The Crankbrothers Mallet 3 steps up the performance from the Mallet 2 by adding a more durable outer chassis and highly functional adjustable traction pins. It balances downhill stability with clip-in control, making it a favorite for aggressive enduro, free-ride, and downhill mountain bikers.
Key Upgrades Over the Mallet 2
Adjustable Traction Pins: Features 6 adjustable pins per side, allowing you to fine-tune your grip against the shoe sole.
Upgraded Wing Material: Built with a tougher 17-4PH stainless steel wing assembly. (The Mallet 2 utilizes basic stamped steel.)
Premium Weight Reduction: Shaves off a few grams to weigh in at 499 grams per pair.
Core Technical Specifications
Body Material: Two-piece design combining durable 6061-T6 aluminum with a rugged composite inner.
Spindle & Bearings: Forged SCM 435 chromoly steel spindle with an internal Igus LL-glide bushing, an external Enduro cartridge bearing, and a double seal system.
Q-Factor: Standard 52mm spacing.
Float & Release: 6° of cleat float paired with a customizable 15° or 20° release angle.
Performance Considerations
Mud-Clearing Ability: Reviewers from OutdoorGearLab and Blister Review praise the Mallet 3 for its incredible capacity to clear mud, ensuring consistent performance in challenging conditions.
Cornering Stability: Allows riders to lean hard into off-camber corners without accidentally unclipping.
Entry Feel: Testers at off-road.cc note that the Crankbrothers entry style can feel a bit vague or soft compared to the mechanical "snap" of a Shimano SPD click mechanism.
This pedal is designed for riders who demand both precision and durability, making it a top-tier choice for serious mountain biking enthusiasts.
