Now that I have a few uses under my feet I can safely say I am ready to talk about the Grivel G14 New-Matic Crampons. When I first started researching a new pair of crampons, there were a couple things I knew I needed them to do:
- Multi-Purpose: General Mountaineering and Ice Climbing
- Replaceable frontpoints
- Versatile attachment system
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed by the quality of these crampons. The Anti-Bott plates were securely fastened to the bottom of the crampons and everything seemed to be made of quality material.
On the Job
I got my first test run while ice climbing over the holiday weekend at Buttermilk Falls, The frontpoints sunk into the hard ice with little effort and stayed there.
Paired with the La Sportiva Makalu Boots I was wearing, I felt no stability issues at all. On another occasion I used these crampons for hiking in the treacherously icy condition that the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen provides, with great results. Just like the frontpoints stuck well into vertical ice, the bottom points provided fantastic holding power while walking.
The Details
The Grivel G14 crampons come in both Cramp-o-matic and New-Matic attachment systems. I decided to go with the New-Matic Binding because in my mind it seemed more secure and versatile for less rigid leather boots.(I have no evidence to back this up)
As I mentioned earlier, one thing I was looking for when shopping for crampons was replaceable front points. The Grivel G14 crampons provide this functionality. The points can be configured in both dual and monopoint configurations.
Like standard step-in crampons, this features a rear bale that offers some adjustment, and has webbing strap that connects with the front binding. The chassis of this crampon like most is extendable and retractable to suit a variety of boot sizes.
In addition to the Anti-Bott plates on the front and rear portions of the crampon, Grivel also includes an accordion like piece of rubber that slips over the center bar to prevent snow from balling up on it.
Final Thoughts
These crampons are great for someone looking for someone looking to dabbling both in mountaineering and Ice climbing. While a Pair of fully rigid crampons with a heel spur maybe suited better for hardcore ice climbers, these work great for those looking to get started in all things ice without breaking the bank. The G14’s are available for around $200 dollars
More Photos
Replaceable Frontpoints
nice write-up, and btw, I do like the interchangeable front point feature. wish I had that on mine.