I found these to be good and sturdy, but a little wanting on comfort. But at this price point, you don't get a Cadillac. The shin pads I have found to be insufficient. I added a layer of 3/8" thick foam pad (camping sleep mat) to them, and it helped, but they still bruise my shins when I wear them. The extra padding put me in the last hole on the strap; if they were longer I'd add another layer. You should consider this; if you decide to replace the pads with a better set, maybe you would have been better off just buying the better set in the beginning. On the other hand, (foot?), if you don't use gaffs very often, bruises heal and they come with the job anyway. I like that they are very adjustable for length, but I don't like the screws and recessed nuts that come with these. There is no way to hold the nut to get them very tight (only finger pressure), and I have found that they will work loose from wear- so check your screws before you climb ! I seems odd that they go to such lengths to protect you from a tiny nut (or bolt head, if they ran the other direction) in an area where not much pressure gets applied. Anyway, I like them, plan to keep them, don't plan to upgrade soon. I bought mine with tree gaffs, and found them to be perfect on pines, but long for palm trees. I plan to order pole gaff tips for palm tree removals, and set them up according to the job. Overall, very sturdy and confidence- inspiring. They are very sharp, get gaff guards for safety.