I need a history lesson..
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Ladies and Gents, |
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This is probably semi-incomplete but it's fun to look at nonetheless. |
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X-Dreams |
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Before Footfangs I had Choiunard rigids along with wooden shafted Choiunard axes and hammers (actually before that were some Simond hinged crampons with who knows what for tools). Then alond came the Footfands along with Snargs, Bigbirds and Hummingbirds. In that same era Simond Chacal axes and hammers were popular - interchangeable picks etc. Finally the Pulsars came along. But I kept using the Footfangs for a long time. |
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Thanks Sarcasm for posting that timeline. I didn't realize Foot Fangs were around in 1976! |
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I've got a pair of Chouinard rigid crampons and a Chouinard ice hammer...stored away. Used to have a Terrodactyl but lost in storage. Those rigids must be from about 1977. I remember free soloing the Elliot Headwall on Mt. Hood with them about that time. |
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Those old rigid strap-on "poons (Chouinard's were well regarded, I had them and SMCs, and actually preferred the less curved frontpoints on the SMC rigids) worked really well on rigid boots. The boots of that era were frighteningly heavy, but the old poons + modern light boot = a viable combo. I never cared for FootFangs, but I would imagine they also are still useable on a new boot. |
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Those Pulsars are real knuckle bashers- yet very sturdy tools. I used them for a long time after my Hummingbirds. I still have my Hummingbirds on the wall. Good times. Good luck with your quest. |
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I got a pair of footfangs in '83 or so. Bomber. |
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Maybe these: |
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Thanks Mike! That seems kinda high though. $235 just to hang on the wall? |
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Woah, just opened that timeliine up and first thoughts, 1963 creation of ice screw? Was all mountaineering pickets, or just simulclimbing prior to that? Sounds like I need a history lesson. |
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Tom, I would have to do some research of exactly when they came about but before ice screws folks used ice pitons. Chouinard rigid crampons came out in the late 60s |
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Allen Sanderson wrote:Tom, I would have to do some research of exactly when they came about but before ice screws folks used ice pitons. Chouinard rigid crampons came out in the late 60s--------------------------------- I have an ice piton somewhere and some old tube screws in storage. Thinking back, I started climbing 1974. I believe the rigid Chouinard crampons had been on the market for a few years before I got them. For me it was an upgrade from some old hinged Stubai's. Put the Chouinards on some Peuteray Superguides. Still have that stuff and I'd still use it if we ever got some decent ice in Southern Nevada |
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Bill, I have some Mountain Technology axes (Glencoe model I think) that would go great with your foot fangs. Straight shaft, original hammer, adze, and leashes. I don't need them hanging around, I mostly use the adze for opening beer bottles. I'm in Baltimore, think $60 is fair? |
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Bill, |
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Excellent James. Looks exactly like my old ice gear. Thanks for posting |
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Linnaeus wrote:Bill, I have some Mountain Technology axes (Glencoe model I think) that would go great with your foot fangs. Straight shaft, original hammer, adze, and leashes. I don't need them hanging around, I mostly use the adze for opening beer bottles. I'm in Baltimore, think $60 is fair?Thanks for the offer Linnaeus. I googled MT and found out they still have a decent following. I've spent my axe money and then some. I bought a never used Lowe Hummingbird! There's some rust on the hammer cover thingy but the pick looks new. Then I found a Chouniard ice hammer and some pitons for sale. I can't believe how much Chouinards stuff costs! I scooped all this up so Im done buying old gear. I could see me spending a shit ton of money on this stuff. Plus no way do I wanna one of those guys that collects anything. Thanks again but I'm done... Well accept for the shadow box my wife wants to buy. |
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James Sweeney wrote: Bill, This should help get you right. vimeo.com/35167823 Don't forget your wool mitts and swami.I forgot my harness once, years ago and the guy I with said no problem and asked if I bought a cordlette. I'll never forget my harness or use anything else after that day. |
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Awesome video! Took class from Pat in 1981. Too funny. Bought the Foot Fangs used from Jack Tackle. He tried to wear them out on the 1983 American Everest expedition in the Hornbein Coulior. Pants are Banana Pants (the product with a peel!). High school football jersey (Missoula Sentinel). Tools are Chouinard Zero for the left hand, and, I think a very short Chouinard Hammer in my right. Maybe a Forest Mjollnir hammer on my harness. Old Chouinard tube screws with the welded on threads. Great ol' history! |
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Great photo, Brian. I doubt you ran into much traffic back in those days. Were you on G-I or G-II? The steepness of the ice suggests the later. |