PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK

Curated from 60 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 8, 2025

PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK

Brand: PETZL
Price: $196
Snoop Score:
7.9
Sentiment
7.7
Popularity
8.9
Technical
7.4

Snoop's Take

The PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK is designed for classic mountaineering, providing excellent traction and adaptability for various snow conditions. Users have praised the crampons for their versatility and performance, with one saying, "Petzl Vasak’s work pretty good" on snowboard boots, while others noted that the modular system encourages customization for different adventures. Despite some concerns about weight and compatibility with certain ski boots, the overall feedback suggests that these crampons are highly recommended for mountaineering enthusiasts looking for reliable gear.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Crampons

Climbed wi3 on the grand with them with no issues

Positive Feedback

Wrong crampon attachement for the job.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.9
PETZL VASAK 12-Point Crampon, FLEXLOCK
Technical Ice Climbing
10 / 10
Glacier Travel
10 / 10
Ski Mountaineering
9 / 10
Winter Hiking and Trail Walking
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Crampons

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good traction for climbing
Climbed wi3 on the grand with them with no issues
The heel locks down very tight and I can pull forcefully and apply shearing and twisting forces with no give indicating a potential crampon throw.
I like the look of the blue ice "band" connection instead of the Petzl rope/strings, but the movable center points seem like a gimmick and I'm not sure how good they are in practice.
Petzl Irvis Crampons absolutely NOT fitting right on my Head Kore 1 Ski Boots -- Tips?
Modular system for versatility
Just because I haven’t seen it brought up yet, Petzl crampons are modular, so if you have the Lynx already you can buy just the front half of whichever other petzl crampon you’d like to use and just swap them out.
Buying first crampons and ice axe I want to buy my first crampons and ice axe, and obviously I want them to be as versatile as possible.
Start with something from Petzl - their crampons are really modular, so you can always just buy a different front piece if you want to upgrade.
Petzl Vasak crampons perform well with snowboard boots.
PNW Crampons recommendations for Snowboard Boots? 10 vs 12; BD vs Petzel vs Grivel vs CAMP?
Petzl Vasak’s work pretty good.
Second this, they worked well on my size 9 Burton ions.
Good for general mountaineering
Will I hate climbing in my Petzl Vasak crampons? Hello!
Effective horizontal front points for ice climbing
I think your crampons should be fine. They have horrizontal front points, so they should do great for climbing ice.
I climbed steep ice in Vasaks for years. You will be fine.
Anyone telling you that horizontal points will hold your ice climbing back is probably finding fault with their gear, rather than with their fitness or technique.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Incorrect attachment system for ski boots
Wrong crampon attachement for the job.
Heavier than other options
They're fine, if heavy AF, and the antisnow plate is somehow even worse than the other Petzls.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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7.9
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on aluminum vs steel crampons
it's not that secure a binding, even on rigid boots.
Discussion about suitable crampon options for different snow conditions
Gloves: Quantity over quality. Better to have several cheap pairs to rotate through as they get wet than one fancy pair of gloves.
Irvis Hybrid so far 50 tours. Need new ones now. Can recommend - but use them on proper boots. 😂 tried on approach shoes - sucks!

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on crampon setup for steep ice vs general glacier travel
when fitting them at home may look correct, doesn’t mean the gentleman is incompetent, just means it needs further refinement.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparison of Sarken and Vasak performance
they are definitely better but I would like to know how they perform on softer ground.
Sharken for mixt, Vasak for walking.
On rock and mixed terrain they excel.
Comparison of different crampon models
Was initially thinking grabbing the Petzl leopard, but from what I gather it won't excel in anything more than soft snow.
I replaced my leopards with blue ice Harfangs and never looked back.
General advice on crampon fitting and use
Dear God, please make me a bird so I can fly far, far away from crampon check posts.
They're fine... That gap will close once your walking around on them with a pack on.
Consider fully tightening them
For general glacier travel you might want to move those front points back.
Misinformation about crampon models
Whole lot of misinformation in these comments...
Discussion about comparing different crampon brands
Don't think you can beat that combo to start off with.
they’re great for walking and climbing, plus you can buy new front spikes when you need to
General advice on ice axe selection
I don't understand why you have more technical crampons in your options but are only interested in non technical axes.
Inquiry about compatibility with different boot types.
Pretty cool that your boots can take in semi auto crampons - which snowboard boots are these?!
Comparison of different crampon models and experiences
Thanks u/emhoff I'm definitely happy to hear that I can use them until I get a little more experience and figure out what I would prefer for a dedicated crampon.
Advice on selecting appropriate mountaineering boots.
Buy a boot that is literally rated by the manufacturer/distributor as a “mountaineering” grade boot.
Some need cramping specific boots that have front wedges.
If something is steep and firm enough to need crampons, having one come off could be quite dangerous.
That's not a boot. Which is important because you twist your foot wrong and injuries will happen, the stabby-shreddy type.
Advice on fitting crampons to boots
Currently based in the PNW.
The Irvin’s front and secondary points looked marginally more appropriate for steep ice but the Harfang was more compact.
Also only see the harfangs available for online order.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
User experiences with various crampon setups
I like them, but would much prefer the webbing of the Blue Ice as opposed to the cord.
Blue Ice Harfang Alpine Hybrid: Best mix so far, capable front piece that feels trustworthy in combination with the tape!
Discussion on the effectiveness of crampon types
You won’t hate it, but they will limit you more than others have led on.

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