Sport Products
The world of ice climbing is both exhilarating and dangerous, demanding specialized gear that ensures safety while maximizing performance. One such crucial piece of equipment is the crampon a device attached to your boots with metal spikes designed to grip onto icy surfaces. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve deep into the Posets | Altus 12-Point Crampon, examining its design, durability, functionality, and overall performance. Whether youre an experienced ice climber or just starting out, this article will provide valuable insights into whether these crampons are right for you.
The Posets | Altus crampon boasts a robust build and thoughtful design elements that cater to the needs of serious mountaineers and ice climbers. Let's break down its key features:
The most striking feature is undoubtedly the aggressive 12-point steel frame. This configuration provides exceptional grip on vertical ice, steep snow slopes, mixed rock/ice terrain, and even moderate alpine routes. The front points are aggressively angled to bite into the ice, while the rear points ensure stability when kicking steps or traversing across icy surfaces.
A standout feature of the Posets | Altus is its adjustable heel rests. This allows you to fine-tune the crampon's fit for various boot types and sizes a crucial aspect for comfort and performance on long ascents. The heel rest adjustment can be made without removing your boots, which saves valuable time in challenging conditions.
The UBS system is compatible with virtually all modern mountaineering and ice climbing boots. It provides a secure attachment that allows for quick and easy removal or replacement of the crampons on different boot models. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for climbers who own multiple pairs of boots.
These plates are strategically positioned to prevent snow from accumulating under the crampon, which can significantly impact grip and stability. The anti-balling system is effective even in heavy snowfall conditions.
A convenient feature for ice tool users is the integrated front tool holder. This allows you to securely attach your ice tools directly to the crampons, keeping them within easy reach while freeing up your hands for other tasks.
The Posets | Altus crampon is built to withstand the rigors of extreme climbing environments. Its construction utilizes high-quality materials throughout:
The Posets | Altus excels in providing reliable grip on various icy surfaces. Here's a breakdown of its performance:
On vertical ice walls, the aggressively angled front points effortlessly bite into the frozen surface, enabling confident footwork and efficient movement. The large contact area distributes weight evenly across all 12 points, reducing stress on individual spikes and enhancing overall stability.
The Posets | Altus performs admirably in mixed rock/ice terrain as well. Its steel frame is rigid enough to withstand impacts against rocks without bending or deforming, while the front points provide solid grip when transitioning between ice sections.
On steep snow slopes, the crampon's design provides excellent traction with minimal slippage. The rear points dig into the snowpack, preventing unwanted backward movement and ensuring secure footing during ascents or descents. On alpine routes involving a mixture of rock and snow, it offers reliable performance across different terrains.
The adjustable heel rests are a significant advantage when climbing in varying conditions. You can adjust them to optimize comfort and grip based on the steepness of the slope or type of terrain youre traversing. This feature is particularly useful for longer ascents where boot flex can become an issue.
User reviews consistently highlight the Posets | Altus crampon's exceptional performance, durability, and versatility. Here are some key takeaways from customer feedback:
The Posets | Altus crampon currently retails for around $250 - $300, making it a mid-range option in the market. Considering its robust construction, versatile design, and exceptional performance, many climbers believe it offers excellent value for money. While there are cheaper alternatives available, they often lack the durability and features found in the Posets | Altus.
The Posets | Altus crampon is a top-tier option for serious ice climbers and mountaineers seeking reliable grip, adjustable fit, and long-lasting performance. Its aggressive 12-point steel frame provides exceptional traction on vertical ice, steep snow slopes, mixed rock/ice terrain, and alpine routes. The UBS system ensures compatibility with most modern boots while the anti-balling plates help prevent snow buildup.
Posets | Altus crampons are 12-point ice and snow climbing crampons designed for mountaineering, alpine climbing, and general use in icy conditions. They offer excellent traction on steep terrain and provide a secure connection to your boots thanks to their semi-automatic binding system.
The Posets | Altus crampons stand out from other models due to their lightweight design without sacrificing performance, their durable steel construction, and the versatility provided by their adjustable heel piece which accommodates various types of boots. They're an excellent choice for climbers looking for a reliable ice climbing tool that wont weigh them down.
Absolutely! While they are powerful crampons suitable for experienced mountaineers, the ease of use and adjustability make them also a great option for beginners who want to learn the ropes (pun intended!) in icy environments. They offer excellent grip and stability without being overly complicated to put on or take off.
Semi-automatic crampons like the Posets | Altus require a bit more effort during attachment, but this trade-off offers greater security when in use, as you can manually check that they are firmly attached to your boots. Automatic crampons offer quicker attachment but might not be as secure if improperly fitted. The Posets provide a balance of speed and security.
These crampons feature an adjustable heel piece, making them compatible with most double boots (B2-B3) suitable for ice climbing. They can also be used on some single boots depending on their sole thickness and rigidity. Consult the manufacturers size guide to ensure compatibility.
Posets crampons are crafted from high-quality steel, which offers excellent durability and resistance against wear and tear in challenging climbing environments. They're designed for repeated use over many ascents. Regular maintenance (cleaning and inspection) will extend their lifespan even further.
Yes! While primarily intended for ice and snow, the Posets | Altus crampon design allows excellent performance on mixed terrain that involves rock and ice. Their aggressive front points provide a solid grip on both surfaces.
The heel piece adjustment is located at the rear of the crampon. Use an Allen wrench to loosen or tighten it, ensuring that it fits snugly around your boot's heel cup for optimal security during ascents.
The anti-balling plates are small plastic pieces located under the crampons frame. They help prevent snow and ice from accumulating between the crampon and your boots, which can improve traction and reduce weight gain during climbs.
Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to prevent rust or corrosion. Wipe off any remaining snow or ice after use before storing. You can also apply a light coat of oil to the metal parts for added protection against moisture.
Yes, you can sharpen them using a dedicated sharpening tool designed for crampon points. However, this should be done by someone with experience or under professional guidance as improper sharpening can compromise the integrity of the front points and make them unsafe to use.
Each set of Posets | Altus crampons includes two crampons (one for each boot), anti-balling plates, an adjustable heel piece with a lever lock system, and instructions for use. Sometimes it might also include a small Allen wrench to adjust the heel piece.
After each climb, clean your crampons thoroughly with warm water and a soft brush to remove any snow, ice, or dirt. You can use mild soap if needed but avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the steel or plastic parts. Dry them completely before storing.
The lifespan of your crampons depends on how often you climb and how well you maintain them. With proper care, they should last for many seasons, even with intensive use. Regularly check the points for wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
Posets crampons are designed to fit most adult boot sizes. However, you can refer to the manufacturers size guide for specific measurements to ensure a good fit based on your boot's sole length. It's important that they fit snugly without being overly tight or loose.
You can purchase Posets | Altus crampons from reputable online retailers specializing in climbing gear, as well as at physical outdoor stores with a good selection of mountaineering equipment. Always buy from trusted sources to ensure authenticity and quality.
Always wear appropriate footwear designed for use with crampons. Be sure the crampons are securely attached before starting your climb. Climb cautiously, particularly on steep or icy terrain. Avoid kicking at rocks or ice as this can damage the crampon points and potentially cause injury.