Petzl Lynx Crampons - One Size

Why it's worth it

The Lynx swaps between long mono-point, short mono-point, dual-point and asymmetric dual-point front configurations, so one pair covers steep water ice, technical mixed moves and general alpine terrain. It needs a stiff boot with a heel welt, and it's the priciest thing here.

The modularity isn't a gimmick — it's the reason to buy this crampon. Petzl designed the Lynx so the front points come off and go back on in a different geometry. Long mono for maximum penetration on steep ice. Short mono for precise, fiddly mixed moves. Dual points when you want stability on a fat ice column. Asymmetric dual for general alpine ground. That's four crampons' worth of behavior in one pair, and you carry one pair.

Think about how climbing progresses. You start on WI3 and glacier ground, and a couple of seasons later you're on steeper stuff with rock in the middle of it. Most people solve that by buying a second, more aggressive pair and letting the first set gather dust. The Lynx pushes that purchase years down the road, which is a real argument for spending more up front. You reconfigure it instead of replacing it.

From our review of 6 crampons for ice climbing and mountaineering, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +The modularity isn't a gimmick — it's the reason to buy this crampon
• +Think about how climbing progresses
• +The LEVERLOCK UNIVERSEL binding fits most boots with a heel welt, and a step-in bail matters more than people expect
• +It's steel, which is the right call for anything hard

What to know

• –You need the right boot
• –It's the most expensive option in this guide, and the modularity only pays off if you actually use it