New this season from Petzl, Lynx crampons bring an alternative twist to crampon options. Aimed at the higher end of the grade scale, they come with a combination of modular front points and interchangeable front bindings so that they can fulfil a number of roles. Set up with a front bail arm and either asymmetric or mono front points, they fall squarely into the C3 bracket and will happily tackle everything from roadside ice-climbs to full-on high-angled mixed climbs. In the cradle binding mode, and with a standard symmetric front point set-up, they fill the classic C2 role and are at home tramping over winter Munros or ticking Alpine 4000m peaks. At the lofty price of £190, investment in them will demand careful consideration, but the fact that they are modular with serviceable forged steel front points means they should have a long life; and year for year, if you do a lot of climbing, the Petzl Lynx may be a good long-term buy.
Materials forged chromoly steel
Classification C2/C3
Sizes one size fits 35-50cm (optional link bars)
Weight 1080g (pair, including anti-balling plates)
Website www.petzl.com