KTS Crampon

 

Heat Treated 7000 series Aluminum Toe and Heel Pieces create the highest strength aluminum contruction availible - even stronger than some steel and 3 times lighter. More wear will occur on the points when used extensively on rocks and dry ground than a product made of hardened steel. Compared to products made from other Aluminum Alloys, the KTS is extrememly tough. One pair of the KTS made it through Everest training, to the top of the world (not reccomended use), and to a 3rd place finish in the Switzerland World Championship Adventure Race (including 90 miles of glacier travel). The points are worn and the straps are worn but every part is completely intact. In fact Kahtoola Inc. has not had a single report of any broken component ever



Each of the 3 sizes of the KTS covers a size range of approximately 5 1/2 shoe sizes. Even though your running shoes have smaller dimensions than your snow boots, they are easily accomodated by changing the length adjustment. If another size KTS is needed, for whatever reason, simply purchase the Accessory LeafSpring™ Extender Bar in the size you need and insert the new size.



Early prototypes of the KTS had front points angled out at 45 degrees. They did not provide adequate grip when going straight uphill in flexible footwear. This is simply because the flexing of the shoe made the front points almost parallel to the snow instead of perpendicular. The design was then optimized at 15 degrees for excellent performance with lightweight footwear.