Grödel poles are versatile: In winter - in ice and snow on flat terrain, but also on hilly field and forest paths.
What are Grödel and what are they used for?
Grödel bikes are versatile: In winter - in ice and snow on flat terrain, but also on hilly field and forest paths. They are also suitable for fishing on frozen waters, hunting, hiking and everyday walks.
Basics in alpine sports: the Grödel test
This blog post is intended to inform you and help you decide what to buy: Spikes, Grödel or crampons:
Which Grödl is right for me?
1. what are crampons and what are they used for?
2. spikes, crampons or crampons?
3. how do I put on spikes, crampons and crampons? How do I attach spikes, Grödel and crampons to my boots?
4. How do I clean my Grödel?
5. How do I store Grödel & Co correctly?
6. Are there special Grödel for children?
7. What can I do if my Grödel is rusty?
8. Conclusion: A Grödel for Cinderella
1 What are Grödel and what are they used for?
Grödel crampons are the simplest form of crampons, which is why they are also known as half crampons. They are used on hikes and provide grip thanks to their prongs. They are used for safe walking in the snow, for crossing old snow fields and icy sections of trail.
In contrast to crampons, they usually only have four to six prongs and no front prongs. However, they are significantly lighter and can be attached more quickly. The big advantage of crampons is that they are relatively light and inexpensive and can also be worn with shoes that are not crampon-compatible.
You can use Grödel not only for alpine sports but also for tobogganing, in everyday life on icy roads, when fishing and hunting or on wet and steep meadows.
As Grödel, unlike crampons, have no spikes at the front, you should only use Grödel on relatively flat terrain and otherwise use crampons. You are more stable on these. You also have more grip, as the prongs are at the front and can dig into ice and firm snow.
Grödel are used on hikes and their prongs provide a stable grip on winter surfaces such as firn, snow or frozen, icy snow.
2. spikes, Grödel or crampons?
Spikes or shoe claws are the simplest way to keep your shoes from slipping on snow and ice.
Spikes consist of rubber that is pulled over the shoes. On the underside are robust stainless steel spikes that are positioned on the heel. The heel spikes are particularly important, as the human foot touches down with the heel first when walking. The remaining studs are located under the ball of the foot and support the forefoot.
Spikes are only used on level ground and are not a substitute for grödel or crampons. Spikes are not suitable for shoes with heels and also not for soft floor coverings, as they could cause permanent damage to the floor.
In the past, spikes had about four to six prongs and were located in the middle of the foot. They only covered part of the sole of the foot. As this was uncomfortable when walking, the models were developed further.
Today's Grödel models are chains with prongs that are firmly attached to an elastic rubber ring. To put them on, the rubber ring is pulled over the shoes, which is much quicker than putting on classic Grödel with straps.
As with snow chains for cars, there is a mesh of stainless steel chain links under the shoe, to which additional spikes are attached.
They are used on hikes and their prongs provide a stable grip on wintry surfaces such as firn, harsch or frozen, icy snow. As the rubber is very elastic, these grödel can be worn with many different shoes.
These grödels are also very popular outside of alpine sports thanks to their versatile design. They are also suitable for tobogganing, ice fishing, hunting or walking on field and forest paths.
As these grödel are relatively light and do not take up much space, they fit in every rucksack and can be used quickly when needed.
Please note that grödels should never be used in high mountains or on rocks, as they do not provide enough grip and grödels do not have front points like crampons.
Crampons have even more points. Additional front points and an even more stable fit on the shoe give crampons a great deal more stability.
However, you really need to check whether your mountain boots are crampon-compatible.
There is no way around crampons if you want to go on high alpine tours. If there is always rock under the snow or you have to cover longer distances on bare ice, the demands on the durability of the material increase.
Lightweight crampons or grödel wear out too quickly in this situation, which can be dangerous on long tours. You should carry a pair of crampons with frontal points in your rucksack, especially on ski tours when there are always difficult passages to negotiate.
3. how do I put on spikes, Grödel and crampons?
Spikes are put on like socks, in this case over the shoe. Ideally in the following order: first with the forefoot, then the heel. Make sure you choose the right size for you so that the spikes fit securely.
The spikes are often supplied with additional stainless steel spikes that can be easily attached to the sole.
The grödels are put on like spikes. In addition, there is a strap or Velcro fastener that is threaded from left to right to ensure additional stability.
As this type of grödel is very easy to use, they do not have to be laboriously adjusted to the boot at home.
This does not apply to grödel that have to be laced. Here you should do a few dry runs before you go on your first winter hike with Grödeln so that you know how to lace them up properly. These Grödeln are tied to the respective shoe with straps over the instep and at the back of the heel. You also have to adjust the width of these grödel to the shoe. The two-part frame is usually connected by screws. If you want to change the setting, loosen them with a wrench and then tighten them again.
In general, Grödel boots should not be too loose, otherwise they can slip under the sole, which can be dangerous. The crampons should also not be laced too tightly, as otherwise blood circulation can be impeded.
Unlike spikes and crampons, most adjustments have to be made to crampons so that they fit correctly on your boot or ski boot.
First of all, the length is adjusted and adapted to the size of your boot. There is often a toggle lever that is pushed to the side so that the length of the bar can be adjusted. At the front, there is a basket in which the tip of the boot, i.e. the toes, are placed. For ski boots there are metal stirrups instead of cups. At the back of the heel section, there are two small limits. If you have adjusted the length of the crampons correctly, the boot should now be firmly in place. The bridge is then folded onto the heel. You should be able to do this without too much effort.
It is important that the rear pair of prongs is not longer than the shoe. This means that the prongs should end 1 - 1 ½ cm inside the sole of the shoe and not beyond. If the rear prongs protrude too far, this can be very dangerous when descending and you could easily get tangled up in the snow and trip. Also pay attention to the wear on your shoe or the sole of your shoe.
4 How do I clean my Grödel?
Grödel poles are very easy to care for. After use, you only need to remove any dirt from them and allow them to dry. To prevent rust from forming, you can also rub the crampons dry with a cloth.
5 How do I store Grödel & Co correctly?
Grödel should always be stored dry, preferably in a small bag. A pack sack is often supplied in which you can store the grödel.
6. are there special grödel for children?
Depending on the size, many unisex models are also suitable for children's shoes. There are special models for children for both spikes and crampons.
7. what can be done to prevent rust on the Grödel?
If you discover light rust on your grids, you can simply sand it away. Fine-grained sandpaper or a commercially available scouring sponge is suitable for this. Otherwise Lifehack Coca Cola and aluminum are also a tried and tested trick to get rid of rust spots.
Our grödel are made of durable stainless steel and have 18 tips.
8. conclusion: A grödel for Cinderella
To find out which model is right for you, you should ask yourself the following questions:
Is the terrain flat, hilly or steep?
How much grip do I need?
What type of terrain is it? Snow, ice or rock?
How is the handling of the respective model?
When asking these questions, you may realize that it is not a matter of preference but of technical specifications. Unfortunately, you won't be able to use lightweight spikes in alpine terrain as the small spikes won't offer you any safety.
If it's cold and icy outside and you need to separate the wheat from the chaff in the yard, spikes are the right choice for you. If you then have to go into the forest and cross wide snowfields, you should reach for snowshoes. They will also give you a secure grip if you need to walk faster to hide from unwanted princes and princesses. What's more, you can quickly and easily slip on the elasticated grödeln.
If you have to escape over a mountain or glacier, you should use crampons with front teeth.
No matter what kind of Cinderella you are, we hope that we have been able to help you with this article and make your decision to buy easier.
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