mammut_rep

Lawgoddess, The G-14's will work for any terrain. In fact, I think they are better crampons for steeper/difficult climbs because there is less weight under your foot compared to the Rambos or even the M-10's. The frontpoints are the same as what is on the Rambos and that is where most of the work is being done. PM me if you want more details.

Was he really fired?

Beck, Doesn't Lock say that you need to sell first what you have right now before the new stuff comes in? Otherwise, customers will wait for the new stuff and you will be stuck with the inventory you have now.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. If anyone else has any, I'd appreciate hearing them.

The transmission in my 2000 Grand Caravan has gone out again. The first one went out at 48000 miles. This one lasted only to 93000 miles. The dealership wants to replace it, but I'm thinking I should get a second opinion. Does anyone have any suggestions on a reliable, reasonable mechanic in the Seattle area? Has anyone experienced similar problems with their Dodge transmissions? If so, who worked on it for you? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I've broken several BD picks. They have one of the better performing picks on the market, but I've broken more of them than any other pick. I've had friends who have experienced the same.

What kind are they?

The S-Cape is a great glass with the photochromic lens feature (self-darkening), but it only fits the largest heads well. The Nomad is now available with the same lens for $100.00 and has better side shields and it fits more people. As for the question of polarized vs. non-polarized, I don't recommend polarized for glacier use because polarized eliminates glare that is reflected off of the ice. Sometimes you want to be able to see the ice from the snow if you are on a glacier. Especially, if you are walking without your crampons on. If you have any other questions, please ask. I'm also the Julbo rep for the NW.

It may not be necessary, but if you find a steep finish it might make it more fun.

I'm surprised to see that no one has mentioned Post Falls. About half an hour east of Spokane off of I-90. You could get details about the area at Mountain Gear. I think it's better than Minnehaha.

I have!

Honored by who?

It's actually a pretty good tool. The curve is identical (and I really mean, identical) to a Tech Wing from Grivel. The overall weight is heavier than a Tech Wing, but not by much. Get rid of the leash. There are much better ones on the market. Could make a good third tool if you didn't want to climb on it too much.

Carolyn, I ususally carry a flask of scotch with me for situations like this. It has helped me get up some of the hardest climbs I've led. You should try it some time.

So in other words the voice of the customer means nothing .... So, would you be willing to deal with the extra weight if Grivel added a steel spike to the Air Tech Racing?

The points on the G-10's (and G-12's) aren't that sharp for a reason. If you sharpen your points too much, you will just dull them out right away anyways. So, you're removing metal faster than is necessary. Points don't have to be razor sharp. Your body weight is enough to get them to penetrate. The spacer kit is a good idea, but with the G-14 on the market now, fewer and fewer Rambos are geing sold. Plus, the G-14 comes with a spacer kit to change it from mono to dual or dual to mono. You are not the first to mention the spike on the Air Tech Racing. However, like you say, it would make the axe heavier and we like the weight as it is. I'll mention the racking device to Belcourt. He basically designed the BD Ice Clipper when he was there, so he may be able to come up with something for the 360's. As for the Barryvox, Feathered Friends carries them, but so does Second Ascent, Pro Mountain Sports, and Marmot in Bellevue. Glad you like it.

I fail to understand why anyone would want to buy a pair of "universal" snow plates for their crampons when nearly every manufacturer makes snow plates specific for their own crampons. I would guess that the "universals" wouldn't fit nor secure themselves to the crampon as well as the ones specific to that crampon. Also, I would think that if it were a legit idea, someone would have produced them by now.

How many out there have used the Tech Wings? How do they compare to the BD Cobra, BD Viper, Charlet Moser Quark, and other tools?

You can order them through a local dealer.

Grivel does do a lightweight aluminum crampon called the G-10 Light. If you did design a "universal" snow plate what shape would it be and how would it attach? There seems to be too many different shapes and curves to crampons now that it would be really difficult to design something that would work for all crampons.

Talking about girls on this thread is fine by me.

You mean the Omega Pacific screw handles? I believe they are designed to break off at about 200 lbs. like the BD's. Even though the BD's fold up, falling ice and snow can cause them to open back up again (first hand experience). But if you fall and the rope catches on it, it will break off pretty easily.