Recommended All Mountain Ice Tools.
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Hi MPers, |
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All mountains if you really need versatility, Nomics if you plan on spending lots of time on technical ice. I think the Vipers are good too, but I'd just as soon have the X All-Mountains - I feel they have a technical edge on the Vipers. |
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Nomics! Good enough for Uli, good enough for me. |
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He's asking for an "all mountain tool" and you're suggesting that he get a more aggressive tool,than he already has? Doesn't make sense. |
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Just picked up a pair of these Cassin X-Alp tools with hopes of using them for moderate alpine climbs. Haven't received them yet but they look like they'll do the job. Hopefully. |
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X-Alps were my first tools. Not a bad beginner tool. I'm thinking of adding X-Triggers to make them a little more versatile. They have a heavy swing to them so for really cold days on easier ice I wouldn't mind bringing them back out. |
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Nomics are not all mtn tools. As said above, for all round tool just stick with Vipers. More than adequate if ya take the plastic bits off so you can plunge the tool. Being able to plunge the tool is important as alpine travel can be a real mixed bag. |
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Thanks for all the thoughts so far! |
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Camilo Gomez wrote:I am looking for a tool that climbs vertical Ice and rock like a champ but is still suitable for moderate and easy terrain. I feel like the viper strikes a good balance in this area but then again its the only technical ice tool I have ever used :DI was in the same situation you are, buying some tools for my son. Got him the Cassin All Mountain tools. He really loves them. Very good on steep ice, but will still work well on moderate stuff too. Unlike the Nomics, the All-Mountains are available with a proper adze and hammer, both of which can be quite useful in the mountains. I have a pair of the Black Diamond Venoms mentioned above. They are good on moderate and easy terrain, but not so good on steep ice. Given your requirements, I really think that you want the Cassin All Mountains. |
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Take a look at the |
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I have found the All Mountain to be the perfect balance for moderate and technical ice. They are just long enough to cane with for me, and have a really good spike on the bottom for just that. Also, the light head seems to keep my arms fresh on longer routes. Good luck OP |
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camilio, there's a brand new pair of x all mountains listed on the Denver craigslist for 300 bucks. they've been on there for a week or so but I guess they're still available. |
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haleymay wrote:My Trango Raptors have been a great all around tool for alpine stuff.That handle's not exactly made for plunging in snow. And in my experience the pick angle is way too steep for daggering on moderate slopes. YMMV (obviously). |
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X Alps are great, put the X-Dry handle on them and you're good to go...My primary tool for guiding here in NH...Use them on everything from Shoestring gully to Dracula |
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Petzl Aztarex if you can find a pair. Think they stopped making them... |
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KeithS wrote:X Alps are great, put the X-Dry handle on them and you're good to go...My primary tool for guiding here in NH...Use them on everything from Shoestring gully to DraculaGlad to hear this. I've the same setup but haven't gotten out with them yet. Did you pick up the x-ice leashes with them? |
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If you decide on BD Vipers I have a like-new pair for $300. PM if interested. |
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I have a pair of new generation BD Cobras that I am trying to unload for $400 shipped. They are a great all mountain does everything well tool. |
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Try a bunch of tools out (gear shop or on ice) and see what you actually like. While you'll get a lot of naysayers (bonus don't climb snow/ straight shafted tools don't climb hard ice), being comfortable with your tools is paramount. My one recommendation is to buy the most aggressive tool (within reason) that you think will work for your needs. Seems like a good way to build in some safety margin. |
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PatCleary wrote:Try a bunch of tools out (gear shop or on ice) and see what you actually like. While you'll get a lot of naysayers (bonus don't climb snow/ straight shafted tools don't climb hard ice), being comfortable with your tools is paramount. My one recommendation is to buy the most aggressive tool (within reason) that you think will work for your needs. Seems like a good way to build in some safety margin.+1 All Mountains, Cobras and Vipers are all good choices but try them all and see what works best for you. Don't think one tool is better just cause. |
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MarktheCPA wrote: Glad to hear this. I've the same setup but haven't gotten out with them yet. Did you pick up the x-ice leashes with them?Mark, No leashes. Probably the only thing I'll change out at some point (other than the handle) is a pair of the picks that come standard on the All Mountains...The X-Alp picks are great but filed off the first tooth to better suit ice climbing |