The latest version of Grivel's much acclaimed rigid Rambo crampon is considerably more user friendly than its predecessor, particularly for those climbers who want something that will do for Scottish as well as for icefall use. Although it is basically an asymmetric mono-point, with the point lying under the big toe, a half-length point to the outside of this means that whilst on steep buttress climbs one has all the advantages of a mono-point, on ice and snow routes, the second point kicks in and gives lateral stability normally absent in a mono-point. The length is adjustable with one bolt, and a replacement mono-point can also be replaced by undoing a single bolt. The crampomatic binding means that this crampon will only fit on boots with a step-in facility front and back.
Included with the package is a set of what looks like at first glance a spare set of front points, but is in fact a set of heel spurs. These too can be set up by adjusting a single bolt, though many leading ice climbers consider their use cheating!
The anti-balling plates look very sophisticated with Grivel's excellent snow-popping system incorporated into harder plastic structures, and with an "accordeon" filling the gap in the middle. The heel clip has micro-adjustability, and four of the points are angled away from the line of the frame to make descents in snow easier.
Despite claims that these crampons weigh 1075g/pair, we actually think this is more like 1170g, and that doesn't include the heel spurs which weigh an extra 55g or so.
Should fit boots from size 38-48. Fit only to a B3 Mountaineering Boot.
NB This crampon is designed for steep ice climbing and buttress routes of around Scottish IV and above. It is not a suitable crampon for hill walking or general mountaineering.