Harfang vs Griffin 12: Which Crampon Suits Your Climb
By Feathered Friends | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Harfang and Griffin 12 crampons on weight, steel vs aluminum construction, and packability to decide which suits glacier travel, classic mountaineering, or fast adjustment needs.
Quick answer
Choose the Harfang if you want compact, lightweight hybrid construction with steel front rails for glacier travel and mixed alpine routes. Choose the Griffin 12 if you prioritize the lightest possible package and ultra-fast adjustment for classic mountaineering and guide work.
Steel vs aluminum: where the difference shows up
The Harfang uses chromoly steel front rails and aluminum rear rails. That hybrid layout puts the harder, more durable steel where the front points contact ice and rock, while the aluminum rear keeps the overall package light. The Griffin 12 does not list its materials in the supplied catalog facts, so you cannot compare its steel content directly from the specifications. If front-point durability on rocky alpine ground is your main concern, the Harfang's steel front rails are the clearer choice on paper.
Packability and adjustment: compact vs fast
The Harfang is built around a fully adjustable flexible central textile strap that connects the front and back rails, which lets it fold into an incredibly compact package in your pack. That matters on long approaches where every liter of pack space counts. The Griffin 12 is described as the lightest in its class and ideal for those seeking ultra-fast adjustment, which suits guides and mountaineers who regularly change boots or resizing between users. The Harfang's heel lever has micro adjustment, but the catalog does not specify a comparable fast-adjust system on the Griffin 12 beyond the general description.
Boot fit and center points
The Harfang includes floating aluminum center points that can be adjusted to the geometry of individual boots, plus a fixed pivoting rear cable. That is useful if you wear a boot with an unusual sole curve or if you share the crampons across different boots. The Griffin 12 catalog facts do not list a comparable adjustable center-point feature, so if you need to fine-tune contact points to a specific boot, the Harfang gives you more documented fit options. Neither product lists available option types in the supplied data, so confirm binding style and boot compatibility with the store before ordering.
Price and value
At catalog prices of USD 118.77 for the Griffin 12 and USD 122.37 for the Harfang, the difference is small relative to the construction differences. Both are listed with a comparison price of USD 179.95. The decision should come down to construction and fit features rather than the roughly USD 3.60 price gap.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Durability vs weight: The Harfang's chromoly steel front rails favor durability on rocky alpine terrain; the Griffin 12 favors the lightest possible package. Pick the Harfang if front-point wear is a concern, the Griffin 12 if weight is your priority. Check how much rock or mixed ground your route includes before deciding.
- Pack space vs adjustment speed: The Harfang folds compactly via its flexible central textile strap, which helps on long approaches. The Griffin 12 emphasizes ultra-fast adjustment, which helps guides and anyone switching boots frequently.
- Fit tuning vs simplicity: The Harfang offers floating aluminum center points and a heel lever micro adjustment for fitting individual boots. The Griffin 12 catalog facts do not list comparable center-point adjustment, so choose the Harfang if you need documented fit tuning. Confirm binding style and boot compatibility with the store, since option types are not listed.
Product facts
- Griffin 12 Crampon: Described as the lightest crampon in its class with ultra-fast adjustment. If you change boots often or count grams on long routes, this is the main reason to pick the Griffin 12.
Griffin 12 Crampon - Harfang Crampon: Compact 10-point hybrid with chromoly steel front rails and aluminum rear rails, plus a flexible central textile strap for packability. The steel front rails add durability on rocky ground while the folding strap keeps pack space small.
Harfang Crampon - Harfang Crampon: Floating aluminum center points adjust to individual boot geometry, with a heel lever micro adjustment and fixed pivoting rear cable. This gives you more documented fit tuning if you wear unusual boots or share crampons between users.
Who should choose which
Best for
- Harfang: glacier travel and mixed alpine routes where steel front rails and compact packing matter
- Griffin 12: classic mountaineering and guide use where the lightest package and fast adjustment are priorities
Not for
- Harfang: mountaineers who prioritize absolute minimum weight over front-point durability
- Griffin 12: climbers who need documented adjustable center points for unusual boot geometry
