New BD mono point Crampon

http://coldthistle.blogspot.com/2011/01/outdoor-retailer-show-slc-2011.html

I think the pictures make them look kinda cheap contruction. Not a rigid bar underneath? Looks like a hinged crampon. Maybe meant to be a cheaper introductory cramp for the beginner?

woodchuck, a beginner crampon with a mono point? doesn't make sense...

they seem just like the new ss cyborgs,
which you can change to a mono point.

what is the real difference, weight?

Cor wrote:woodchuck, a beginner crampon with a mono point? doesn't make sense... they seem just like the new ss cyborgs, which you can change to a mono point. what is the real difference, weight?

I was thinking the same thing. Aside from the more serrated/jagged fixed points, the front points being more centered, and mono point specific balling plates, they seem the same. Really, the only non-cosmetic different is the position of the front point, and I don't know whether having it closer to the big toe or middle would be preferable.

As for weight, I'm sure its pretty negligible; like a reduction of slightly more than the weight of a second frontpoint. If the positioning doesn't matter (or is the same), I'd rather just have cyborgs with an option of dual or mono.

Not so sure if mono's are that exclusive anymore. Seems they are turning up on many brands, styles of cramps now as the general design, even for starter vertical ice climbers. I don't see them being much use if the crampon isn't rigid.

Cyborg isn't even close to this one.....some really big differences besides the weight. No reason for me to point them out here.

Weight is down to the Dart but replaceable front. But that is only the obvious.

Beginner crampons?....how do I roll my eyes here?

Am I mistaken that these are or arre not hinged? Photo looks like it. Can't believe any hinged vs rigid would be as good at the Dart or RamboIV, G14, etc.

I don't know. Saw these crampons in person today and they look really hot.........

The points are placed in the perfect locations, they are light and they look durable.

Woodchuck ATC wrote:Am I mistaken that these are or arre not hinged? Photo looks like it. Can't believe any hinged vs rigid would be as good at the Dart or RamboIV, G14, etc.

You are mistaken. They are more rigid than a Dart..but same basic design. Typically called simi rigid by several manufactures. But these are intentionally more rigid than anything of similar design to date. More so than the Cyborg, Dartwin or Dart or anything similar from Grivel, which all seem to be a decent crampons. I don't know anyone making a hinged crampon for ice climbing today.

G14 and Dart are the same design on the frame. I'll do a full review in the near future once I get some ice under them. What they are, short version, is one of the most highly developed technnical crampons for steep ice and mixed acurrently available. (well almost currently available..fall 2011)

Sounds cool. Leave it to BD to come up with the best design.

They look like a stainless steel version of the petzl dart. Only they bolted the front point on. IMO. The stainless part is cool.

Rigid or hinged? People have been climbing steep ice on hinged crampons for ten years. You aren't strapping them to tennis shoes.

PT

A friend of mine who knows his stuff and has mad skilz has been testing these for a year or so and likes them a LOT.

It's going to take a lot for me to switch away from the Rambo 4s though - and I like a lot of BDs stuff. The R4s are simply the best crampons i've ever used, by far.

Actually not a lot the same when you compare the Dart to the BD Stinger in the details. And I like the Dart a lot, but it has some serious limitations. No bots...not that big of deal. Replaceable front points? If you climb much, a big deal.

But that is the simple comparison. The 4th set of points running vertical along the boot sole instead of turning 90 degrees is a big deal, as is the bigger foot print on the Stinger. Narrow toe, better bails. And what I haven't shown and will in the blog is the additional useable traction under the 'pon. That alone no one is doing and solves a problem on the Rambo IV Kevin. Check out the bottom on Doug's latest again.

Flexible is one thing, simi rigid is something totally different. The Dart and Stinger are simi rigid...the Stinger intentionally more rigid than the Dart if you choose it to be by changing bars.

Distinct advantage to the BD Stinger here...as it should be. The Dart is now a well worn concept that has been copied before, it should easy to improve upon the design.

The swappable front point if you climb a lot is definite plus. Thanks for pointing that out. I have never been a fan of BD crampons due to the fact that even adjusted forward I never felt like I had enough point sticking out, but it is a preference thing. Once I walked away from the switchblades and put on M10s I didn't go back. I have tried the bionics but I had the same issue.

Any idea what is the price point for these things?

PT

This was a bit of an issue on route a couple of weeks ago. Mono on the wrong side you see ;) But not as much trying to buy new M10 fronts. Couldn't find them in Banff or Canmore and $160 for two pair when we finally did online. Heard that the M10 was a dead bird in Europe and NA getting the last of them this winter. Can't verify that comment of course.

New M10? No one talking from Petzl.

paintrain wrote: Any idea what is the price point for these things? PT

Price I heard was $200 retail...but not seen anything in writing.

Kevin Craig wrote:A friend of mine who knows his stuff and has mad skilz has been testing these for a year or so and likes them a LOT. It's going to take a lot for me to switch away from the Rambo 4s though - and I like a lot of BDs stuff. The R4s are simply the best crampons i've ever used, by far.

My exact feelings. I got my Rambo's in 09' and love them. Took me 27 years on original footfangs to make the upgrade and pay the cash. No new toys for me this year.

Bet you shake your head at this one...the technical reps at Grivel who I spoke with this last week consider the R4 "a beginner's crampon". Their words not mine.

Maybe because they make it so easy to climb steep or vertical ice. I never really heard of a 'beginners' crampon unless it was a 10- pointer for glacier hiking.

I was told by an PETZL sponsored top ice climber, that he tested (his words) new M10 crampons, last winter.Lighter, just as adjustable as the current ones, with the antiboot plate already installed.