Deciding between the BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze usually comes down to how much you value weight versus that "locked-in" feeling on a utility pole. If you're a lineman or an apprentice starting out, you already know that your fall protection isn't just a safety requirement—it's the difference between a productive day and a miserable, exhausting one. Both of these tools come from Buckingham, the heavy hitters in the industry, and they both serve the same primary purpose: keeping you from hitting the ground if you cut out. But they definitely don't feel the same once you're actually up there working.
The old school reliability of the BuckSqueeze
The original BuckSqueeze is a bit of a legend in the trade. For a lot of guys, this was the first Wood Pole Fall Restriction Device (WPFRD) they ever laid hands on. It's built like a tank, and that's both its greatest strength and its biggest drawback. It uses a flat, green outer strap that's wide and gives you a massive sense of security. When you're leaning back into it, it feels like it's grabbing a huge surface area of the pole.
One thing people love about the standard BuckSqueeze is how stable it feels. Because the strap is flat, it doesn't tend to roll or twist as much as a rope might. If you're working on a pole that's been through the ringer—maybe it's heavily seasoned or has a lot of deep checks—the BuckSqueeze just seems to "sit" better. It's predictable. You know exactly where it's going to bite.
However, let's be honest: it's bulky. It has a lot of hardware, and the webbing can feel a bit stiff, especially when it's brand new or freezing cold outside. If you're doing a lot of climbing throughout the day, that extra weight on your belt starts to add up. You'll definitely feel the difference in your hips by the time you're heading back to the truck.
Why the Super Squeeze is taking over
Then we have the Super Squeeze, which is essentially Buckingham's answer to the "make it lighter and faster" request from the field. The most obvious difference when comparing the BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze is that the Super Squeeze replaces that heavy flat webbing on the outer strap with a high-strength rope.
This change changes the whole dynamic of the climb. Because it uses rope, it's significantly lighter. It also feels a lot more "nimble." If you're someone who likes to move fast and doesn't want to fight with a stiff strap every time you need to reposition, the Super Squeeze is likely going to be your best friend. It's designed to be adjusted with one hand much more easily than the older models.
The rope design also allows it to glide over obstacles and knots a bit smoother. When you're "hitching" up the pole, you want as little friction as possible until the moment you actually need the device to bite. The Super Squeeze is great at that. It stays out of your way until you lean back, and then it cinches down just as tight as anything else on the market.
Weight and bulk on the belt
If you ask ten different linemen about the BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze, at least eight of them are going to mention the weight. Our tool belts are already loaded down with wrenches, hammers, bolts, and bags. Adding a heavy fall restraint device can make you feel like you're wearing a lead apron.
The Super Squeeze is the clear winner in the weight category. It feels less like a piece of industrial machinery and more like a refined piece of climbing gear. This isn't just about being "lazy," either. Less weight means less fatigue, and less fatigue means you're less likely to make a mistake at the end of a long shift.
The BuckSqueeze, meanwhile, feels like it has more moving parts and more "stuff" hanging off you. Some guys like that—they want to feel the heft so they know it's there—but for the younger generation or guys with lower back issues, the lighter Super Squeeze is usually the go-to choice.
Adjustability and the "glide" factor
When you're mid-climb and you hit a change in the pole's diameter, you need to adjust your squeeze. Nobody wants to faff around with awkward buckles while their calves are screaming.
The adjustment mechanism on the Super Squeeze is incredibly intuitive. It uses a "Web-Grab" or a similar friction controller that allows you to pull the slack out or let it out with a simple thumb motion. It's very fluid.
The BuckSqueeze can be a bit more finicky. Because of the flat webbing, you sometimes have to "feed" the strap through the hardware, which can get annoying if the webbing is wet, dirty, or frozen. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a noticeable difference in "quality of life" on the pole. The Super Squeeze just feels like it was designed by someone who actually spent eight hours a day in a harness.
Which one handles bad poles better?
We've all had those poles that are slicker than a greased pig or so weathered they look like they're made of toothpicks. This is where the debate of BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze gets interesting.
The BuckSqueeze, with its wide flat strap, has a lot of surface area. On a very slick, new, or icy pole, some guys feel that the flat strap gives a better grip. It "squeezes" a larger section of the wood.
On the flip side, the rope on the Super Squeeze tends to bite in deeper. Because the pressure is concentrated on a narrower line (the diameter of the rope), it can actually dig into the wood a bit more effectively on certain types of poles. However, if the pole is really soft, it might bite too well, making it a little jerkier to move up. It's a bit of a trade-off. Most modern Super Squeeze versions have a protective sleeve over the rope to help with the glide, which solves a lot of those sticking issues.
Maintenance and longevity
Safety gear is an investment, and you want it to last. In the battle of BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze, both are built incredibly well, but they have different wear points.
With the BuckSqueeze, you're mostly looking for fraying on the edges of the flat webbing and making sure the metal cams are snapping shut properly. Webbing is tough, but it can get "fuzzy" over time, especially if you're climbing a lot of rough cedar.
The Super Squeeze requires you to keep a closer eye on the rope and the outer sheath. If you're working around sharp edges or bolts, you have to be careful not to nick the rope. Luckily, most of the parts on the Super Squeeze are modular. If you wear out the outer rope, you can usually buy a replacement part without having to replace the entire unit. This modularity is a huge plus for the Super Squeeze; it makes it a tool that can grow and change with your needs.
Making the final call for your kit
At the end of the day, there isn't a "wrong" answer here. Both devices pass all the safety certifications and will keep you on the pole.
If you prefer a traditional feel, extra stability, and a device that feels substantial and "locked," you'll probably lean toward the BuckSqueeze. It's a workhorse that hasn't changed much because it simply works.
But if you want to save your back, move faster, and have an easier time adjusting your gear on the fly, the Super Squeeze is the way to go. It's the more modern approach to fall protection, and most people who make the switch from the BuckSqueeze to the Super Squeeze rarely go back.
Before you buy, see if you can borrow a buddy's set for a quick climb. Gear is a personal thing, and how it feels on your hips and in your hands is more important than any spec sheet. Whether you go with the BuckSqueeze vs Super Squeeze, just make sure you're inspecting it every morning before you belt on. Stay safe up there.