Y-stakes vs. V-stakes?

V-stakes have a tighter interior angle than Y-stakes, and that seems to make the dirt cling better. Besides, the dirt comes off when brushed against an evergreen branch.

Whatever happened to the X-stake? Then there was one that was like a Roman numeral V.

–B.G.–

Y stakes are stronger and MSR Groundhogs rule. Indeed, V stakes stack nicely and might be a consideration if you have one of those "free standing" tents that gobbles up a dozen stakes for every pitch. Aside from the shape, the alloy makes a difference too.

All said and done, I would rather have a stake be a bit heavier if it *works.* Having them pull loose in bad weather at 3AM sucks just a bit :)

Cleanup is easy with any stake if you use one to scrape another. I don't know about any of them being easier on the hands or feet to push on, especially after being bashed with rocks a few times.

I have liked every Y stake I ever used better than any V stake. Dale said it all and yes, Groundhogs rule.

That said, I use Groundhogs less and less as I have settled on a combination of stakes that works well and is light: 8 Ruta Locura 9" CF stakes and 8 TI shepherds hook stakes. I use the CF stakes where the ground is soft or there are not a lot of rocks, and the TI stakes for places where that is not the case. More and more I find myself using a combination of both.

Groundhogs for the win here.
Stake Holding Power

I've used both the MSR Mini-groundhogs and some y-type stakes. The holding power of the Groundhogs is 2nd to none, though the Y-stakes are better than any J-shaped stake I've tried. It might depend on the type of ground you're planting the stake into: the Groundhogs do a great job of worming their way into rocky ground or glacial debris, even tree roots. To my way of thinking, the slight extra weight is worth the peace of mind knowing that a stake won't pull out and flip somewhere in the middle of a breezy night. Dirt is a non-issue, takes 2 seconds to clean off.

Yet another groundhog fan; dirt rarely clings badly.

Sometimes, to save a bit of weight, I'll use groundhogs for the main corner stakes, and something lighter (like Ti shepherd hooks) for the other tie-outs.

So far so good with the Y-stakes I got from Warbonnet last spring.

They're red, which I find helpful for finding and not losing them.

I like the Moss/MSR Groundhog Y stakes.

Dirt is easily removed just by running the tip of one stake down the grooves of another stake to push the dirt out or a stick or a rock…

I've found it easy to use a leaf to wipe the dirt off. Leaves: nature's paper towels.

The MSR Ground Hog Y cross-section stakes are stronger in resisting deformity from pounding on the tops than V stakes in my experience.

And SMC or other brands' aluminum C cross-section snow stakes are also not good for hard pounding.