New vs. old Grivel 360 Ice Screws

Opinions please!

I really like using the Grivel 360 ice screws because the smooth reversed threads do not crack cold ice like others and the small hanger needs little clearance, allowing for more and easier secure placement possibilities. I completely resolved the racking issue by putting two screws per carabiner, front-to-back. I've owned eight since their introduction and a few from BD. The BD are less fiddly to start but are surpassed by Grivel in those other ways.

I just ordered two new Grivel 360's and looks like they've changed the hanger to be the offset type. I suspect that Grivel did this in response to racking complaints. But now the small head that I've enjoyed is gone, although the new head is bent outwards at an angle to help minimize the ice clearance problem. I'm considering taking on the hassle to return then and search for new old stock of the old smaller head style. I don't even know when Grivel made the switch since I haven't bought new screws for awhile.

Anyone have experience with both the old & new Grivel 360 screws and have an opinion to help me decide! Thanks & happy American Thanksgiving!

- RalphE

Old thread but wondering what you ended up doing?

Nathaniel -

I ended up going with the old style and still prefer them. I found a few nice ones for sale on MP and would consider buying more.

Notice that there is an old style 360 and an older/oldest style. The oldest style has a J-bend in the crank handle at the screw eye (the one that's far left in photo), and the old style has a crimped barrel to capture it in place (2nd from left in photo). The crimped barrel is preferred because it won't catch on things and is more robust.

Hi Ralph,

I have too many of the old style 360's, nice and sharp and going unused the last season or two. I'd sell you a couple if you want, or perhaps trade for your new-style ones.

Kathy

Kathy:

I'm actively sniffing for 360s...old or new, sent you a PM in case you're willing to sell a few to me...mostly looking for the stubbie size

I think the tooth profile is more aggressive on the new ones too

I have been a huge fan of the Grivel 360s-and I have 5 of them. I recently bought the new petzls and will likely be buying a lot more of those as well I stead of the grivels. They don't seem to crack the ice-similar to the grivels and require much less site preparation and real estate compared to bd screws.

If you don't like grivels new 360s you may want to take a look at the relatively new petzls.