Crampon Comparison – Petzl Lynx and Petzl Dart (from 2019 onwards) – Focus: Ice Climbing
As of 2019, when Petzl introduced the new Dart at the ISPO trade show, the comparison between the Lynx and Dart crampons required a fresh look. Previously, many climbers chose the Lynx simply because the Dart didn’t feature replaceable front points. With the updated Dart, that has changed. I’ve used the new Dart for a few ice-climbing seasons, and thanks to Tobi, I’ve been able to directly compare it with the Lynx front section.
According to Petzl, the Lynx is more versatile, designed for technical mountaineering, mixed climbing, and ice climbing. Meanwhile, the Dart is specialized for ice climbing and dry tooling, targeting more demanding routes. Both crampons share the same rear section; the Dart is slightly lighter and orange, while the Lynx is black.
What Lynx and Dart Have in Common
Both crampons are made by Petzl and are compatible with the same front points, toe bails, center bars, and other components. The front sections have equal width and offer three positioning options for the front points, allowing configurations with mono-point, dual-point, or asymmetrical dual-point setups. 
The anti-snow plates on the Dart include embedded screws and are removable, similar to those on the Lynx.
The Lynx anti-snow plates are slightly different but have a similar front design.
Differences Between the Two Crampons
Looking at the underside of the anti-snow plates, the Lynx front section is slightly longer. The Dart features small forward-facing points next to the front point, which the Lynx lacks. 
The Lynx’s anti-snow plate has openings but no additional points, serving solely to prevent snow clumps from forming.
The Dart anti-snow plate features multiple openings with sharp points, providing better grip on narrow ice features, such as cauliflower ice.
The Dart also has small secondary points between the rear points, located at the corners rather than at the rear edge like on the Lynx.
From the side, another ice-climbing-specific difference emerges. The Dart includes an additional secondary point after the front point, which the Lynx lacks. The Dart’s design is more focused on stability on ice structures, like cauliflower ice. The rear points also differ slightly in shape and positioning.
From above, you can see structural differences. The Lynx front section is longer and features a central support beam, which the Dart does not have. The Dart’s center bar is concealed under the anti-snow plate, whereas the Lynx’s bar is visible beneath the plate. The Dart is slightly narrower in the middle than the Lynx.
Here’s the weight comparison, with each crampon equipped with a single front point. According to my measurements, the Dart front section is 58g lighter per piece. The total weight will depend on the other components used.
Conclusion
Usage If you’re tackling technical mountain routes but occasionally venture onto ice, the Lynx will likely serve you better. However, if your focus is ice climbing, the Dart is the superior choice, especially on highly structured ice.
Is Upgrading from Lynx to Dart Worth It?
If you already own the Lynx but have developed a passion for ice climbing, upgrading to the Dart is worth considering. Since all other components are compatible, you can simply purchase the Dart front sections for easy swapping.
