A LOOK-style pedal is a LOOK-style pedal, right? Not quite. At least not so with the Sampson s5. What’s different on it? Quite a bit. First off is a cover over the rear catch spring tension dial; the bolt rests on a plastic catch. The cover, designed to keep sand and grit out (and winter’s frozen road spray) on first glance looks fragile. But in talking to Sampson Sports namesake Eric Sampson, it’s a non-issue. “The cover is simply a stop for the bolt and doesn’t have any pressure on it,” Sampson said. “I could have put a standard metal tab back there to do the same thing, but we get a fully-enclosed spring mechanism this way, for only a few grams.”

The s5 is the entry-level pedal, with a stainless steel axle, and weighs in at 259 grams a set … par for course in what you would expect in a very reasonably priced $139 set of pedals. (Sampson does offer a titanium-spindled version—the s6—which drops the weight to 215 grams per set, and is priced accordingly at $239.)

Penny Thoughts

While the pedals come complete with two sets of cleats (reds and grays providing varying float range options), we wanted to test them with proper LOOK cleats, considering Sampson says the Stratics are capable of receiving LOOK cleats. And many may be coming over from existing LOOK pedals, so we tested as such.

The light action of the Stratics s5 is truly what sets the pedal apart from other varieties.

You’ll note the large 62mm platform—Sampson puts it at 7mm wider than the LOOK Keo Max., and at the same size as the Keo Blade, another pedal LAVA is currently testing) A beautifully-polished alloy contact plate is not only purty, but makes for smooth entry and exit on that slick plate. The axle sports three sealed bearings; not the most fluid, but you can bet it will last forever, and can be easily maintained.

What’s different from what LOOK offers? With the alloy rear catch at its lightest spring tension, the action is much lighter (and easier to get into) than many LOOK pedals we’ve ridden.. We were able to disengage with a light turn of the ankle outward, but also with a light inward ankle turn. Not that it’s a recommended disengagement method, we‘ve never been able to do that with other pedals.

Indeed, you can tighten down the rear spring bolt for a firmer entry and release that you may be more accustomed to, but it’s that light action that really sells this pedal as something different.

For those who prefer a LOOK-style pedal platform but have had knee troubles, or are a smaller athlete with less leg strength to just get out of the pedal at stoplights, we consider the Stratics is a great alternative, a de facto “light action” LOOK-style pedal.

Interestingly, Sampson just released the Stratics Light Action—the same pedal, with an even lighter spring. I don’t know how much lighter the action can get before the shoe has the opportunity to come off the pedal too easily.

While not as light as many LOOK offerings, the s5 counters with two key elements; price and durability. The polished alloy rear catch the alloy platform, and the alloy body on the whole will be certainly stand the test of time.  Add to that a standout easy-in, easy-out capability, and the Stratic s5 makes for a pretty impressive offering. Granted, Haskins is on the s6 with the ti spindle, but we now get why, in an industry full of big-name pedal companies she chose to run with Sampson. They may not be as big, but the product is in many ways superior to the heavy hitters.

For more, visit Sampson Sports at www.sampsonsports.com