Kahtoola KTS Alum. vs Steel vs CAMP XLC 490’s

I have the XLC 490's.
I think they're a great lightweight crampon for non-technical backpacking/climbing/hiking- I used them on a mellow hike this morning. Just don't step on rock with aluminum spikes unless you want to replace them every trip.
They fit trail runners and light hiking boots well and come on and off easily.

A word of advice (no offense if you're already aware of this- I always mention it to people I know that are looking into getting crampons):
If it's steep/hard enough that you need crampons and an axe to cross it, I strongly recommend getting training and practicing arrests before heading out somewhere. An axe is one thing, but if you fall and slide with crampons on and aren't in the habit of keeping your feet up, you're going to be in big trouble.

I have the camps – I am careful with them on rock.

I had a problem with them coming off my leather mtnring boots, will try them with my plastic boots. I am considering the Kahtoolas to go with my leather boots.

check out this thread on another site:

http://www.telemarktalk.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=25674&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

the posts from "Da Yoda" appear informative.

Thanks for that like. It really helped. I'm going with the steel Kahtoolas. Found them at mgear.com for $30.00 off.