Review Date
August 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Jon Jonckers(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Spokane

Price Paid:  $99.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
These were my first technical crampon, and I learned a lot from them (and with them). I love their adjustability (no tools needed to change bails at the base of the climb), and the heel bail is as simple (if not the same) as tele bindings. But they're heavy, a lot of the points are unneccessary, and I'm not a fan of fast-tech buckles on crampons (leave those on the packs). In their favor, they were one of the first to have vertical front points (like your ice axe) and they were the first to incorporate an anti-snow plate - included, not $30 extra. But times have changed, and better crampons are available.

Similar Products Used:
Switchblades, Rambos, 2F, Superblue, Harpoons, Grade 8 and Super 12s

Review Date
July 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Martin(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Québec

Summary:
Use them twice and even saw a guy used the beside me at WIllowby in Vermont. I DO NOT recommand those crampons to anyone! Eah time i used them and saw somebody wearing them something broke on them as he climbed on the ice. The plastic clip - poor idea easy to break when carring them. Does not fit on every boots. Size system is painful to ajust. Very disapointed.

Similar Products Used:
Charlet grade 8 bi-pointe

Review Date
May 24, 2000

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris Zeller(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Boulder, CO USA

Summary:
These crampons are very reliable and versitile, however the lack the features and expandability of newer crampons on the market. I particularly like the built in de-balling plate to keep snow odd the bottoms of the crampons. With a little bit of WD-40 each year they work well. I like the security of the large number of points (more than any other crampon) particularly when doing french tequnique. They fit my Scarpa Invernos well and have never popped off.

I got a deal on mine when Lowe Alpine was discontinuing them. I also bought the mono-point kit but hated it. You have to cut the de-balling plate/frame to fit it on and so I never installed it because I didn't want to switch to monos permenently. I've also heard that some feel the monopoint is too thick for delicate work. It is much thicker than most others. Now my dual points are dull and n early filed off and I can't buy replacements. I think I'll upgrade to Black Diamonds.

Customer Service:
Lowe Alpine/Camp made some critical inovations in outdoor gear, however I've always felt that their quality was second-rate to some other makers, Black Diamond, Charlet, etc. I suppose that's why they got out of the climbing gear business. They do not support the Superfang any more.

Similar Products Used:
I demoed Black Diamond Switch Blades. These are much more technical/versitile, however they lack the integral de-balling plate and have less points. I also have a pair of SMC hinged crampons. Don't attempt waterfall Ice with these!

Review Date
January 5, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Eric (Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Pittsburgh PA

Summary:
Used these on two different types of plastic boots as well as a pair of Makalus, very versatile and dependable.