i bought these because of all the snow still in the high country north cascades in june and july and didn't want to haul my mountaineering boots with me just to cross a pass. these are now my preferred crampons now and just used them a couple of days ago to go up mount buckner and logan. these are light enough to always carry in my pack and versitle enough to be able to use with any footwear. i like that i can use my hiking boots with them so i don't have to use boots with welts for climbing in july and august. also related to this purchase, whittaker mountaineering got my order to me super fast, within 3 days and didn't charge me for shipping.

These are fantastic crampons. Perfect fit for leather hiking boots. Stainless steel construction is top notch. I just used these on glaciers and high passes (ice/snow/mixed)in the Himalaya (Nepal) and they saved me with their great performance and construction. I would highly recommend these for use on ice, snow and mixed terrain. A great price as well!

Great performance on varied terrain. The best feature is the light weight; they are now my preferred crampons and I am happy I bought them. However, the front-strap bracket is quite narrow so the front of a large, wide boot may slip out laterally when side-stepping on steep ice for a long time unless the straps are kept very tight. Smaller and narrower boots are fine.

These are an excellent all around crampon.Pros- The are a simple light design. I have never had them fall off or have any clips that work loose or pop off in the middle of a pitch. they are easy to climb mixed routes of rock, ice and snow. Sometimes they are so light, I forget that I have them on. They work with almost any kind of boot, no special welts or anything required. They work really well with leather boots, as with clip or pro crampons, the rear clip can wear into the back of your foot after a long day. Cons: none so far.

These Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons are by far the best strap on crampons I have ever used. They are like comparing the driving experience of a Lamborghini with that of a Chevy. First, even though these are "one size fits all", they not only fit my hiking boots perfectly, they totally stay unwaveringly tight like a second sole. No matter how long I wore them or how much I kicked into the ice, they never showed any sign of loosening. I have already had them up above 10,000 feet on a dozen days of use. Second, they should really be called "Mountain Goats". They edge along an icy ledge like a miracle. If you have ever watched mountain goats taking seemingly impossible steps in the winter then you will understand what I am getting at. Never even one time did I have a slip or did the crampons fail to cut in for secure footing. Third, the ABS system just works. Like a champ. Although these crampons are not listed for technical use, I have found them to actually be quite good for ice climbing if you happen to be in a position where that is called for or you just chance upon a great climb when these are what you have with you. They really do stay incredibly tight and well fixed on your boots, no matter how much apparent abuse you kick at them. One piece of advice I would offer, which holds for all steel crampons, is to pack an adsorbent cloth in your crampon bag for drying them when you take them off. If you have the luxury of sunshine then set them to dry before putting them away. After damage due to walking over rock, rust is a real killer for steel. It is easy to guard against but just as with a tent, you will be sorry if you don't leave them dry. These Crampons will return your investment immediately. Just to wear such quality is a joy that can't be valued in dollars, but sprained ankles or serious falls can be guarded against by depending on such good gear.