Trango Raptor Ice Tools Review

I am in the market for a new set of technical ice tools and am wondering about the Trango Raptor Ice tools. I have done some research and it doesn't seem like anyone has too much to say about the latest version of them. Any thoughts on the tool?

They rule. Go for it. Couple of downsides are the lack of ability to add a hammer and the rubber around the base of the primary and secondary grips seems to wear out fairly quickly. Incredible tool though.

I picked up a pair this year and have been very pleased. The geometry is similar to the Nomics, the price is right, the ice pick sticks really well - I don't have a whole lot of complaints. Adding a hammer would be nice for alpine, but that's not too much of a downside considering how well they climb.

Best tools I've ever used. Screaming good value to boot.

Nate K wrote:i owned them and sold them. I didnt like them because the pick angle is too steep and the swing is more of a chop. picks are heavy and clunky and tent to shatter ice out around them.

You're describing my experience when they first came out: too steep for pure ice, and too thick at the tip (that was actually a manufacturing error - they forgot the taper, I was told - on many of the tools, and the picks were replaced by Trango). You didn't get the ice picks? SO MUCH better.

I own a pair of 2nd gen Raptors. I also have Nomics. The Raptors are nice tool but I prefer the Nomic overall. If price is a concern, go with the Raptors. However, if you want the better tool, stick with the Nomic.

A few notes about the Raptor.

It is more top-heavy than Nomic so sticks are usually very good. Sometimes, it penetrates a little too easily. Combine that with the pick design (the teeth on the top of the tool) and it can be difficult to pull out.

The grip feels a little thinner in my hand compared to the Nomic. My wife likes it while I prefer the Nomic grip. The rubber material on the Raptor is not as grippy as the Nomic. The grip tape on the 2nd hand position on the Nomic is way stickier then the Raptor's rubber but much less durable.

The pick angle for both tools is nearly identical - at least I haven't noticed any adjustment to my swing between the 2 tools. The Raptor has more flex than the Nomic. It also has a better clip-in point in the handle compared to the Nomic. The handle design also makes the Raptor more apt at skidding around a little when resting on ice since it is the rubber fang that makes contact and provide little friction/grip with the ice. The Nomic seems less prone to this.

Happy climbing.

I bought raptor's in biginning of december... after 5 climbs head is loose from the shaft... send it back To trango. They gave me brand new pair. After 2 climbs... head is loose from the shaft!!! My opinion.. these tools are shit!