Climb High 2F

Review Date
August 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Jon Jonckers(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Spokane

Price Paid:  $130.00 at Mountain Gear

Summary:
Just like the other reviewers, I concede that these crampons must be accompanied with anti-snowplates. No ifs or maybes, because without them these crampons stink. Yet, if you do remember to bring the anti-snow plates and you aren't attempting gymnastic mixed climbs, then these do the trick. I used a pair on Rainier and on Polar Circus. Generally speaking, I don't care much for hybrid designs but these crampons "2 Function" design is suitable for nearly all mountaineering. Furthermore, no tools neccessary to adjust them on the fly. Hell, I've even adjusted them for a friend in the dark. These aren't my all time favorite crampons, but they're pretty good. Just remember the snowplates.

Similar Products Used:
Super 12, Harpoons, Switchblades, Rambos, Superblue, Footfangs and others I can't remember.

Review Date
November 30, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Daniel Cichowski(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Oak Harbor Washington USA

Price Paid:  $140.00 at Climb High

Summary:
I I thought these crampons would
be good for routes with long glacier approaches and then steeper 2 tool glacial iceclimbing (2f=two function). They have fit this profile quite well. Step-in compatability is nice and fast. The ability to make these crampons rigid is also good. I like the support of the horizontal front points when climbing softer ice. These crampons are also very light. There is one very significant problem with these crampons. They are absolutely useless without the anti-balling plates installed. If the snow gets soft, it will stick to the bottom of your crampons, and it will create a dangerous sitiuation. This past summer I forgot to bring these skins on a climb and it made the decent quite dangerous. So buy the skins when you get these crampons, and don't forget them if there is even a remote posibility of soft snow conditions

Customer Service:
Custumer Service from Climb High has always been good.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
November 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Tim(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from CT

Price Paid:  $140.00

Summary:
I've used the 2F for about 4 years -- mostly on glaciers but also on vertical ice. Pro - The 2F is a snap to put on. It's also easy to adjust to different sized boots. Durable. Lightweight. Con - you cannot imagine how much snow sticks to the bottoms of those things. I'd almost rate the product "unacceptable" the problem can be so bad. You NEED the anti-balling plates; don't buy this crampon unless you plan to get them (they may be standard now). The concept of two function (2-F)is a great idea, but not all that practical, IMO. It IS true that you can put in screws to make the frame rigid, but that does NOT make this a good ice climbing crampon; it lacks the vertically oriented, serrated front points of the Rambo, Footfang, etc. needed to really bite into the ice. It works, but not nearly as well as other products. If your principal need is a crampon that can be used on steep ice, the 2-F is not a good choice, IMO. The front bail on **my** 2-F does not fit as securely as other products I've used; best guess is my pair are unique in this regard (but check the fit on YOUR boot before purchasing).

Similar Products Used:
Grivel Rambo, Camp Footfang, Simond (name?), Charlet Moser S-12

Review Date
August 27, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Alan Shepherd(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from United Kingdom

Price Paid:  $80.00 at Online Auction (QXL)

Summary:
A superb allround crampon, well made and so tough you could cling to anything the Scottish winter can produce. Blue ice or just a thin rime on the rock, they give almost unmatched confidence in their abilities.

Customer Service:
Why is it so hard to get hold of anti-balling plates?

Similar Products Used:
Mountain Equipment

Review Date
March 18, 2000

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris Cook(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Troy,NY

Summary:
The front points seem to short as compared with other crampons. They do not seem worth the money and enjoy the g-12 much more for walking and moderate angles and the grade 8s for vertical ice. Plus the crampon teeth are shorter, and I prefer the g-12s.

Similar Products Used:
g-12s,grade 8s,foot fangs,smc strap ons,g-10