UKC

looking at my G12s, which i've sharpened a couple of times. the front points look fairly short to me (although perhaps i'm just underestimating their ability to hold your weight - it is remarkable how two short spikes of metal do this).

does anyone know how long they'd need to be for ben nevis ice routes. presumably, when they're too short your feet start slicing through the climb...

In reply to Lightweight: I wouldn't worry about it if your not doing VI or VII ice. For four years of weekly Scottish climbing I only had one pair of crampons (2Fs) which were as blunt and stubby as anything. I still did things like the Cascade in them with out much difficulty.

G12s have quite long points anyway compared to say the Charlet equivalent, so even with a bit of sharpening they're prob. still longer.

Why do you sharpen them BTW? For British/Alpine crampons I really wouldn't bother. And even for ice climbing - I sharpen mine max once a season.

In reply to Lightweight:
According to the EU they should be 2.54cms.

In reply to TobyA:


Because most British climbers have a sharpening fetish. I have never understood this either.

JAMIE B>

In reply to Jamie B.: It comes from too much time dreaming about good conditions, and not enough good conditions!

I find re-organising my rack about the best thing to do next to climbing itself. Very calming to get you krabs all in colour-coordinated patterns.

In reply to Lightweight:

If you can afford it, buy a pair of Grivel G14s. I have a pair of G12s and have just got some of the New G14's.

They have much longer technical front points than the g12s and are far superior for steep ice and mixed. They are also well set up for general mountaineering.

I use a pair of Nepal Top extremes and they work very well with them.

They will be easier to climb with and will last a long time and are much better than your g12's.

Mark