Technical Ice tools, Help me choose
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I have it Narrowed down to a few, any info or experience with these models i have narrowed it down to would be greatly appreciated. |
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Ben, whats up brother. Been a while man, and no, have not had looked at that one but will check it out. |
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Looks like from your choices you looking for mostly an ice tool? Go cobras you won't regret it. |
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Roswell, |
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Stay away from Quarks and go with Camp? Really? |
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Hey, |
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Cale pretty much called it. As have others. |
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What was your primary reason for deciding against the DMM Apex tools Roswell? |
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Great information guys, I really appreciate it. I will be using the tools mainly for alpine and vertical ice. Nothing to technical yet as I am just getting into alpine and ice climbing. I could have iterated on that a little bit more. |
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I've ad the quantum techs for two seasons now and love them. Super light, great for pure waterfall ice and alpine routes. You really cant go wrong with them |
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I would happily climb WI-anything with the tools in your list. They're seriously all good. |
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Tom-o Sapien wrote:What was your primary reason for deciding against the DMM Apex tools Roswell?Really nice tool...but such a bad shade of green :) |
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You should try all of them.. the Petzl Quarks, the Cassin All mountains and the X Dreams and see yourself what feels right. Make your own choice. I can give you the name and contact information of an AMGA guide who owns every ice tool on the market. For $200 you can try every one and then decide. You could also attend either the Adirondack or Mount Washington Valley Ice fests to demo the above tools you have narrowed down. |
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Roswell wrote:I was beginning to move towards the X-all mountain. I also want an pair I can use for a long time as I move into more aggressive ice and overhangs.Roswell, that pretty much sums up what I was looking for when I set out to get tools. I ended up with the X-All Mnts, and they have been pretty amazing. There is a thread or two around here on MP discussing them in length. Don't write them off too quickly. They are a hint heavier than the quarks, but have an amazingly balanced swing, and are aggressively curved to the point, where the grip is actually at a similar angle to the Nomics, in spite of it not being offset. They are also easy on the wallet. They work great on long technical/mixed alpine routes, I've taken them up vertical ice, and done overhanging mixed and dry. Are they the best tool at everything? Very unlikely (dry-tooling with Nomics feels definitely more stable, especially matching), self arrest and plunging is better with the old-school straight shaft, but it's a great all-arounder. And with replaceable spikes, grips, and $35 picks I can't see how you can go wrong. It's def a tool that will grow with you... |
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I love my X-All Mountains. I honestly don't notice that much of a difference between them and Nomics/Cobras on ice, except for the lighter head and difference in swing. Performance wise they do well. Was just up at Grotto Falls in Banff and Brent (who penned the new beautiful select guidebook) glanced around and noted, "Nomics, Nomics, Nomics, Nomics, and one pair of Cassins". I was the odd man out. The Canadians seem to favor the Nomics. |
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One suggestion? Get yourself to an ice fest and DEMO tools. Then choose. Very good results doing that. And for cheap starter tools? I started with the BD Reactors. Very good learning ice tools. Not good for alpine but sometimes you can find a pair for $200 (I did and I learned a lot using these in 3 seasons). |
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You can get the BD Reactor ice tool for $109 each from Gearexpress with free shipping! That's quite a bargain. |
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ChooChoo wrote:You can get the BD Reactor ice tool for $109 each from Gearexpress with free shipping! That's quite a bargain. gearexpress.com/p-2120-blac…Yes it is a bargain. I would however disagree on some of the previous comments. Reactor is a good all around tool, including technical alpine climbing. A few in Scotland that prefer them over newer tools actually. Durable... |
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Thanks to everyone for all the help in choosing a tool. Cannot say how much I appreciate all the valuable information and the time you all took to leave such detailed information on which tools to choose. I have an older pair of Alien straight shaft that will get me through for a while and I am going to try to make an ice fest so i can test out various tools before I buy again. Thanks again guys for giving me the information that I needed. |
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I do agree with Dane on durability. And they might be a fine alpine tool, however if you're just getting into alpine climbing, the leashless handle into the snow on that tool is awkward in the dagger, self-belay, self-arrest positions in my opinion. Although, they CAN be used as an alpine tool and at $109 what an awesome starter tool! I think you should go for it on the Reactor's. |
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Roswell I received the DMM Apex tools yesterday via post. Thank you for the sale. |