Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Step-In Crampons with ABS Plates
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The all-around Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Step-In crampons are suitable for everything from glacier climbing to swinging tools on alpine ice.
Shop newer version- Now constructed using stainless steel for a design that won't rust, crampons are lighter weight and more durable than previous version; stainless steel resists snow balling
- Horizontal front points provide excellent stability on snow, alpine ice and rock
- Secondary points create a stable platform while kicking steps; serrated points bite into snow and ice for secure hold
- Redesigned, low-profile heel lever lets you microadjust the fit
- Included dual-density ABS plates keep snow from sticking beneath your feet
- Pro step-in crampons require boots with front and rear welts designed specifically for step-in style attachment
- Boots size 12 and larger require the Long Center Bars, sold separately
Made in USA.
View all Black Diamond Mountaineering Crampons| Best Use | Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Fits Shoe Size | EU 34 - 46 / US 4 - 12 |
| Material(s) | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 970 grams |
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Excellent, but not for a hikers
I am brand new to crampons. I bought these under the impression that all crampons are created relatively equal, but the more money the better they'll perform. This may be true, but I never got to use these as the Sabretooth are meant for hard core vertical ice climbs with dedicated mountaineer boots. These are not meant for hiking as they simply won't fit the wide heel of regular hiking boots. If you're looking for that, go for the Contact crampons by Black Diamond. Just exchanged the Sabretooth for these and am trying them out tomorrow (and they actually fit my Lowa Zephyr boots ;-)
Good but not in La Sportivas
Got these for x-mas; went out for the first time could not keep them on my boots. I have La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX Mountaineering Boots - Men's and my ankles were killing me have way through the aproach. My boots kept sliding out.
Shaky fit
At first, I liked these crampons --- easy enough to put on, trustworthy grip when using French, German, and American technique, and they never balled up, even in very soft snow. But then I started to notice how they would work themselves loose over the course of an hour or two of use on moderate alpine ice, even just when using French technique. Being really careful to get them as tight as possible didn't help. The metal piece connecting the front bail to the strap was also quite flimsy. I'm going to return these and try out a pair of Grivel G-12s.
Durable, wide range of purpose
I've got the slightly older model but I've had 'em up Denali a couple of times, summited Mt. Everest in them, done countless local (California) winter climbs with them. The extra points on the sides make edging and cross over steps feel very secure; even hauling 80lb loads up 50% faces. I've only sharpened them once. Only came close to throwing one once but have seen plenty of other makes and models get thrown for countless reasons. The point is, it is difficult to mess up their attachment and super easy to adjust even with big gloves on. Get the BD extended bar for use with insulated mountaineering boots. They aren't nearly as light as aluminum but if you need something durable that will last many expeditions on mixed terrain, these are perfect.
Excellent Crampons
Worked great on a late summer trip up the Hotlam Bolam Route on Mt. Shasta. Easy to adjust and excellent fit with La Sportiva Nepal Evo Boot.
Big Boots - Beware
I have size 13.5 Koflach mountaineering boots, so I needed to purchase additionally the long center bars. Then they still did not fit because of the small front toe bail that comes standard, so I had to purchase additionally the large front toe bail directly from BD. Changing out the front toe bail is no easy task. I discovered, though, a few tricks to avoid pinched bloody fingers. First, remove the front ABS plate for this procedure. Then wrap a sling (rock strength) around the toe bail for removal & during replacement while stepping on the crampon points on its side with a sturdy boot. Pull hard! The back toe bail was easy to adjust by hand. Perfect fit finally, and the 2nd crampon adjustments only took 5 min. And then with a simple ctr-bar 1-notch adj, I could also fit perfectly to my Millet boots. By the way, the large front toe bail does not come with the metal-strap / front-ring. This is the way the Pro Step-in is supposed to fit - according to BD and the product pictures. So just wrap the strap around the boot-ankle.
Fantastic product
I have used these a lot this summer and purchased them back in May. So far I have had great grip, felt very comfortable, and had no issues when dealing with rock and ice mix. Sometimes those older aluminum crampon teeth would bend and break. Not with these guys. These are very sturdy, i have had a lot of interaction with ice and rock this year and i have to say, you cannot even tell I had any interaction with rock. My kick is very stable and cuts through ice easily. The fit is tight and sometimes I forget I have a crampon on. The ease of adjustment and quick on and off use make these very versatile. I currently use them with a pair of Nepal's and the fit is perfect. I love the step in feature and have them on and off in no time. It took a bit of time to get them adjusted the first time and would recommend spending some time playing with them before your first use. But overall this is a great product, a little bulky but lets be honest, you're sacrificing a little weight for comfort and durability. These will surely outlive me.
Very solid, very versatile crampon
Simply one of the best all-around crampons. Easy to size and put on with the pro-style binding. They are a bit on the heavier side due to the steel BUT that is more than made up in durability. My pair has seen a pretty moderate share of walking/climbing on exposed rock and I still don't see the need to sharpen the points. Traction is excellent in most cases and the ABS plates do an awesome job in all but deep snow on warmer days. Excellent product from Black Diamond
What you need
Just picked these up. I've done some local mountains near Anchorage, and the advantage crampons add when scaling ice is astronomical. These are extremely well built crampons. Sturdy, easy to put on, and rust resistant. Steel is heavy but has significantly more durability than aluminum. If you're going to trust your life to a tool, might as well make sure it's the strongest tool you can find.
Nice crampons but $$$
Used for a winter ascent of Mt. Lassen. Fair amount of ice encountered but not steep. These crampons were more than adequate. Easy on/off once adjusted. Much more comfortable than old strap-on crampons that typically compressed boots making for cold feet. Make certain your gaiters don't interfere with the rear bail's engagement on the boot's welt.