routemap30m.jpg

It's a bit difficult to see the map at that filesize, but never mind. The LSR Talon was tested over this 10.5m/2500' route today, first impressions are good. My spaghetti scales in the kitchen say that they have gained 50g with the addition of the LSR sole, so at sz9.5 they now weigh about 300g. I spent the afternoon deliberately running over slanty rocks with no concerning levels of slippage, the slabs up on the ridge are quite licheny and dodgy looking, but no slips in the end.

The descent of Slatepit Rigg is fairly steep and rough, with little in the way of clear paths. I pushed hard and was generating shear forces that would certainly make an X Talon lose grip. There was a lot of soggy stodge about, but i could hear the LSR Talon studs tearing into the turf and getting good purchase. I had the confidence to go very fast over fairly tricky ground, and i dropped down the Providence tips faster than i normally do.

Opted to test over the Great Wherny descent route into Kettlewell, seeing as it's popular. I don't like this route because it's too easy, it comes down to who can blow the hardest at the back end of a race. I think people like this one because it's uncomplicated and going fast is piss easy. The sheep had trampled the grass to a quagmire in places, but at full speed with a big stride the LSR Talon felt solid. I was surprised to see once i'd reached the bottom that the forefoot was not clogged with mud at all (this is the bit i land on). The heel was a bit gummed up, but no more than a Walsh would be.

It's going to be interesting to see how quickly they wear out and at what point they become trail shoes. I'd definitely like to try these on the treacherous middle section of the Wansfell descent and Dunnerdale, they seem to me to be a very grippy pattern.