Umm…mostly no. Tree hooks are longer than pole hooks, to adequately pierce tree bark (which offers no hold). Yes, tree hooks have a wider angle from the foot, since “timber” trees are typically wider than poles (which means your legs have a narrower angle of attack; the more-splayed tree spike compensates for that), and “arborist” trees often require the climber to stay closer to the trunk (to avoid neighboring growth/maneuver, again reducing angle of attack).
Losing one hook’s bite is not uncommon, and in no way does that mean the other is destined to let go…unless your technique is just horrible or you’ve picked a hopelessly bad pole to climb. (Yes, both spikes can slip, but – for good climbers – the cause is unforeseeable/accidental…like the time a wasp nest fell on me while I was 14’ up and I wriggled; oy!)
But the really important bit here is what to do when both spikes slip – do not grab the pole! Rather, push your hips away from the pole to the limit of your climbing belt (to get the best angle of attack) and then straighten one leg to get its hook planted in the pole. (Ask any experienced climber about “that time your knee wound up next to your head” and you’ll get a great story about two slipped spikes ; -) Even if you fail to get a hook planted and fall to the ground, you’re better off than sliding down the pole…I’ve seen “pole huggers” require a bucket truck to lift them off the three foot long splinters that penetrated their trunk (and killed them).
(Comfort – if gaffs are uncomfortable, you’re either wearing unsuitable boots or your gaffs aren’t fitted properly. Stop climbing immediately and fix the problem.)
