Great mountaineering crampon

By Scott Pendleton Ranked #102 - Crampons February 22, 2010

I used to have BD Contact Strap crampons and used them for ski mountaineering and was happy with them. I caught a great deal on the Sabretooths so I sprung for them. Even happier with these. They're very slightly heavier than the Contacts but not enough that I can tell when I'm on the mountain. The extra points dig in both directions; the Sabretooths feel more secure than the Contacts when front pointing on steep slopes because the extra points keep you from sliding backwards.

I use these primarily for ski mountaineering. They fit my ski boots (Scarpa Spirit 3 size 29.5) great, very secure. With the Contacts I needed a long center bar, but the stantard center bar works fine for these. I run the toe strap under the lowest buckle on the boots. I love BD's strap clasp; it's easy to tighten, stays tight, and easy to loosen when you want to. I tighten them immediately, walk about 10-15 steps, and then tighten again. After this little ritual, they stay tight all day; never had an issue with them loosening up. They stick to the ski boots like glue and I've use them to front point up 45-50 degree hardpack with no problems at all.

They also work with my mountaineering boots (La Sportiva Glacier EVO) which only has a heel bail; that's the reason I get the "clip" or "semi-pro" version. I don't use this setup anywhere near as much because I tend not to climb snowy or icy things without skis, but they're secure on those boots as well and I wanted the option.

The 14 points don't work with the rubber tip protector spider things. I got BD's crampon bag and they fit in points to points just fine.

Very pleased to have these. I still like the Contact Strap crampons; those became a gift to my favorite climbing buddy (the missus), and the Sabretooths are now mine. I have yet to be displeased with a pointy product from BD.

View Details: Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampons

Helpful Votes: 4 Yes