Great video, I would like to ask a question if you can help me. I have a boot that is supposedly B1, as it has no extra features to take on C2 or C3 crampons (though I can hardly bend it, so it could also be B2 on the stiffness scale, I am not sure). So I bought some C1 crampons for them. I know that supposedly, C1 crampons on B1 boots (or maybe B2) aren't meant for anything extreme. I have personally managed to climb a 26-degree slope on hard-packed snow, which isn't anything extraordinary, but it isn't small either, and the boots had no problem doing that. The crampons also stayed firmly on them without any movement, which gave me the impression that they could go well beyond 26 degrees. I've also read on the internet that they could hold their own for slopes of up to 45 degrees, but I don't know if that's true. So, realistically speaking, what are the limits of B1 boots with C1 crampons? Or maybe B2 with C1?
Thanks for the question. It’s a hard one to answer as it depends massively on the person who is wearing the boot! So, assuming a good fit between the boot and the crampon, someone who is very comfortable on steep snow and ice is going to be happier with a C1 on steeper terrain that someone who is new to the game. Let’s not forget that the first ascents of many steep ice routes were done with no crampons and by cutting steps and hand holds with an axe! Not that I’m endorsing that approach, but it does highlight my point. Regardless, C2s and above are going to perform better than C1s as the ground gets steeper - that’s a fact, due to the design.
@@lakelandhighlandascents Yeah, that's true. I've only tested mine on hard-packed snow up to 26°, and around 40-45° by cutting steps without crampons. I still haven't had the chance to go on something very steep as I don't know a lot of people so they can trust me, but I am thinking of just going for a B3 with a C3 when I have some money.
The boots in the vid aren't the Rapace, but Rapace are a B2. They'll take a C2 or C1 crampon. Just not a C3 as they don't have the front 'lip' for the wire bail.
