Yaktrax alternative?

Last winter I blew through two pairs of Yaktrax Pros and am not interested in repeating that this year.  Does anyone have experience with the Kahtoola EXOspikes? They seem to get good reviews but are quite a bit more expensive than the Yaktrax.  Any other suggestions?  I'm not convinced my hiking requires microspikes so I'm trying to stick with something less aggressive.

BD started making traction spikes last winter. 

I'm not convinced my hiking requires microspikes so I'm trying to stick with something less aggressive

Less aggressive? Hoka makes shoes with spikes but hardly a winter shoe if your hiking requires that.

The BD's didn't look any beefier to me when I checked em out in SLC. (BD is opening a store in Jackson , WY, btw, as has is REI).

Got no idea how hard you're pounding them and where; so, hard to say what is best. They all seem fragile to me.

You can get carbide tips from La Sportiva: 

https://www.sportiva.com/hobnails-tool-kit.html

Or DIY it: 

https://justinsimoni.com/2020/10/02/monster-sportiva-mutant-modifications/#Screw_Shoes

https://youtu.be/XFKulLJviHM?t=530

i use these for winter trail running. lower profile than microspikes but good traction.

https://www.rei.com/product/806475/yaktrax-icetrekkers-diamond-grip-traction-system

What are you using them for? I've used the Kahtoola Exospikes a good bit and I think they're decent for trail running on icy surfaces. They feel pretty durable and I haven't had any wear issues with light use. They pack down pretty nicely. I don't think the points would do as well as a model with teeth on slushy snow or corn, but those don't work that great in slush anyways. Exospikes won't really help you on steeper slopes since your toe will contact before the points on anything approaching the steepness of a staircase. I certainly haven't sampled all the products out there so I can't offer a comprehensive comparison. 

Snowline Chainsen Trail Light

https://www.camp-usa.com/outdoor/product/brands/snowline/chainsen-trail-light/

I run in these quite a bit in the winter and they are great. They have a shorter spike length so you don't have to lift your foot super high in your stride. The Chainsen Pro has a longer spike length if you need more grip but are slightly heavier for running. Fit them a little bit tighter for trail running so you get less slop. Both of these models are also really light and useful for spring alpine rock season. Hope that helps.

curt86iroc wrote:

i use these for winter trail running. lower profile than microspikes but good traction.

https://www.rei.com/product/806475/yaktrax-icetrekkers-diamond-grip-traction-system

Those look really nice, I may give that a go.

Brett Merlin wrote:

Snowline Chainsen Trail Light

https://www.camp-usa.com/outdoor/product/brands/snowline/chainsen-trail-light/

I run in these quite a bit in the winter and they are great. They have a shorter spike length so you don't have to lift your foot super high in your stride. The Chainsen Pro has a longer spike length if you need more grip but are slightly heavier for running. Fit them a little bit tighter for trail running so you get less slop. Both of these models are also really light and useful for spring alpine rock season. Hope that helps.

Those also look good.

I'm using them mostly for trail hiking with the dogs, unfortunately they're pullers so I need to be able to resist them without landing on my ass.

I’ve used the Kahtoola Micro spikes for hiking quite a bit and they’re very durable. I’ve seen a lot of yaktrax break but my Kahtoolas have been solid 

curt86iroc wrote:

i use these for winter trail running. lower profile than microspikes but good traction.

https://www.rei.com/product/806475/yaktrax-icetrekkers-diamond-grip-traction-system

I've been using those for hiking for 3 seasons now, no complaints.

All these spring/nanospikes devices doesn't work well, buy real and durable microspike device. For last two years I am using https://www.rei.com/product/875696/hillsound-trail-crampons
Kahtoola is similar alternative. Today I would buy new BD https://www.rei.com/product/174765/black-diamond-access-spike-traction-devices because of reinforced attach points between chains and rubber, it's usually weak spot on other traction devices.

I've used Kahtoola Microspikes on running shoes and lightweight hiking boots for years of winter hiking in RMNP and the Indian Peaks. No complaints.

Thanks everyone!