would know that pyramids are worse than needles, but its the greater length that tears up the track, and compression tiers would be overlooked because they don't tear up the track at all, not to mention that on a synthetic track they wouldn't really be super beneficial. It would be nice if spike knowledge/information was a bit more available and universal so that kids really understood that depending on the thickness of the track, spike length can actually slow you down, not speed you up.

[rainbowgirl28]

But any coach worth their weight in salt would know that pyramids are worse than needles, but its the greater length that tears up the track, and compression tiers would be overlooked because they don't tear up the track at all, not to mention that on a synthetic track they wouldn't really be super beneficial. It would be nice if spike knowledge/information was a bit more available and universal so that kids really understood that depending on the thickness of the track, spike length can actually slow you down, not speed you up.

I think it just keeps things simpler for officials checking spikes *shrug*