Our crampons are designed for mountaineering and glacier trekking. They offer excellent grip for maximum safety on snow and ice. This is why there are different types of crampons suitable for mountaineering, and why we're going to take a closer look at the characteristics of these sharp points.
The different attachment systems
Automatic crampons
Automatic" crampons are equipped with a wire at the front and a lever at the rear. Depending on the brand, other names may also be used. Automatic mountaineering crampons should only be used with boots that have front and rear overhangs, enabling the lever and wire to be positioned correctly. It's essential to take these technical aspects into account, as compatibility between crampons and boots is crucial.
Semi-automatic crampons
Semi-automatic" mountaineering crampons are equipped with a flexible system at the front to adapt more easily to the shape of your boots, and a lever at the rear to lock the crampon/shoe assembly. The brands have adopted a common designation for this type of stud. Thus, all the semi-automatic crampons you'll find will have the following installation features: a locking lever at the rear and a flexible plastic part at the front. This type of crampon can be fitted to a wide range of hiking and mountaineering boots. However, it is essential that your boots have a rear overhang to accommodate the locking lever.
Universal crampons
Universal mountaineering crampons, also known as strap crampons, can be used with all types of boots. They offer great flexibility at both front and rear, thanks to flexible systems that allow them to adapt completely, without the need for specific footwear. Universal mountaineering crampons are generally intended for less technical use, often for glacier trekking, where less commitment is required.
For which use?
Flat-point crampons
Flat-point crampons are considered the most versatile. They are suitable for a wide range of climbers on different types of terrain, from snow to ice. With these flat-point crampons, you can easily traverse glaciers on glacier treks or as an introduction to mountaineering. They are also ideal for familiarizing yourself with the vertical environment during moderate ascents or ice school training.
Crampons with serrated points
Serrated crampons offer a more vertical and technical climbing experience. Their construction allows better penetration of the ice, offering superior grip and stability on icy surfaces. These crampons are particularly well-suited to technical, demanding ascents and ice climbing. Thanks to their serrated tips, they offer enhanced durability in regular use. However, it is important to maintain these crampons to ensure optimum performance.
Single-point studs
Single-point crampons are designed for more specific uses requiring both verticality and precision. They are especially suited to ice climbing and dry-tooling.
Which construction?
Materials
Steel for durability
Steel-tipped crampons are ideal companions for all your mountain adventures. By opting for this material for your crampons, you can be assured of great durability. You have the option of choosing steel spikes on the front and rear. This configuration also allows you to undertake mixed races, where you may encounter pebbles and rocks, without fear of excessive wear on your spikes. In contact with abrasive surfaces, tips can become dull and rounded, reducing their ability to grip ice effectively.
Aluminum for lightness
If you decide to use aluminum crampons, you're opting for lightness and a low price. Indeed, aluminum offers different characteristics to steel: it's more economical and lighter. However, it wears more quickly, especially in mixed zones, i.e. on routes combining ice/snow and rock.
Steel and aluminum alloys
Brands have developed hybrid crampon models to offer a clever compromise between lightness and robustness. These hybrid crampons have a specific configuration in which the front spikes are steel while the rear spikes are aluminum. The advantage of this design is that these crampons can be used for mixed climbing, while maintaining reasonable wear. The front spikes can wear out with more pronounced rock contact, while the rear base remains unaffected. This strikes a balance between the durability needed for technical terrain and the lightness required for mountain performance.
Number of points
10-point crampons are specially designed for smaller people or for glacier races and hikes on less rugged terrain. They offer a slightly lower load-bearing capacity and require a specific technique. If your shoe size is larger than 42-43, we recommend 12-point crampons. These offer greater stability and optimum grip on more demanding terrain.
12-point studs are equipped with two extra points, which improve their braking capacity on descents and increase their load-bearing capacity. Although they may be slightly heavier, this slight difference in weight is quickly forgotten because of the safety benefits they offer.
When choosing your crampons, it's important to check whether they are equipped with an anti-boot system. As you progress, snow can accumulate under your feet and stick to the metal as it melts and freezes. To prevent this "kicking" effect, mountaineering crampons are fitted with plastic anti-boot devices. This prevents snow from accumulating underfoot, reduces weight when moving around and enables crampons to keep their points sharp for better grip in the snow.