Um, guys. GSB is being discontinued as of now, certainly for the Manta, and I believe is being slowly phased out of the rest of Scarpa's range as well. Cotswolds have dumped their entire stock of GSB Mantas and we're selling off our last ones (got a few already without the binding option). The Manta, in particular, is where the problems have been: the rubber around the wee hole got eaten by the metal of the crampon, making the hole too big for the crampon to be at all secure.
Plus, that wee hole gets filled up with shite when you don't have the crampon on, by all accounts.
The GSB crampons can be converted to 'classic' metal toe bails as the GSB spike can be removed & standard spacers fitted and the front section has the holes already there to take the metal bail. Some suppliers keep the parts in stock.
So all is not lost if you do have any problems with GSB or if you replace your boots with non GSB compatible..
Personally, I think its a very good system, very quick to fit & I've had no problems with mine. Most independant reviews are also very positive.
I should also add that the plastic insert (spacer) below the front of the sole mentioned in the article isn't needed for all boot types - the Freney XT's don't need it.
I have to agree with Ian. I've used the GSB system on the Scarpa Mirage boots for the last couple of winters now, and I have been rather impressed. Never had a problem with the wee hole getting bunged, but have found that they are very quick to fit. I was intially a bit sceptical when I first used hem, and was wary of the potential stress areas at the front of the boot, but a bit of use put my mind at ease. Also found the fit to be secure and positive and more than capable of a bit of frontpointing on ice.
Was disappointed to find that the system is being discontinued, especially with the softer rubber at the front of the Mirage sole wearing more quickly than expected. But they can be resoled, and I expect a few more seasons out of them yet. Glad to read the section in Ian's post about the metal bail. I may invest in this to extend the use of these crampons. Although in saying that, I do also have the G10s and G14s (bit of a Grivel fan when it comes to spikes).
Any ideas if any suppliers in the North West are stocking the metal bails?
Sad to hear GSB being phased out. I too was doubtful when i bought the system but now i love it. The little hole in the front of my freney boot has never clogged up and shows no wear. They have been used in the alps, scotland and the lakes . . Best fitting crampons I have had, a better fit than a metal bail by far. I wonder if it is only being phased out on the Mantas.
