Light Traction Devices

[tomcat32]

I want to expand on the Microspikes vs trail crampon debate. I asked last year with not much luck. Has anyone actually used the Hillsound Freestep?http://www.backcountryedge.com/hillsound-free-steps-6.aspx I heard stories of the red pieces between the spikes littering trails but never really heard much of their performance esp. compared to Microspikes. I find these occasionally for $30 on sale.

Also what about the newer YakTrax XTR, https://www.yaktrax.com/product/xtr, They look fairly substantial, I saw these for $42 at my local outfitters, they seemed to use these in place of Katoohla. Anybody use them or can compare them to Microspikes?

It also looks like Hillsound has a new product that may be slightly more aggressive than Freestep http://www.backcountryedge.com/hillsound-trail-crampon-ultra.aspx?utm_source=GoogleMerch&utm_medium=dfm&utm_campaign=pla&utm_term={keyword}&gclid=CJ-wj5WTj7sCFSbNOgodJQUAxw
Anyone try these?

Finally I have seen these http://cozywinters.com/shop/diamond-grip.html I have seen these at my local outfitters but never really heard any first hand accounts on them. Anyone have experience with them? They seem more like an alternative to a traditional Yaktrax for walking as opposed to hiking but would be curious on any users opionions.

I like microspikes. I'm curious if there is an equal at maybe a slightly lower price. Any experience with any of these Katoohla alternatives would be appreciated

 

[Tim Seaver]

GripStuds

If you like to roll your own traction, you can hot-rod a designated pair of winter boots with GripStuds, which screw into the bottom of your soles using a special tool - they have tungsten carbide tips which are very durable.

Advantages over microspikes are no squirming or breakage problems, and far less issues with snow packing up and rendering your "traction" useless.
The main disadvantage is that you can't take them off, but I have found in winter they rarely bother me. A long road walk would be the exception!

I use their 3000a stud on my winter running shoes, and the 1800 for boots.
I usually mount a crampon on the boot first so that I can install the studs so as to not interfere with wearing full crampons when conditions warrant it, and install a dense foam rubber pad on my snowshoes so that the studs don't damage the deck.

 

[summitseeker]

Hello All,

While looking for some gifts on Ebay I stumbled upon some "knock off" microspikes. After a little digging around I found this website.
http://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-crampons.html

I am a firm believer in the motto of "You get what you pay for", but for $16.99 (on Ebay) I figured I would get a pair of the 11 tooth version and try them out. I still feel that Kahtoola wrote the book on microspikes but I may find these as an acceptable way to get more mileage out of my current pair.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anti-Slip-1...375?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d14b840ff

I will test them out and give a scouting report once I have field tested them. I am not expecting them to be as durable or reliable but they may be just the ticket for mixed trail conditions of rock and slushy ice.

Here is a previous thread but I think these are a new model
http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?43382-10-Micro-spikes-knockoffs-!-!
TBD

Z

 

[Silverfox]

I have used the Hillsound Freestep..did not care for them. Price was right but not enough substance and they roll off your boots on steep trails. IMO not for 4k trails but fine for the golf course or flat walking.

dont know about the yax traks but not impressed with any of their other offerings

have not used the cozy winter things but they look pretty light