Ascent plates

[NotMessner]

Has anyone tried these? "The Billy Goat Ascent Plate is a new Patent Pending alpine snowshoe for technical terrain made from an aluminum plate component that fits between the ski / mountaineering boot and a crampon. The ascent plates are designed to provide just enough floatation in soft snow to take the suffering out of long climbs. By allowing the front points of the crampon to engage the snow normally they still allow the crampon to provide an element of security. THESE ARE NOT TRACTION DEVICES. They are designed for use in soft snow, if the snow is firm enough that the plates are not providing float we recommend that they be removed and carried until soft snow is again encountered. They are designed to assist with front pointing, as in kicking steps straight up. They are not intended for sidehilling on firm snow or other hard surfaces, the side rails are for stiffening purposes and are not intended to be an edge for sidehilling. Ascent Plates are not designed to be used in rocky terrain, hard or variable snow or ice.

The plates are designed to fit a wide variety of crampons and as such there may appear to be some play, especially in the width of the toe bale cut out with some crampons. When properly installed on a boot with a rubber (Vibram) sole the plate will not move regardless of apparent gaps in the fit. If you experience movement let us know and we will review your fit."

 

[G-spotter]

Ive seen a video of dudes kick stepping up Coast Mtn couloirs with those things on. Unless you are shredding gnar descents chopperless I think they are pretty useless.

[Bergretter]

I'm curious about these devices as well. I was pondering the question if you should be on a steep slope wallowing in deep powder anyway. Will these things get you into a place on the mountain you shouldn't be in those conditions? My old school thoughts were if you can't make progress in that type of terrain in those conditions, should you be there?