Advnture Verdict
Just as with the G12 – the G10’s more technical big brother – this is a rugged and reliable crampon built to take plenty of use and abuse. So, if you’re looking for a general winter hillwalking crampon and don’t need the steep snow performance of a 12-point design, the G10 is a solid choice that won’t let you down.
Pros
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Lightweight
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Easy and secure fit
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Robust and reliable
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Fits almost all most boot sizes
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Wide version for ski mountaineering or telemark boots
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Available in strap or semi-auto bindings
Cons
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Not suitable for more technical terrain
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Grivel G10: first impressions
The Grivel G10 is the brand’s classic ten-point crampon, intended for general mountaineering use. The tried-and-tested design comes in two versions: the New-matic clip binding (with a front bail and rear leverlock for boots fitted with a heel welt) and the versatile New-classic strap binding (main review image) for any B1-rated boot (see best winter hiking boots for an explanation of the B1 / B2 / B3 ranking system).
These G10 crampons are constructed from the same steel are the rest of Grivel’s steel crampon range, making them both strong and durable. It’s a Nickel Chrome Molybdenum steel alloy, which has a couple of upsides compared to stainless steel. Firstly, it is easier to sharpen, which you’ll appreciate when it’s time to go to work with a stone or file on your crampon points after a couple of winter seasons’ use. According to Grivel, it’s also superior to stainless steel in terms of toughness, hardness and resistance to fatigue at low temperatures.
On the other hand, it is slightly less resistant to corrosion because of the lower chromium content, so you’ll need to give these crampons a little more TLC to ward off rust. (The same proviso applies to our review of the Grivel G12 crampons – don’t come back from a day on the hills and simply leave them to fester in a damp bag! )
But how do they fare when we tested them for our best crampons buying guide? Read on to find out…
• RRP: $140 (US) / £115 (UK) / €120 (EU)
• Weight (58cm version): 8770g / 27.2oz
• Materials: Painted Nickel Chrome Molybdenum steel, ABS plastic, nylon webbing
Grivel G10: in the mountains
Whether you go for the simpler New Classic binding or the New Matic binding with a rear lever lock (only suitable for B2-rated boots), both versions of the Grivel G10 are easy to fit and adjust, thanks to a sliding, flexible steel bar with a spring-loaded locator.
Out of the box they will fit boots from EU size 35 to 46 (UK size 2.5 to 12). Longer bars, sold separately, are available for larger sizes. In addition, a wider version of the G10 is also available, designed for use with broader ski mountaineering or telemark boots. As such, it’s a versatile crampon that will suit many different types of adventurers.
They use the standard Grivel antibot system underfoot too, which ensures minimal snow build-up under most conditions. You’ll need to try and get a close fit with the sole of your boot to ensure no snow works its way inside the anti-balling plate, but this is less of an issue with the G10s than with some of Grivel’s other crampons, since the front section is curved to mimic the rocker of most winter walking boots.
The points are fairly short, aiding balance on uneven frozen terrain (such as mixed rock and ice). They are still sturdy enough to bite well in hard-packed snow though – although as a 10-point crampon, note that the G10s are not designed for more technical use on steeper ground.
All in all, when used as intended, they have few drawbacks, which makes them the perfect choice for winter hillwalking when conditions demand a true crampon rather than just a set of ice grippers or micro spikes (such as those from Yaktrax and Kahtoola – read more on that subject in our microspikes vs crampons article).
