Salomon Super Mountain 8 or 9's?

[robpatterson5]

Hey, I'm new to ice climbing and am looking at a pair of these or the 8's for this winter. Found a good deal on them with lots of sizes. Usualy take a 8.5 soloman street shoue. Any ideas on if i should go for them in 8.5 or 9, amd which boot (the Super 8 or 9) to get?

Cheers: Rob

[Chad_A]

I've had some time in my 8's now; very comfortable, and pretty warm, too, for a basic boot. I wouldn't recommend them for vertical ice, but for steep snow and ice mountaineering, they do fine. If you're planning vert ice climbing, then get the 9's; they're full shank instead of 3/4. My two cents worth.

[Tyler]

He's right. I have a pair of the SM 8's. GREAT boot, but the sole is probably too flexible for ice. (I don't have first-hand experience with them on ice though). I would go for a pair of SM 9's or a boot with a stiffer sole that will do a better job of frontpointing with step-in crampons.

 

I'm not sure if this is where you found your SM 8's, but here's a site with SM 9's on sale:

 

Salomon Super Mountain 9's

[robpatterson5]

Yep, just ordered the 9's today. Sketchey sight but the guy I talked to seemed cool. Thanks for the advive, I'm looking forward to giveing these guys a wirl.

Cheers: Rob