Crampon Fit Issue

[DayTrip]

I did my annual boot purchase in my desperate attempt to find boots that fit my foot right and keep my feet warm. After much shopping, I found a pair of Scarpa Ribelle HD's at a pretty big discount on Campsaver so I got them. They are supposed to be more of a general purpose boot, friendly for people with wide feet and with a rocker designed to be more forgiving for normal walking and for general alpine use. They are semi-automatic crampon compatible, which I have always wanted so I can use my G12's again.

So I wore them in my office for a few hours trying different sock combinations, took them for a 5 mile local walk and I think they fit fine and were nice to walk in! They actually fit (applause). So tonight I figured I'd size them to my G12's and snowshoes. Well I've been screwing around for over an hour now and my G12's just fall right off. The rocker has such a pronounced bend (see photo) that nothing I do keeps the toe in. I've read countless posts about people using G12's with these boots so I Googled and it looks like the toe design is different now.

So can I fit my G12's to these boots? Is there something I am doing or not doing that is the issue? Or is it simply the design and now I have to make yet another purchase? If anyone knows the flaw in my "process" by all means point it out. Thanks.

 

[KRooney]

This might be a simple fix. The G12 has a connector bar. Take the crampon apart, and notice that the front has two slots thru which the bar is positioned. Take them apart, and place the bar thru the rear slot only, and then attach the heel piece. You will have created a noticeable hinge.

 

[DayTrip]

This might be a simple fix. The G12 has a connector bar. Take the crampon apart, and notice that the front has two slots thru which the bar is positioned. Take them apart, and place the bar thru the rear slot only, and then attach the heel piece. You will have created a noticeable hinge.

Worth a shot. I'll tinker with it. Thanks. I think I might have "Cramp-o-matic" G12's. After all my issues I went downstairs and dug out my Scarpa Invernos (the boots I originally bought the crampons for) and all the cobwebs starting clearing from my memory. The whole B2 and B3 thing got resurrected from the recesses of my memory.

I was looking at new crampon models last night and some of the Black Diamond models specifically mention a curved front bar for "the modern boots of today". Is a rounded rocker a new development in boot design? Other than my Invernos (and now the Ribelles) I haven't really owned or used mountaineering boots.

 

[skiguy]

No doubt a lot of rocker there. You are probably going to need a crampon with a multipoint toe piece. Like the G12 New Matic EVO not the Crampo Matic EVO like you already have.

 

[DayTrip]

No doubt a lot of rocker there. You are probably going to need a crampon with a multipoint toe piece. Like the G12 New Matic EVO not the Crampo Matic EVO like you already have.

Yah. Bummer. I'm going to try that tweak Kevin mentioned. That will probably work with the strap connected but I think the lack of tension might make them a bit dangerous. No doubt I'll buy a new set but not until I'm 100% sure the boot is a good fit. It wouldn't be the first boot I bought that seemed fine until I started using it.

 

[DayTrip]

A little thread drift (but of course it's my thread so what the hell) - any recommendations on brands for crampons? I've always used Grivel but I like some of the Black Diamond model designs. They cost less but they are twice the weight as comparable Grivels. Looks like Petzl is another big brand in the mix. Any recommendations would be helpful. Prices nowadays are almost double what I paid just 7 or 8 years ago.

 

[skiguy]

Yah. Bummer. I'm going to try that tweak Kevin mentioned. That will probably work with the strap connected but I think the lack of tension might make them a bit dangerous. No doubt I'll buy a new set but not until I'm 100% sure the boot is a good fit. It wouldn't be the first boot I bought that seemed fine until I started using it.

An article from Alpinist suggests The Petzel Irvin. Again a multipoint toe piece. Scroll down in this article and you will see a picture of it. These are nice looking boots. Not to brag but I have experience fitting crampons for over 40 years and also responsible for selling them with a good fit to customers that expect to be safe. I’d put those G12’s up on the shelf in a heartbeat. That front bar and the front plate is meant to be in continuous contact with the the boot at all times. Your not even close and no adjustment is going to make it better IMO. https://alpinist.com/mountain-standards/scarpa-ribelle-hd-boots-that-can-keep-up-in-the-mountains/

 

[DayTrip]

An article from Alpinist suggests The Petzel Irvin. Again a multipoint toe piece. Scroll down in this article and you will see a picture of it. These are nice looking boots. Not to brag but I have experience fitting crampons for over 40 years and also responsible for selling them with a good fit to customers that expect to be safe. I’d put those G12’s up on the shelf in a heartbeat. That front bar and the front plate is meant to be in continuous contact with the the boot at all times. Your not even close and no adjustment is going to make it better IMO. https://alpinist.com/mountain-standards/scarpa-ribelle-hd-boots-that-can-keep-up-in-the-mountai

I agree. I actually read that article looking for crampon recommendations last night. Rainy crappy day so I was futzing around with some of my gear. I do have high hopes for these boots. I've yet to find a Winter boot that fits my feet right and keeps me warm. After 10 years of screwing around and many $$$$ down the toilet I may have finally hit pay dirt.

 

[skiguy]

I agree. I actually read that article looking for crampon recommendations last night. Rainy crappy day so I was futzing around with some of my gear. I do have high hopes for these boots. I've yet to find a Winter boot that fits my feet right and keeps me warm. After 10 years of screwing around and many $$$$ down the toilet I may have finally hit pay dirt.

Recycle and put gear on consignment. It makes being a gear junky a bit easier or at least one can rationalize the addiction.

 

[DayTrip]

Recycle and put gear on consignment. It makes being a gear junky a bit easier or at least one can rationalize the addiction.

I know. I have so much crap and I'm too lazy to catalogue it all and get it online.

 

[KRooney]

I also have a pair of Scarpa Inverno's and used them for several years, not only here in New England but also on Rainier and Mt Shasta and Adams. Once Cabela's started selling a boot they called Avalanche II I switched them and the Scarpa's collect dust in the garage. Over the years I invested a couple of different versions of the G-12 and a pair of G-10's.

 

[sierra]

I use and swear by the Katoolah K10's. They are very flexible and after three hard seasons with them can't say enough about them. I have had zero failures with them after hard use.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

A little thread drift (but of course it's my thread so what the hell) - any recommendations on brands for crampons? I've always used Grivel but I like some of the Black Diamond model designs. They cost less but they are twice the weight as comparable Grivels. Looks like Petzl is another big brand in the mix. Any recommendations would be helpful. Prices nowadays are almost double what I paid just 7 or 8 years ago.

This is going back 20+ years, but I really like Black Diamond Sabretooths for both snow and pure water ice, and I see they are still on the market. Although I am having trouble fitting my ancient pair to my Fisher Travers CS AT boots. I bought a different toe bail that is supposed to help, but haven't gotten around to installing and testing yet.