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Black Diamond Cobra in 2021
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Ok, I’m just wondering: Do people actually still buy this thing? I’ve never used it, and am not in the market. I do know that people that use it tend to love it. I can see that it was a big deal when it came out and subsequently updated, but in today’s market, is it really worth 400 bucks per tool? What makes it so amazing? I have used the other tools in its class, and they are all great and all around half the price...so what gives? I’m surprised they can still sell this thing at this price. Most things I’ve seen or read about it are from 8-10 years ago. I just wonder how it can compete with other tools. |
DeLa Cruce wrote: They are the best pure ice tool ive ever swung hands down, and I've tried pretty much every tool around. They swing beautiful and have enough clearance to get over bulges,m and with the new picks they almost feels like cheating. If you're looking for a tool for pure ice, alpine, and easier mixed I can't reccomended it enough. You have to swing a pair to understand |
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I've only swung them briefly on the ground. I'd like to try them for real, also been curious because those who love them really love them. I will say that if you find benefit from an "ergo" handle to shake out I doubt any tool without one is going to feel as capable no matter how magically it swings. I've found that people who recommend straighter shaft/handle tools for pure ice tend to fall into a couple of categories. 1) they are climbing mostly hero ice, no need to shake when it's 1 swing sticks all day 2) they are crushers and don't need an offset jug to shake out on, pretty much anything is good enough for their Popeye arms I am weak and climb shitty ice. X Dreams for me. YMMV. If you're climbing on Quarks or North Machines and satisfied then I'd definitely be eager to try Cobras in your shoes. |
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I've had a pair of the Cobras since they released the current, leashless version (10+ plus years ago?). Back then, I assume they were one of the best tools available. What Kevin wrote above ("best pure ice tool") I have heard many times before, but I have to respectfully disagree. Once I got a pair of X-Dreams, pure ice became much easier. Now, I only will use the Cobras on alpine ice up to WI4. Today, I think of the Cobras as being in the same league as the Quarks = a good all around tool, good for moderate alpine climbing, but I would never want to use them on steep ice. |
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They’re a good alpine tool for routes that have a lot of snow climbing but still have ice and rock pitches. I like the feel of them way more than the quarks. Matching/shaking out on them on steep water ice is awkward. I’ll still bring them on alpine routes up to WI4 M5. Once it gets harder than that I’m bringing nomics then I’ll just deal with the worse performance on snow because the performance on steep ice and mixed is that much better IMO. I’ve watched people hike WI6 with cobras though so I’m just soft. I like them but would never pay retail for a pair |
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Agree with Redford and SE that they are awesome all rounders and a little better than Quarks IMO, but as things start to go over WI4+, you’d just prefer X’s or Nomics. Pure ice or not. Only thoughts per Jdejace’s comments are again, on WI 4 or below terrain, few axes stick better first swing than the Cobra, hero ice or not. The easy stick and slim grip produces less fatigue and requires less need for shakej out in my experience, so it offsets. As for the price question? Yes, kinda crazy and the only reason they are not the first axe everyone buys |
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It would be fun to see sales stats. It’s tough to see this tool being competitive in today’s market at that price—not saying it isn’t a great tool..but it’s over the top compared to its competitors |
