Review of Hillsound Microspike Ultra

Rating: Very Good

List Price: $69.95

Purchase: Purchase Map at Hillsound Web Site - Also available at Backcountry, Amazon, etc
Spikes: (18) stainless steel triangular spikes
Spikes Size: 1/2" to 2/3"
Chain: Welded stainless steel
Warranty: 2 years Limited (no information on their web site on how it is limited)
Durability: Waterproof and Tear Resistant

Summary:
For many years Kahtoola ruled the microspike world. But, with the introduction of the Hillsound Microspike Ultra, Hillsound now is the best microspikes on the market. The differences are the spikes 50-100% larger then the Kahtoola microspikes, and the velcro strap that keeps the microspikes from shifting or falling off. But, this improvement doesn't make the Hillsounds perfect. They do have a couple areas where improvement can happen.

Things we DIDN'T like:
Spike placement - When hiking down steep icy hills, the microspikes can slip out. There should be at least one more spike on the center of the rear plate on the heel. This would prevent slip-outs.

The Color of the Elastic Bands - We didn't like the dark blue color. If they fall off the back of your pack, they are difficult to find. Or, if you drop them in deep powder, they are harder to find. We like red much better.

Straps - While the velcro straps prevent the microspikes from shifting or falling off, they are not perfect. We would prefer to see webbing sewn on each side with an adjustable snap buckle in the middle. This would make it much easier to attach.

Retailers - The number of retails in the United States is very limited. Some people complain that retails like EMS, REI, Rock & Snow, etc don't have these microspikes.

Things we DID like:
Spike Size - We love the larger spike size!

Construction of the Chain - The chain has welded links which prevents them from pulling apart. The chains are also stainless steel, and we have never seen one develop rust.

Elastic Bands - The Elastic Bands worked well at any temperature. Even below zero F. The tab at the back was a little hard to grasp, but not terrible.

Velcro Strap - We like the Velcro strap on the front of the microspikes. This keep them from shifting or falling off. This is a huge improvement over the Kahtoola microspikes, which do not have this strap. But, we wish that the straps had a buckle

Layout on Bottom of shoe

Spikes on the front of shoe

Spkes on the back of shoe

Velcro Strap to keep Microspikes
from shifting or falling off shoe

Links and References:

Hillsound

Amazon

Ebay

S E C T I O N S

W E A T H E R

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