question Grivel The Tech Machine Carbon - shaft delamination

[Andrei Verdeanu]

Hello guys,

I am writing you with regard to the Grivel Tech Machine Carbon.

I own a pair of these tools, purchased in Chamonix in 2016 and I have used them for 2 seasons, mostly for ice climbing and very little mixt climbing. The issue which has come to my attention recently is a delamination/bubbling of the carbon wrap on the handle, in 4 areas - please the attached video - https://youtu.be/A-tbiLyG0A0

I have failed to notice that bulging of the carbon fibre outer shell until now, or at least I don't have any recollection of the issue in the past. I must mention that only one of the axes presents this issue, the other one is completely fine.

I have always used the tools with great care, without using or hitting them in any other way than intended. My concern is that this delamination might continue to expand and eventually appear on the entire length of the handle.

Could you provide some advice/help/insights regarding this issue? Should I be concerned by this issue or it won't affect the ice axe in any way?

Thank you for your help, looking forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards,
Andrei

[genepires]

Best answer is from Grivel.   While we all think we are pretty smart, we are all just over confident monkeys.    Good luck.  nice looking ice tool though.

 

[keenwesh]

Those tools do that. Mine have chunks of the carbon missing. Not really sure why they were wrapped in the first place as the layer is so thin. My guess is something about “dampening the swing” and insulation, although the hands still get cold grabbing anything. Oh, and it makes them look sick.

 

When end they get really smashed up think about buying a new set, but yer not gonna die. The strength comes from the aluminum shaft.