Buckingham vs Bashlin Climbers: Which Should You Buy?
By Alan Cristoffer, Lead Lineman ·
Both are long-established American lineman brands, and both make climbers, belts and straps. Honestly, the best one is the one that fits your leg and that you’ve been trained on.
Side-by-side
| Buckingham | Bashlin | |
|---|---|---|
| Climber materials | Steel, alloy, titanium kits | Steel and aluminum |
| Sold as | Mostly full kits (climber + pads + straps) | Climbers, pads, straps often sold separately |
| Gaff gauge | Buckingham gauge | Bashlin gauge, model-specific (example) |
| Belts | Yes | Yes, e.g. EZ Lite belt |
| Fall protection | BuckSqueeze and harnesses | — |
| Where to buy | Lineman supply houses (example) | Lineman supply houses, Bashlin direct |
Watch out for compatibility
Pads and inserts are model- and even year-specific. For example, a retailer lists one Bashlin pad as fitting only aluminum climbers made before July 2019 (source). Always confirm fit with the manufacturer.
Who should pick which
- Buckingham: if you want a complete kit in one box, or a titanium option.
- Bashlin: if you like to build your setup (pick your own pads and straps), or your crew runs Bashlin.
Links: Buckingham at Linemen’s Supply · Bashlin site
Free weekly email
The Hook Report
From a working lineman: gear deals, one gear deep-dive, a safety lesson, and an apprentice corner.
Subscribe free
Opens our Beehiiv signup page. Free, unsubscribe anytime.