Climbers should be inspected for which of the following dimensions when assessing gaff fit?

• A. Gaff color and material
• B. Gaff width and thickness, stirrup width and thickness, and gaff length and cutting edge angle
• C. Gaff weight and balance
• D. Gaff sharpening history

Answer: (B)

Gaff fit is about making sure the hardware matches the boot and stirrup so it sits securely and performs reliably. You inspect width and thickness of the gaff, the width and thickness of the stirrup, and the gaff length and cutting edge angle because these dimensions determine how snugly the gaff seats, how it clears the stirrup, and how the edge contacts the rock. If any of these dimensions are off, the gaff can bind, shift, or fail to bite when you step and push. Other aspects like color, material, weight, balance, or sharpening history don’t affect how well it fits the boot and aren’t relevant to determining a proper fit.