A side view of the Kahtoola Aluminum KTS crampon on Salomon Snowbow boots.

I'm sure the aluminum version is a great crampon for running or hiking on frozen snowfields, but the aluminum points wear down very quickly when subjected to the rocky terrain of the Northeast. The thick stock used for the crampons doesn't penetrate water ice very well, even when brand spanking new, as the "points" are really more of a flat chisel. Also, the points are simply too short to be of any use on surfaces that are not pancake flat, definitely a problem when crossing the bumpy water ice patches common in New England.

Thankfully, Kahtoola was quick to remedy the situation with an improved model...NEXT