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WardWolf 25 Microspikes Crampons
https://youtu.be/maS_aEZB2qI
More Info and Purchase: https://tinyurl.com/ygm9x8a9
Blog: https://marcoscucom.wordpress.com/2021/11/13/wardwolf-25-microspikes-crampons/
We live in a hilly area prone to snow and every year I buy a set of crampons and every year they either fall to bits after a few outings or I lose them. This new pair from WardWolf seem a cut above the others and rather more pricey at £23.99 and so I am optimistic that they will last out the season. I selected size XL which was perfect for my UK size 9 boots.
The crampon set arrived packaged in an attractive box robust enough for long term storage containing the two crampons, a pair of velcro straps, a rather posh branded storage box and a well written and easy to follow double sided user guide.
Like most crampons, they are designed to slip over the boot or shoe with a tough elasticated rubber overshoe securing the vicious looking extra thick 2.0 mm thick steel barbed grips with robust type 304 stainless steel chains. Unlike many other sets I have used these ones have a separate buckled velcro strap that goes over the laces and holds the two sides of the overshoe firmly in place. In the past, I have found crampons and work loose and come off but hopefully, the velcro strap will prevent this. Each crampon is clearly marked for the front and back with an arrow to ensure they are fitted the right way. Both crampons are identical with no need to bother selecting right or left.
To fit the crampons after ensuring you have the correct one then work the front over and under the toe end of the boot then lift the crampon’s rubber heel and fit it over the heel of the boot before using the velcro strap to hold the two sides taught over the laces. I have found this easier to do before putting the boot on but with practice, it may well be better to put the boots on first. Fitting them puts a strain on the rubber used for most crampons and can cause the rubber to split around the eyelets but hopefully not so here as not only are the crampon harnesses made from super tough and environmentally friendly Elastomer TPE (whatever that is), they also have a tough plastic inner core to each eyelet to reduce strain and abrasion on the eyelets.
Build quality seems excellent, the steel grips are the largest and fiercest I have seen and may be better suited to deep snow and thick rather than the sparse icy covering we often get here. Usually, crampons fail with the rubber overshoe splitting or coming away from the chains but these seem particularly well made so with luck this may not happen. Of course, time and the weather will tell on this.
These seem a well made and robust pair of crampons but in the absence of snow I cannot fully comment on how well they will last. The good price, build quality and handy storage bag certainly makes them an attractive buy at first sight.
Music: YouTube Audio Library: Unicord Heads: Wolf Moon
