Anybody have any experience with these? I know they are lousy walking in but for hard ice they seem awesome.
I have a pair and have been using them for a bit. Negatives first:
Setup was frustrating: there are a lot of pieces and spacers and such. Do not be fooled by instructions that say everything can be adjusted with just one screw. It's easy to get the points set up in the wrong place, since the spacers are only slightly different lengths (hard to eye up). You should set them up once and plan to not change things much. For example, don't expect to use them with two different sets of boots that are a vastly different size. Allow an hour for the first assembly (it took me longer, but I am slow sometimes).
They come with heel spurs. I left mine in the box.
The anti-balling plates on mine cracked in half very quickly, and I can't find a replacement part. I had to repair them myself. This is not terrible, since walking in them really sucks anyhow, but a minor frustration.
Once set up, though, they rock. I've always felt solid, stable, and in control with them. I don't climb very hard ice, so they are probably a little too much crampon for me. They set well when you kick, and if you're going for a delicate placement you can't beat 'em. Aside from the plastic anti-balling plates, they are also very sturdy.
I'd recommend them. There is a good chance you will love them and I am sure you won't hate them.
