Voile Splitboard Crampon Review

Crampons are used when splitboarding to gain better traction. Voile makes a crampon that integrates with the Voile Split Kit, and can be attached to the board or to the binding plate.  So do these simple crampons really help, and do they stand up to that elements?

Crampons can be a big assistant when the conditions are icy, or traction is a necessity.  If you have ever been on the traverse and felt the annoyance of side slipping the Voile Crampon may just be for you.  Additionally, DIY or homemade splitboards without an inside edge can really benefit from using crampons for better edge control when traversing.

The crampon has a fixed mode where is locks to the board by sliding under the heel plate and attaching to the rotating pin.  The crampon can also be released from the riser plate and attached to the binding plate by a small rotating plastic piece that slides into the bottom of the plate and allows articulation as the binding rotates while ascending the mountain.  This option reduces drag and only engages the snow when the foot is firmly planted making it a nice option for those “I’m not sure if i’ll need them on this hike or not” moments.  The fixed mode is recommended for use when you are in an exposed area where you need safe and secure steps each foot plant along the way. While the rotating position can be used for all around movement around the mountain, on less steep ascents.

When we used the voile crampons for the first time it was a nice slushy sunny day. The hill we were traversing had a very bad skin track we were following up, with almost no level tracks.  The crampons allowed us to still maintain the climb by engaging the crampon perpendicular to the fall line of the mountain.  There was still some lateral movement under foot, but drastically better than without the crampon.

Overall, for the weight of just under a pound and the cost of under a hundred bucks it a very “Nice to have” piece to have with you even if you don’t use it all the time.

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