Best ice tool for climbing reddit. away from the ice axe paradigm.

Best ice tool for climbing reddit. 100% agree with this. If I am doing an alpine route (steep snow requiring two tools, ice and mixed climbing) I use Petzl But ice climbing seems dangerous enough without the added weight and reduced strength of wood. What’s your opinion on mono vs dual point crampons? Am I going to end up buying monos later on any way? I’m also looking into the BD vipers. 24 votes, 41 comments. I'm not seeing many made for ice tools. Has nothing to do with performance I just don't like it lol. Certainly not an ice climbing axe, but it can get you up some moderate ice in a pinch. Find a mixed or drytooling crag to practice using the tools on rock. The player can't use the ice pick if they were free falling for more than 4 blocks of height. Was thinking Petzl Sum'tech and trango raptor? Would love any reccos. I'd like to do some training for ice season (dead hang and lock offs on tools, etc), but don't really have the space to hang up a 2x10 with holes drilled in it or the like for hanging on my tools. They just didn't feel very refined. Choose an axe for your intended level of use [and within your ability] i. I use the singing rock bandit, it’s pretty much just a heavier, cheaper quark. The Venom is a pretty good tool. Not to mention the failure mode of wood, it will not deform plastically before it breaks, unlike traditional metal tools. Doing this sport, i have ice tools instead of ice axes. My prediction is that the next development will be a low top climbing shoe. At the end of the day your placements and footwork have much more of an impact then your equipment. Best all around tool IMO. Don't bring ice tools on routes that weren't originally put up for dry tooling. Just getting into ice climbing this season after about 5 years of trad/mountaineering experience and starting to purchase some gear. Jun 12, 2023 · 10 individually rated and reviewed Mountaineering and Ice Climbing Ice Tools, plus our expert buying guide to help you choose the best product for you. . Gimmick: Hitting (M2) the upside of a block with this tool while jumping pushes the player upward (like jumping a second time). Does anyone know if there is anything I should avoid while doing chinups on ice tools? I recently built a woody in my garage and put up a few blocks of wood for "drytooling" on the frame. Petzl Nomics are the go-to standard, the Camp X-Dreams are also a great tool in the same class. So i have been using a combination of duct tape under electrical tape for the last season and have used bike tube in the past, both of which ( and I cannot for the life of me explain why) I hate the feeling of. My advice would be to borrow, rent, or purchase a set of ice tools. Lenzspitz Northface, Lyskamm Nrothface etc. For $100, they were the best piece of ice climbing gear I've ever purchased. Quarks are a great do-it-all tool for alpine climbing and big mountain stuff. 61 votes, 14 comments. The easiest way to distinguish an ice axe from an ice tool is the shape of the pick. For most situations it’s okay to leave a small flat section on the front bevel. Alpinism is usually better served by a tool like the Petzl Gully or Blue Ice Akila and ice climbing is better done by a tool like the Nomic or X Dream (or whatever Grivel is doing). If you plan on mixed climbing I tape the tools with temflex (home depot 2. com Jan 29, 2015 · It seems like I'm noticing more people using ice tools for general mountaineering as opposed to the traditional ice axe. What luck have people had with cycling bar tape, racket handle tape, or golf club tape like Alien Pro? I want to get more into ice climbing and also alpine climbing on 50-60° ice/snow faces (e. For fans of ice climbing. I honestly find that everything i could accomplish with trash like camp corsa i could (and have) accomplish with trekking poles and save that weight entirely. They do not self-arrest as well. I tried hanging the tool from a sling or a hooked into a piece of wood, weighing it on the lowest grip with my right hand, then moving my left hand to the upper grip. This is extremely cool, but for the life of me I cannot find any media (photos, videos, etc) of these events. I’m typically never winter climbing, and summiting during the March - Sept mountaineering season. If you live near Hyalite or something like that, amazing, otherwise figure it out. Last season was my first of ice climbing. There has to be something else someone has done. My Grivel crampons are very, very good (G20) and seem surprisingly durable even on Looks good, although the bevel on the top pick looks a little strange in the last photo…maybe an optical illusion. I currently have a Petzl Glacier for a general mountaineering axe. Jan 28, 2022 · Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. I've been rock climbing for years before that. What’s your favourite, or what features do you most appreciate? Thanks! Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A Alpineice23 • The Dry ice tools have been around the longest and the ones you find people using the most in climbing gyms, they will be your best bang for the buck. This tool climbs up to WI4 well, although if you're climbing extended WI4 I would sub in a quark instead. May 1, 2025 · Explore the top ice axes for ice climbing, with expert recommendations on the best tools for performance, safety, and durability. Both have picks that are great for brittle ice, and the stock Mixte picks are almost too sharp - i can't imagine climbing the thinner ice picks in anything but the most brittle conditions. I added the heavy picks and use cascade picks for just about everything, but get some of the MIxte picks for rock climbing abuse. I think it will take some time before people abandon boot=outdoors mentality. There's a lot of terrain suitable to learning how to use an ice axe (and get comfortable walking in crampons, which is the actual crux you'll be looking at IMO) in the white and green mountains and you should take the opportunity to do it if you want to have an easier time climbing in the cascades. And yes we are scared of falling. Grivel Tech Machine Ice Tools I've climbed on Nomics for 4 years. Learn a little ice climbing, you have the tools and crampons anyways, and easy ice is a good way to get used to using them. Kids with all their fancy toys. I am not not a huge fan of BD tools. The leash can get in the way and can make it harder for you to switch hands on the tools. I usually climb leashless. Winter hiking will need only light and simple. We love the Nomic for its performance on vertical ice, but our testers found the Hydra to take steep ice climbing to a new level thanks to its incredible modularity, perfect balance, and best-in-class ice penetration. For me DRY ICE Tools are better since they are more similar to my Nomics, so I feel like I'm getting a better feel for my real ice tools by using DRY ICE Tools. I was specifically looking at the X-monsters as well as the matrix techs. One day out with them and I was in love. Ice axes (the straight shaft ones) are generally geared towards traditional mountaineering when the tool will be utilized primarily as a cane and/or as a rescue device on less than vertical snow and sometimes ice/rock. They don't mimic the motion of ice climbing, but you don't need to train your swing anyway. I ended up getting a pair of Dry Ice Tools from Furnace Industries. However, they are straight shaft tools with leashes that attach to your wrist. You want a positive/classic Nomics for dry tool and ice? I’m a lightweight sub 150lb climber and have done research with the nomics and their head wobble… Would it be foolish to use them (new pair) for dry tooling indoors/outdoors as well as vertical ice? I’ve no problem swapping picks but don’t want to ruin a pair of tools because I torqued them too much dry tooling. It is true that you do not get the 'pick feedback' from the tools. I have personally lead grade 4 ice, mixed terrain up to m6 as well as several alpine routes with these tools. They'll serve I have a hang board (Metolius Simulator 3D) mounted in my apartment, which is taking up about the only space I have for mounting "climbing related" stuff on the walls. They should also be thin enough to use ice tools with while climbing. Currently I own one set of Quarks, the model one before the current onr, for ice climbing. Plus Ouray has a ton of guide services for ice climbing because it is the mecca. Non sketchy but would like a bit of a nicer hold while climbing - whippet Sketchy to point of needing one tool - ice axe Pretty sketchy with one tool - ice axe and whippet Two tools required - steep to near vertical ice Remember ice axe = boot crampons and a helmet. g. It isn't optimal for glacier travel, but you can climb technical terrain a lot better than the Raven. Steepworld in Billings, MT has routes for simulated ice tools like the ones from Furnace Industries. You’ll also want ice tools (more aggressive than mountaineering axes). Besides custom ice tool tape like Edelrids Grip Tape, what other options are there. Personally of all the fancy axes I have this is the one I grab most often and carry for just in case situations. So my question is, does anybody have experience using Nomics/Tech Machines/X-Dreams in alpine use and on low angle routes? But, I wouldn’t want to carry any ice tools for ski touring because they’re heavy - what do you want to do with a single ice tool while touring? You’d be better off with an aluminum hybrid tool specifically for ski mountaineering. I've been getting into snow climbing recently and Cooper's book recommends bringing a single ice tool along with your normal axe for the more technical sections. There is a reason you see them being used by the majority of the people climbing in ouray as well as guides. We look at both straight and curve shaft options with a wide variety of uses, including technical, vertical ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and glacial travel. Good luck! =) For what most people call "ice climbing", the main gear is a pair of ice tools w/ ice picks, a pair of crampons with forged vertical front points, and a pair of full-shank mountaineering boots: Below is a list of gear that I am interested in, so if you know anywhere to find any of these at an inexpensive price or if you have any for sale let me know! - Crampons large (size 11 shoes), climbing carabiners, ice tool, new climbing harness, belay device, and/or quickdraws. away from the ice axe paradigm. Ice tools (the ones with the wild curvatures and what not) are generally geared towards climbing vertical or more than vertical water ice and/or rock. Hello all. This is awkward and always seems to wobble the tool, rendering the test useless. What are some good gloves for ice-climbing and belaying in down to -20C or lower? My current gloves don't do very well while belaying, the rope tends to just slide and I don't get a good grip on the rope. 3M subscribers in the climbing community. Im currently using them spaced about 8 inches apart (and level, in case that wasn't clear). All comes down to what you are climbing. I don't mind the ankle support on climbs, but they annoy me on approaches. Here are the best ice axes for your next adventure. Feb 12, 2024 · We have put together an expert review on the best crampons for climbing! Check out our expert buyers guide! I feel most comfortable using aluminums for anchors or in SOLID ice leading. If you plan to go with a leash have one that goes into your harness and into your tools, only get ones that go around your arms if you are excited to break them. 1 day ago · Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. Everyone says falling when ice climbing is very dangerous for lots of reasons, and I believe it. Back when I did it in 2012 we didn’t have wings or drones! Just dumb luck and the best climbing conditions that route has ever seen 😂 Feb 16, 2025 · While it may seem intimidating at first, ice climbing is an accessible sport for those willing to learn the basics and invest in proper training. If you get into actual alpine ice climbing you're going to use ice tools not axes which are much shorter and are curved so that both ends are in constant contact with the ice and snow for better grip. Apr 28, 2025 · Explore the best mountaineering ice axes for different climbing styles, with tips on selecting the right axe for self-arrest, glacier travel, and technical climbs. Get your tools up high and don't forget to bring your arms down from time to time and shake your hands, otherwise you'll get cold faster Use your climbing experience for placement, use your hands when the ice permits to mantle have fun, and don't freak out on abalakov abseils, they will hold (i was dead scared at first) We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Im not doing only ice climbing and I want to do some alpinism. Source: I own the Cobras You don't really want to use mountaineering crampons for true ice climbing. Hope this helps! Nov 9, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Other any input will be appreciated! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It's much harder with a straight tool, but it's very possible. An old Petzl sharpening manual even recommends Aid through with trad gear, or a long sling on a bolt, or use ascenders or prusiks to climb the rope. Leashes: Yay or Nay? I have heard mixed opinions about having a leash on your ice axe (we're talking general mountaineering ice axes, not ice tools for ice climbing). 12K subscribers in the iceclimbing community. Maybe the Hey all, I’m looking to buy my boyfriend a backpack for ice climbing for his birthday. Don’t buy the stuff from Petzl though, it’s way overpriced, go to the hardware store and get it for a third of the price. Nomics are maybe better for mixed and definitely for dry tooling though if that's where you're headed with steep ice. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I am making some wood ice climbing trainers with rubber grips to act as picks (Something my climbing gym wont freak out over) and wanted to know if anyone has advice on wood thickness and type. Hello fellow iceclimbers, I'm looking to upgrade my ice climbing rack. I have a pair of nomics that I've used for pure ice for the last few years, but I recently moved to Colorado and I'm interested in doing moderate ice/mixed lines in RMNP (think Martha, Dreamweaver, Notch Couloir etc) as well as occasional trips to the PNW for moderate glaciated routes like the North Ridge of Mt Baker or the Reid Glacier Headwall on Mt. The route requires both a general mountaineering ice axe and an ice tool, but having trouble thinking through which tool to grab. Last year I picked up the Grivel Quantum Tech's for my girlfriend. At best they can clone others but their subpar picks will make them worse. Its grippy and you can bit the tool without hurting your teeth-- way better than hockey or golf tape. The tape on the handles of my tools have had a good run but it's about time to re-wrap them. AAI requires a hammered ice tool such as the Quark, but also a hybrid axe measuring between 50-59cm such as a Petzl Sum'Tec, Petzl Summit Evo (a bit less of a hybrid I guess), or the BD Venom. To me the Trangos felt a bit on the cheap side, and the swing felt a bit top heavy. Next best is to rock climb and boulder in the climbing gym, especially in steep terrain. When you got a good level of (rock) climbing experience and move over to ice- and mixed-climbing, you won’t face too much fear, though keep in mind that most people don’t ice- / mixed-climb at their absolute limit like we are used to seeing with boulderers / sports climbers. Also, I held a pair of schmools and the material they used for the handle was thinner than the DRY ICE Tools and it really hurt my hands when I hung on them. I know some would recommend just using two ice tools for something like this (and yes, I know that some of What are your favorite/must have mods for your ice tools? I'm looking primarily at Quarks beyond just the addition of tape. I'm climbing Kautz with Alpine Ascents in June and wanted some advice on ice tools. Nov 15, 2024 · At first glance the Hydra looks like a copy of several popular ice tools, most notably Petzl’s Nomic. I’m not sure if they have any route for using your real tools. The Vipers are better if you plan on doing mixed climbing. use ice clippers on rear ice clipper positions. They became my go-to tool if I wasn't climbing with her. 75 votes, 21 comments. External attachment for helmet, basic attachments for ice tools, external pocket where you can put crampons. The player can also use the Ice Pick to break (M1) and collect ice related blocks without liquefying them. Hood. It looks like Ice Climbing (Difficulty) was an event from at least 1997-1999, and has some legendary names on the podium. I'm looking for something that wouldn't impede dexterity too much and would be water resistant as much as possible. Basically BD tools are built and designed by people who live somewhere with year round rock and ice that is usually plastic, aerated, picked out or all three. The thing that they do really well is the quality of steel which is superior to anything else. Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A Add a Comment xenogrant • Not entirely dedicated to climbing, but I like my Talon Pro 30. Both are great on mixed climbs, but I hate both of them on more slabby ice. Give it a stiff sole and just a sock for warmth. TL;DR: What ice tools do you use and why? Generally speaking, horizontals excel at glacier travel and verticals excel at pure ice climbing, but people have their preferences. I asked to use my real tools at my gym and they wouldn’t allow it. Why only the BD tools? In the same class as the above mentioned, the Nomics are pretty phenomenal. In parralel, I am actually looking to pursue my other training in ice climbing. use biners on your rear gear loops. 1. Had a chance to try out the original furnace industries dry tools with the rubber hoops. Do you mind sharing your experience with different gloves and what you liked the most about them? 9. B. New comments cannot be posted. Hey everyone, Going guided on Rainier next month via the Fuhrer (which is similar to the Kautz on grade & technicality from what I've gathered). You have to know the ice, you have to know that the ice you are about to swing your pick into has all of the right properties to make it a safe move. I recommend trying out new gear (at a local ice festival or guide company) before committing to buying new stuff. My problem is that I really don't want to spend money in new tools, specially because my main focus is to ascent peaks and mostly plan to use ice climbing as training for the mountains. Do the generic skiing/winter sports gloves do or are particular brands or models better suited for ice climbing. Our expert Jan 17, 2024 · If you’re climbing or mountaineering, having the right tools is necessary for your success and safety. We still have tools with adzes and hammers on them. Likewise, grabbing the tool from either the bottom or top yields no obvious shifting. starting ice climbing and wondering what ice tools to get. A really technical tool will excel dry tooling/mixed climbing/steep ice but will sacrifice some general mountaineering/alpine climbing performance. I was pondering whether I could Black Diamond - cams, tents, backpacks, crampons Petzl - ice tools, climbing hardware MSR - most things are quality Outdoor Research - gloves Arcteryx - harnesses (will pay retail because they are the best on the market and it’s not even close), backpacks Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a climbing axe for your next adventure, be sure to consult our detailed assessment of the best ice axe. I'm wondering is there a shift in thinking going on, and more are starting to use tools for general mountaineering? The top of the line ergo ice tools make climbing so much easier, you can take your time and have fun without fighting for every placement. Probably looking for something in the 45-50 L ish range. Is this standard practice? Does anyone have info on technique when climbing with mismatched tools? I have an old pair of leashed ice tools that I got from a friend almost for free (model is Cassin X-alp tech info here. Next best is to drytool on plastic. But when someone invites you to try something new, you do it! So my first time holding technical tools and with a vertical monopoint crampon was on rock, not ice. Almost no one uses this style of ice tool for ice climbing anymore. It was enough to have me hooked, but since my gym doesn’t set routes specific to them I think it would be best to get a rubber pick style. I want to ask reddit's ice climbing community what they use and what they think work best or doesn't. It can use any Petzl pick (ice, pur ice, etc) and adapted with either an adze or hammer. I climbed a ton of WI3 and a few 4s with my quarks. The Mantis just came out a few months ago, they are going to be your best bet for the wooden pick styled training tools, they are more expensive but honestly speaking they are the most realistic AAI guide Kurt Hicks explains how to select gear for technical waterfall ice and mixed climbs. If I am just mountaineering (glacier travel, steep snow) I use a Petzl Summit. You have to set screws into ice in safe spots so that when you fall the screws stay in and you can fall relatively safely. I’m a big fan, but they’re and acquired taste. Let my ankles go free. My old Simond Coyotes are hit, and replacement picks are super pricey. Is it common practice or do I wouldn’t bother with 2nd or 3rd gen Nomics, but I have a 1st gen pair that I use for drytooling that I put the rubberized self adhering tape on. Upon lowering or rapping, what are all of your opinions on the best way to rack tools? Do, you: A. ), while other climbers I've met swear by After years of renting, I’m finally ready to purchase my own ice axe for summits in the area (Adams, Hood, Helens, Rainier). A general mountaineering axe will be terrible for ice climbing. With that being said what do you guys think of using gutted paracord as a handle wrap? I plan on gutting the cord to reduce Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The bigger deciding factor is the type of pick you have. Good day folks, I learned the Self Arrest method with an ice axe. So developing effective, specific hang strength for ice tools is absolutely critical to make ice climbing safer, and WAY more fun! If I could only do one exercise for ice and mixed climbing it would be Tabata Hangs. Even 1 in 10 is very dangerous, I'm just curious where the numbers lie. Tabata hangs are a simple, effective, specific and fast way to get much, much stronger at hanging onto your ice tools. See full list on climbing. C. They plunge very well in snow, they have a near perfect stock weight, the BD laser picks are nice, easy to get one swing sticks with them, never noticed any difference with hand warmth. The Petzl SumTec is an incredible tool for this purpose. People have been climbing WI6+ with straight shafted tools for years (and some people still do). These picks look EXTREMELY sharp! That’s great for advanced techniques like scratching holds, but you’ll lose a lot of material if you hit a rock. Anyone have any cool hacks they use to climb with them in the gym? (Obv not with sharp picks) I’ve seen the wood tools online but they are like $110 for a pair of wood which is outrageous. Between BD, CAMP, and Petzl, I think the differences are fairly minimal. 6K votes, 119 comments. Locked post. That is the reason you might have found articles on "how to sharpen your ice axe" or whatever. In this update, we select 17 of the current market's best to hack away at waterfalls, chop steps, and practice our self-arrest techniques. If you can, you should get two different pairs of crampons. They're so light and they swing so well. They seem like decent enough all around tools to get me started although do you think I should just buy something And lastly, what gear you need will depend on the mountain, e. Couple things to consider. That said, you probably won't save that much cash if the price point of their ice screws is anything to go buy - you're best off shopping around for a deal on some Nomics/X-dreams etc. If you can't climb ice with a mountaineering axe comfortably then the tools aren't going to make that much of a difference. e. If not, and you think you are going to do a good amount of ice climbing, get an entry level ice climbing crampon like the BD Cyborg or the Petzl Dartwin or try to find something used on eBay (usually the most cost effective strategy). I hope you find somebody, ice climbing is one of the best things ever and makes many peaks/routes more accessible for aspiring mountaineers. ). The thing to understand here is that when climbing ice, you're taking a very different approach than climbing rock. A few guides I've met have said leashes can do more harm than good (discouraging you from moving the axe from one hand to the other, etc. I had a pair of BD cobras, known to be one of the best tools, with mixed picks and i couldn't get a solid stick with them at all. I’ve got a set of BD Fuels for mixed and steep ice. A climbing buddy has one and it's super light and still self-arrests fine, can be used as an anchor and you can even use it almost as an ice tool for short stretches. What I'm wondering is what the actual chance of serious injury is? Are we talking you are going to be lucky to escape unharmed, about 50/50, or 1/10 chance of serious injury etc. Reply reply It really depends on how icy the route is, but a couple cobras or a tech tool and a sumtec would be an ok option. These would be fine to get started, but you would likely want to get more modern ice tools. Petzl got their act together in 2010 or so and are decent but my Nomics blunt far more quickly than my friends Grivel tools. You could also check out the used gear forum on mtn project. I plan on summiting several peaks of the Alps in the next few years including Matterhorn and Weisshorn and possibly doing some climbs in the Northwestern USA. I love my x-dreams and dislike the nomics on ice, but that's 100% personal preference based on my swing and nothing to do with the quality of the tool. Next best is to hang on ice tools/Furnace tolls/plastic pipe from a tree branch and do Tabata hangs and pull-ups, alternated with The Ice Coop in Boulder is great and day passes are cheap for visitors. There is no reason why you’d want a reverse curve pick when hiking. 9K subscribers in the iceclimbing community. Is this standard practice? Does anyone have info on technique when climbing with mismatched tools? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I'm currently looking at the following tools: Cassin X-Dream (default or alpine), Grivel Tech Tutorial or advice on efficient ice tool swing? Any tips and suggestion or maybe a youtube tutorial on how to make the most efficiently use your ice tools while climbing vertical water ice? I feel I haven't nailed it down well, and it takes me 3-4 tries to get a good swing in that could probably take less. rock climbing ruins the dry treatment pretty quickly, so i'd recommend a dedicated rope. This beginner’s guide to ice climbing covers everything you need to know to get started, including essential gear, fundamental techniques, safety tips, and the best places to climb. It's mostly grip strength you're after which you can train much more effectively with the rubber loops. Additionally, you don't need quite the same aggressiveness of grip when climbing ice because you're holding onto axe handles rather than tiny crimps, and you're generally in a pretty relaxed position (exception: tough mixed climbing). Ice tools are specifically designed to climb ice. The Vipers are nice, but there seems to be a large number of tools out there on the market. 50 a roll). The ice climbing season is couple months away and I'm looking to buy new gloves. You know the feeling your hands get climbing when you have to deal with similar Best is to ice and mixed climb. I am planning on getting myself a pair of ice tools that I would primarily use for mixed climbing and maybe some dry tooling eventually. Aluminium ice axes without spike are dangerous garbage and fit only for moderately compacted spring snowpack and low elevations. When are you climbing Whitney? I'm not from the states, so I don't know for sure, but I believe that if you climb Whitney in the summer you don't need an ice axe. The Cobras are great tools. They basically do everything “okay” but they don’t do any one thing super well. Now, I was planning on picking up ice climbing this winter and maybe dry tooling next year or even the following. Best ice tool/axe combo? Lost my stuff so looking for the best combo. Is that going to damage my shoulders over time? I Climbed my first WI5 on the first time out last season. I'm specifically concerned about how far apart to place the tools. I Grivel tech machines for steep ice, north machines or light machines for alpine that's steep enough for two tools. This works ok, however as I get deeper into the sport, I kinda what to take the plunge and get some ice tools. I’m trying to build up some stamina in the gym for ice climbing. For more technical mountaineering something I've never ice climbed, but consider this. The CT tools are going to be harder to find replacement picks for. I'm curious what tools people like Otherwise Ouray Ice Park is great for having a ton of routes available once it officially opens (it is a managed area, not backcountry), including a lot of beginner-friendly top roping that allows you to get a lot of practice quickly. Not anything too serious, but once did some long 70 degrees with a few short 90 degree sections with one climbing tool and one of those semi-bent axes with a decent pick and handsupport. I would also do lot's of crag ice climbing before doing glacial ice climbing. Start your journey today! The tape on the handles of my tools have had a good run but it's about time to re-wrap them. What luck have people had with cycling bar tape, racket handle tape, or golf club tape like Alien Pro? r/iceclimbing Current search is within r/iceclimbing Remove r/iceclimbing filter and expand search to all of Reddit Best gym training tool? Hey guys, looking to get a pair of wood tools so I can practice on gym routes. For reference I love the swing of the Cassin X-dry, Cassin X-dream, E-Climb Cryo, and Grivel X Monster. A pick built for glacier travel won't swing into ice as easily as a pick built for ice climbing. To follow on u/kungfulkoder 's response, sharpening ice axes is mostly if you're going to be climbing vertical ice with a technical ice tool. Ice tools with rubberized handles those of you who have owned ice tools with rubberized handles, what has your experience been like regarding the durability and longevity of the rubber? and do you prefer tools with or without rubber after the experience? Really hard to have a tool that does everything. I started on quarks and tried multiple tools including Black Diamond, Trango and Petzl before deciding on the nomics. What are your preferred ice clippers? Why? I use the Caritool Evos because they work with any harness, they're cheap and easy to find, and they hold lots of screws. My question is, what does the upgrade from a tool like the Quark to the Nomic (or similar) really get me other than a big dent in my wallet and new shiny toys? Yes, I demo'd them for a day of mixed climbing and was not impressed. Next best is to rock climb steeper routes outside, preferably with long walks in, and a lot of hard climbing. That amount of weight is pretty negligible. Has anyone actually had a plastic clipper break while on route? Personally, no but I've heard of Grivel tools are good but I find the axes slightly less refined than the equivalent Petzl. People now do not use leashes, and instead have handles that you can much more easily just hang on to. make sure your rope is dry treated. I usually wear thin linners underneath. In addition to this one set I want to get a set of more technical Tools for ice climbing (starting from WI4) and easier mixed routes. Is the added weight of the metal designs worthwhile It's at most a couple hundred grams. Check out the Grivel X-Monster for another low-cost option. Ice tools have reverse curve picks, sometimes referred to as negative curves. Idk what research youve done with rock gear and ice climbing, so you may already know this. If you're going to ice climb you'll end up on tools like Nomics. Corcovado requires machete, ice tools and steel crampons with snow pickets for anchors, Torre Central del Paine requires friends and climbing shoes but Aconcagua just a walking axe and aluminum crampons. I have never used Grivel products, and was looking for a cheap pair of tools for this upcoming season. From my understanding having the newer tools (monotips, technical ice tools) makes the sport easier and more enjoyable but i see people climbing with 12 points and quarks all the time. Does anybody have any experience with either of these tools? comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment winter-sun Nomics all the way. 6'1 with long arms if that helps Thanks! A friendly soul may be willing to provide everything else (cross your fingers on tools or just rent some). Unless it’s really soft I probably wouldn’t go with just one tool unless it’s a tech tool and you’re really comfortable climbing low angle ice with one tool. This season I'm planning to climb a ton more in SW Colorado. I was wondering if you experienced folks ever used an Ice Tool instead of an Ice Axe for mountainering. As far as steel screws, these are the workhorses of most ice climbing. Don't overthink tools. Broadly speaking, axe price correlates with the technical level of the [terrain]. Roped mountaineering, a T rated shaft and slight curve with some grip is ideal - something that you can arrest, rescue and do light climbing with. A slight curve can also be ok, but generally speaking it's for more special use cases. The home of Climbing on reddit. I was invited to go dry tooling last weekend. Nomics are probably the best tool for pure water ice climbing. An ice climbing tool won’t be the best for mountaineering. dqmd soskbq bfsvn duarqh hdtn ozuras bndotb hvcfl enjyld bmtwycxz