If you're gearing up for ice climbing, alpine climbing or ski mountaineering this winter, the latest Petzl Crampon updates are worth your attention. With a focus on better compatibility between boots and crampons, the 2024 lineup of Petzl crampons and accessories introduces new features that make them adaptable to a broader range of boot shapes and sizes, ensuring a secure and reliable fit for all your objectives.
What's New for 2024?
Expanded Fil & Fil Flex Toe Bail Options
The most notable update is the introduction of a smaller-sized Fil toe bail, along with small and large-sized Fil Flex toe bails. These additions to the current front bail options significantly improve boot compatibility, especially for smaller and narrower boots. The new smaller flex bail allows crampons to fit boots smaller than sizes 39 (Euro). The Large Fil Flex is ideal for large footwear such as snowboarding or oversized plastic boots. Meanwhile, the standard wire and Flex bail remain unchanged.
Improved Heel Lever Design
The updated Petzl Back Lever is designed for comfort and ease of use. It reduces pressure on the Achilles tendon, making long days in the mountains more comfortable. Additionally, the enhanced lip on the lever makes removing crampons at the end of the day easier.
Backwards Compatibility With Older Petzl Crampons
These updated components are all compatible with any older Petzl crampon that is part of the Alpine Adapt System. This includes the Dart, Lynx, Sarken, Vasak, Irvis, Irvis Hybrid and Leopard.
Petzl's ALPEN Adapt System allows you to customize your crampons for different activities. Start with a crampon most suited to your primary goals; such as general mountaineering or technical ice climbing and then expand its functionality with interchangeable components. This modular approach means you can adapt a general mountaineering crampon for technical winter routes or even ski touring with minimal fuss.
Fit Matters: Key Considerations for Your Crampon Setup
Whether you're tackling technical ice routes or embarking on alpine climbing adventures, the proper crampon fit is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when setting up your crampons.
1. Toe Bail Fit
- Wire Toe Bail: Ensure three solid points of contact with the boot's front for maximum stability and security
- Fil Flex Bail: Look for a snug fit around the sides and solid contact between the boot’s sole and the metal bar on the base of the Fil Flex. Avoid having the fit so tight that the boot is riding on top of the side posts.
2. Link Bar Adjustments
Petzl crampons feature staggered notches on the link bar (Barrette), enabling micro-adjustments for a precise fit. Additionally, models like the
3. Engaging the Heel Lever
Before locking the heel lever, the crampon should feel secure on the boot and not fall off when the boot is lifted. When engaging the lever, listen for a firm "thunk," signalling a solid connection. You should feel some resistance when engaging the heel lever.
Boot Compatibility in Action
To highlight the improved versatility, we tested Petzl crampons on a variety of boots, from a compact size 36 La Sportiva G-Tech to a size 49 Scarpa Phantom Tech along with two different ski boots. Despite the diverse size range, we successfully achieved a good fit for all configurations.
- Small Boots (La Sportiva G-Tech Size 36): Paired with the
- Large Boots (Phantom Tech Size 49): Paired with the
Summary
Petzl’s 2024 crampons are all about adaptability. Whether you are climbing technical ice, navigating glaciated terrain, or ski mountaineering, their expanded range of fit options ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your boots.
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