C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon Review

Let’s Talk About C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon

The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon is a specialized piece of equipment from C.A.M.P., purpose-built for ski mountaineering competitions where every gram counts and speed is paramount. It boasts a lightweight 7075 aluminum alloy construction, a new T-Stop toe system, and micro-adjustable linking bar – all designed to help athletes shave precious seconds off their times. For seasoned ski mountaineers and racers looking for an edge, these crampons seem like a dream, promising enhanced performance without sacrificing security.

My need for these crampons stemmed from a growing interest in skimo racing and a dissatisfaction with my current, heavier mountaineering crampons. I needed something lighter, faster to deploy, and more specifically tailored to the demands of uphill and downhill transitions in a race environment. I was tired of lugging around extra weight and fumbling with cumbersome adjustments, costing me valuable time.

Upon unboxing the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon, my first impression was overwhelmingly positive. The blue anodized aluminum was striking, and the crampons felt incredibly light in hand. The build quality seemed excellent, with precise machining and a reassuringly solid feel despite the minimal weight.

Compared to my old Black Diamond Contact crampons and a friend’s Grivel G10s, the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon are noticeably lighter and more streamlined. I chose these over the others because of the T-Stop toe system and the potential for even greater weight reduction with the optional Dyneema linking strap, features specifically designed for skimo racing. The Black Diamond’s felt bulky, and the Grivel’s lacked the race-specific features I desired.

I was definitely excited about the potential performance gains these crampons offered, and eager to put them to the test on the snow. If they performed as well as they looked and felt, I knew I was going to be a very happy ski mountaineer.

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Real-World Testing: Putting C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run with the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon was during a training session at Berthoud Pass, Colorado. The conditions were typical for the area – a mix of hard-packed snow, some icy patches, and a few sections of softer powder. The session involved a series of uphill climbs followed by quick downhill transitions.

The crampons performed admirably across varying snow conditions. The T-Stop toe system allowed for lightning-fast attachment and detachment, a significant advantage during transitions. There was a slight learning curve to finding the perfect fit with my boots, but once dialed in, the security felt solid and trustworthy.

The initial issue I encountered was with the adjustability of the heel bail, requiring a few tweaks to ensure a snug fit with my Scarpa F1 boots. Also, the front points felt less aggressive than my mountaineering crampons on very steep, icy sections, requiring a more deliberate and careful technique.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and dozens of training sessions using the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon, they have proven to be remarkably reliable. The aluminum alloy construction has held up well, showing only minor scratches and scuffs despite repeated use on rocky terrain. Maintaining the crampons is relatively straightforward – a quick rinse with water after each use and occasional inspection for any loose components.

The anti-balling plates worked effectively, preventing snow from building up underfoot, even in wet, heavy snow conditions. Compared to my previous mountaineering crampons, which often required frequent snow clearing, the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon offered a significant improvement in efficiency and comfort. However, I did notice some slight loosening of the micro-adjustable linking bar screws after particularly rigorous sessions, which needed occasional tightening.

Breaking Down the Features of C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon

Specifications

• The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon features a hyperlight 7075 aluminum alloy construction, contributing to its incredibly light weight of approximately 15 ounces (425 grams) per pair. This weight savings is crucial in skimo racing, where minimizing fatigue is essential for optimal performance.
• It utilizes an automatic binding system with the T-Stop toe system for rapid and secure attachment to compatible ski boots with toe welts. The speed and ease of use of this system are a significant advantage during race transitions, saving valuable seconds compared to traditional strap-on or hybrid crampons.
• The crampons are micro-adjustable via a linking bar with both large and small range settings, allowing for a precise fit across a wide range of boot sizes. This ensures a secure and comfortable fit, minimizing the risk of the crampons shifting or coming loose during use.
• Optional Dyneema linking straps (sold separately) can replace the linking bar, further reducing weight (down to 330g) and improving packability. This is a game-changer for racers looking to shave every possible gram and reduce pack bulk.
• Anti-balling plates are included to prevent snow accumulation underfoot, enhancing safety and efficiency in snowy conditions. This feature is critical for maintaining traction and preventing the crampons from becoming heavy and cumbersome.

Performance & Functionality

The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon excels in providing lightweight and secure traction for ski mountaineering racing. The aggressive front points bite effectively into hard snow and ice, while the side points offer stability on traverses. Its performance meets expectations for a race-specific crampon, prioritizing speed and weight savings over extreme durability.

The T-Stop toe system is a standout feature, allowing for exceptionally fast attachment and detachment, a crucial advantage during rapid transitions. The only minor improvement could be a slightly more aggressive front point design for icy slopes exceeding 45 degrees.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon is excellent, with precise machining and a robust feel despite the lightweight materials. Its minimalist design focuses on functionality and weight reduction, eliminating unnecessary bulk. There is a slight learning curve associated with the T-Stop system and micro-adjustments, but once mastered, the crampons are easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The 7075 aluminum alloy construction is reasonably durable for its weight, but it is not as robust as steel crampons intended for mountaineering. Regular cleaning and inspection for loose components is essential to prolong the lifespan of the crampons.

Accessories and Customization Options

The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon comes with anti-balling plates and a carrying case. The Dyneema linking straps and semi-automatic toe/heel bails are optional accessories, purchased separately, to further customize the crampons for specific boot types and weight preferences. Compatibility with third-party accessories is limited due to its unique design and focus on skimo racing applications.

Pros and Cons of C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon

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Who Should Buy C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon?

The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon is perfect for competitive ski mountaineers and racers looking to minimize weight and maximize efficiency. It’s also suitable for experienced backcountry skiers who prioritize speed and agility on moderate terrain. It is not suitable for beginner ski tourers or those who frequently encounter very steep, icy conditions.

Those who should skip this product include: General mountaineers needing robust crampons for mixed ice and rock, those on a tight budget, or beginners who don’t fully understand the intricacies of skimo racing equipment.

A must-have accessory is the Dyneema linking straps, especially for serious racers seeking the absolute lightest setup. Consider also the semi-automatic toe/heel bails if your boots lack toe welts.

Conclusion on C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon

The C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon is a highly specialized and effective tool for competitive ski mountaineering. Its lightweight design, fast attachment system, and customizable features make it a top contender for racers seeking an edge. The price is justified for dedicated athletes who understand the value of shaving seconds off their times, but may be too high for casual users.

I wholeheartedly recommend the C.A.M.P. Skimo Race Crampon to any serious skimo racer or experienced backcountry skier looking to optimize their performance. If you’re ready to experience the difference that a truly race-optimized crampon can make, then it’s time to add these to your arsenal.