Magix 10 vs Kahtoola KTS Steel crampons

I'm very happy with my Magix 10s. They've had lots of use, especially lately and always with trail runners, and I have no complaints. With low shoes the upper straps does go a bit above the shoe on the ankle, but I don't find this uncomfortable.

It really comes down to whether you'll need/want the longer spikes of the Magixs. I find them useful for steeper stuff, especially when the snow is a bit mushy.

The magix are currently ~$80 at ems which is hard to beat…but it looks like these come without anti-balling plates (which are $12 from CAMP USA directly, $9 at prolitegear). There are other sites if you do a google shop that are under $100 for the magix 10 with anti-balling plates (but a different design than shown on the CAMP website).

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11755949&emssrcid=GoogleBase:PS11755949

http://www.surfmountain.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=37557&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_name=UnitedStates

http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4134503&cp=3677347.11360109.3688336

David, I saw you have the Magix when I googled them on BPL. I appreciate your thoughts. I am inclined towards them simply because they have the more substantial spikes than the KTS. They also have more traditional, better proven straps, and I'm glad to hear they aren't uncomfortable.

I saw those prices, though not the Hillsounds, and had the same thought about ordering anti-balling plates separately. Glad I'm not the only one frugal enough to think of it.

-Jeff

I have been using DuctTape for anti-balling plates for a couple years. I always get comments on how it works better than store-bought options.