Current Black Diamond Viper

Does anybody here use the current version? I only see one review from the UK and it doesn’t say much. Doesn’t look quite as modular as a Quark, but does anyone here like it? Hate it? Why?

I have one. My biggest complaint is how soft the metal is on the pick, the second it comes in contact with rock it deforms. I recently picked up a set of nomics and was astonished how much thinner and more durable the picks are. Be prepared to spend a lot of time filing if you are doing anything besides pure ice climbing.

DeLa Cruce wrote:

Does anybody here use the current version? I only see one review from the UK and it doesn’t say much. Doesn’t look quite as modular as a Quark, but does anyone here like it? Hate it? Why?

I like them. The pick they come with is super beefy and will last a long time. I find that with the natural ice pick they can toe the line with the best of them on steep ice.

wow, two opposite opinions: one guy says the picks suck the other they are beefy! ok. Does it feel head heavy, or evenly balanced between the head and the shaft?

DeLa Cruce wrote:

wow, two opposite opinions: one guy says the picks suck the other they are beefy! ok. Does it feel head heavy, or evenly balanced between the head and the shaft?

They are balanced a bit towards the head but overall they are quite neutral.

I have found them to be great for gully routes here in the North Conway area. A good all around mountaineering tool.

I used them for a two or three seasons and they were a decent tool. I previously used the older (orange) generation of Vipers and didn't notice a huge different. I climbed my first WI5 on them without much struggle. On picks, they come with a pretty tough pick and I chose to swap them for more of the ice focused pick. I believe it was better for pure ice.

Late in the season last year, I was able to purchase the current Nomics and those are fantastic on ice, but I haven't used them on more moderate terrain yet.

Just a follow up, in case any one other potential users are interested. I ordered a viper that came in yesterday (30 day return policy) just to compare with existing tools I have in this class, namely Simond Anaconda and Grivel Matrix Tech. The trapezoidal handle shape on the Viper is less than ideal, and as we know with these BD head attachments, you can’t strip it like you can the Simond. Despite being similar in weight to the Simond, the Anaconda feels lighter, snappier. However, you can’t buy a T-rated pick for the Anacondas. The Anaconda pick is great for ice, but it WILL bend if torqued in rocks. And the griprest on the viper is quite nice, just the shaft shape is a bit strange. Both Anaconda and Matrix tech are nicer to swing. Obviously I can’t really try the viper out in anger or else it won’t be returnable. The viper hammer seems tinny. That’s just an impression, I’m not going to bash stuff unless I decide to keep it. The Matrix tech hammer sucks too. Only the Anaconda would be a “real” hammer on this class of tool, where I don’t think you would gain anything by bringing a third hammer tool. Viper seems solidly built though, like it could take a beating and be a real work-horse tool. Their moving 2nd grip is also leaps and bounds better than the quark trig rest. Just some initial thoughts