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Can't get good fit: Phantom Guides with Petzl Lynx

Original Post
Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

No matter what I do, the front points on the Lynx are splayed significantly inwards.




I've gone through all the usual fixes. I tried swapping linking bars (so left bar is on right foot, etc), I've tried offsetting the toe bail (e.g. it's inserted in the front hole on one side, and in the rear hole on the other side).

Anyone have any other suggestions or fixes?

The crampon fit is totally secure:


It's just totally cockeyed.
Allen Sanderson · · On the road to perdition · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 1,203

Hey Jon, how is it going ?

I just looked at my Dartwins on my Phantom Guides and they too have a very slight inward splay. Not as much as yours but enough that it is noticeable. The same with my 6000s and Phantom Lites. I think it is a combination of a left-right crampon and the off center toe box that causes it. Mine is not enough that I notice or worry about it.

BITD to get a good fit with metal bails we would just beat on them. My Footfangs were a custom fit.

MyFeetHurt · · Glenwood, CO · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 10

I have phantom guides with petzl darts, they are angled like yours but climb fine. Your crampons look brand new, I'd say just try it and I bet you wont notice. However, I do notice that with this combination I need to drop my heal lots more to get the secondary points to engage right.

AlpineIce · · Upstate, NY · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 255

I've had Phantom guides and I have Phantom 6000s and use the Lynx crampon for waterfall ice. Petzl designed them specifically to turn inward, almost pigeon toed, on purpose. They say it allows for a more natural kick into the ice.

I've used the Lynx since 2012 & have never had an issue with their ability to climb steep ice or alpine. Trust me, I know it looks awkward now, but you won't even know your wearing them while climbing. Do a search on this site - There's already a thread on this specific topic.

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

Yup, the crampons are new. I also have Darts, and they are splayed inwards as well, but not nearly as radically as the Lynx. I'm generally not a fan of inwardly-splayed front points. For my own use, I don't agree with Petzl's assertion - I like my front points standing straight, tall and proudly forwards.

I guess I'll just have to take them out and see what's up. But check out the B&S board in about a week. There might be a cheap pair of crampons up for sale...

Forthright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 110

They are suppose to be like that. Think long and hard about body mechanics and ice climbing technique and it will make sense.

Adam B · · CO · Joined Sep 2006 · Points: 105

You might want to try setting your toe bail to the furthest rear setting. You are not going to get very good purchase with your secondary points in the ice with them set in the middle hole and youll probably bash the toe of the boot alot. Ive also heard of folks fitting the small aftermarket bd toe bail on those for a better fit. Ive been fielding the same quarky issues on my Rebels and Guides with BD crampons.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

What size boots? Not all size boots fit the same. I have a couple of pairs of Lynx and two sizes of Phantoms, I'll take some pictures tomorrow.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180

You can set up the Lynx to point mostly straight. The front points will point in slightly no matter what because of how much curve there is in the PG soles. The crampons don't point in by design, Scarpa lightened the boots by removing a significant amount of material causing the curve.

Here is two different sets of boots and crampons. Size 40.5 on the right and 43.5 on the left. Single points but you get the idea. Crampons on the left are brand new like yours. Link bars are flipped, the last picture is terrible but you can see the link bar setup well enough.

40.5 Phantom Guides with Lynx

43.5 Phantom Guides with Lynx

Phantom Guides with Lynx

Lynx with Link bars flipped

All pictures taken with a potato.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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