Semi-rigid, 12 spike crampon for classical mountaineering, distinguished by a new manufacturing design which makes it especially compact and resistant.
The spike bending is distributed along the entire longitudinal surface of the crampon. This transmits the flex force applied to a single spike to the entire structure, consequently dampening the intensity.
Features
The spike bending is distributed along the entire longitudinal surface of the crampon. This transmits the flex force applied to a single spike to the entire structure, consequently dampening the intensity.
I bought the 444.08 (universal straps) model on a special sale. They are easy to put on and have a better fit to my LaSportiva Glacier than my old G12 universal straps. The anti-bott is more basic than Grivel devices. Nonetehless, it looks as if they will work just fine. For the money, the Ice Rider is an excellent alternative to the G12. The better fit of the Ice Rider gives me a feeling of more confidence. I'll follow this entry up after my first outting with them.
I just came back from a trip up the Cooper Spur. These crampons performed extremely well. The double loop straps were slower to put on my boots than crampomatic or newmatic style binding. Nonetheless, the bindings were very secure and easy to use. I may look into buying the model with quicker binding to facilitate putting them on in cold weather. Great crampons from a great company.
I agree with you on these points. I purchased the semi-rigid Stalker version of the 444.06 Ice Rider back in '07 for Rainier and found the stiffer the boot, the better the fit. Performance was not compromised, though, just comfort. Putting them on is minutely tedious, but so is warming up the stove to boil a cup for morning "hots". All in all, I am very satisfied with these for basic alpinism.
You're right, they are very comparable designs. Grivel anti-balling plates are far better (and are included in the price, unlike the Camp), their front points bigger and the rear points on the front and back frame are angled 90° for better traction when going downhill. Other than that (and the superior Grivel building quality) pretty much the same.
Rob Ricks - Nov 3, 2007 7:22 pm - Voted 5/5
An economic alternative to the G12