Crampon Question!

Howdy folks, me again!

In regards to crampons, let's say, the BD Stingers, do you guys prefer to remove that aluminum strap at the front or keep it on?

Pic for reference: blackdiamondequipment.com/e…

The straps are steel, by the way.

They broke off of my Cyborgs a long time ago. The crampons still work great and the front piece is cleaner which is nice for scrappy climbs.

It's probably best just to get Petzl crampons if it annoys you.

Appreciate the input, I'd been looking into the Petzl Lynx but they're just so expensive.

Andrew Maver wrote:Howdy folks, me again! In regards to crampons, let's say, the BD Stingers, do you guys prefer to remove that aluminum strap at the front or keep it on? Pic for reference: blackdiamondequipment.com/e…

I cut the steel strap off of the front bail wire and I like how the crampon is with out is. Plus you can crank down the heel strap better to lock your heel down.

If you chop the front steel bit and keep the back strap snug around your leg, you're much less likely to lose a crampon totally if the front bail pops off your boot. I've seen it happen where a BD crampon with the steel strap come completely off the boot when the front bail failed. Not good when you're on a long route.

Seems like a design flaw more than anything! Off it goes!

Mike Hasse wrote:If you chop the front steel bit and keep the back strap snug around your leg, you're much less likely to lose a crampon totally if the front bail pops off your boot. I've seen it happen where a BD crampon with the steel strap come completely off the boot when the front bail failed. Not good when you're on a long route.

What he says. It seems the "keeper strap" was invented by product liability lawyers. Their presence makes for a large loop in the ankle strap such that it can easily fall off your foot. No keeper = the strap is snug to your foot, no lost 'poon.

I cut mine off then sold the flimsy steel bits to a guy that liked 'em. Score!