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bd fuel vs. nomics

Original Post
oakleaf · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 0

Just a quick question, wondering if anyone out there has climbed on both and can give me some feedback on preference. I'm sure I'm opening up a can of worms but looking for some new tools and short of renting or borrowing both and climbing side by side would love to get some opinions. As far as the geometry goes they look pretty much identical but to honest I have found a fuel set new for way cheap and just making sure if I get those I won't regret not spending the extra coin for the nomics. Thanks for any imput!

MikeSLC · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2007 · Points: 20

Slight preference for fuels, would not spend more on nomics.

alpinejason · · Minneapolis · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 176

If you're getting them "way cheap" your risk is low since you could just resale them on MP no?

Anyway I do like the Fuel a lot. Compared to the Nomic... 6 of one...

I've always liked the handle of the Fusion (now also Fuel) much better than the Nomic.

oakleaf · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2014 · Points: 0

Thanks for the responses so far, also good point Jason.

rocknice2 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 3,847

I bought a new set this fall after doing a lot of trials last winter. All 3 tools I tried were great and would climb with either of them.

Nomics: Probably the best balance tool, light and able to add pick weights too tailor the thump. The handle is good and comfortable.

X-Dreams: Best pick for climbing ice. Handle is very adjustable but I found the picky rest to wide and slightly annoying. Light weight but longest of the 3 which made it less controllable.

Fuels: Best handle, thin, sticky and very comfortable. The heaviest of the 3 but well balanced. Lightyears better than the Fusions. Solid tool with very little flex. Ability to clip spike. Easiest to change out a pick it needed. Pick is clamped into a groove which eliminates any sloppiness.

Again any of these tools will not disappoint. Niether will enable you to climb a half-grade harder over the other. They do have slight advantage and drawbacks.

I finally choose the Fuels for the handle and because I already own the Cobras.

Don't confuse the Fuels with the Fusions. They look almost identical but the balance is totally different.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

Depends on what you climb..

I like the BD Fuels when drytooling and mixed. The tools are burly like the Fusions. I don't feel any flex. I found the Fuels swing different than the Nomics or the X Dreams. So if you like a natural swing go with those. I didn't find them great for WI but given more time I might have.

Some beginners have found the Nomics easy to learn on but I wouldn't spend extra coin.

The X Dreams are hands down best tool for ice.

Marty Theriault · · Quebec, QC · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 310

after over 8 years on Nomics, I traded for X-Dream, by FAR best pure ice tool out there.... I had over 12 paires of modern tool before I recently started selling some, and hands down, X-Dream !

alpinejason · · Minneapolis · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 176

The OP didn't ask about the X-dream but for what it's worth I really don't like them.

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

OP didn't ask about Trango Raptors, but they should be considered as well. Outstanding value and in my hands a better tool than Nomics and X-Dream. Love 'em!

DrApnea · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined May 2011 · Points: 265

No DMM switch love?

rocknice2 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 3,847
DrApnea wrote:No DMM switch love?
Thor is the only one who can lift the Switch.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Ice Climbing
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