K_Y_L_E Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 Hey I was wondering if anyone had an opinion about 2nd tool choices. I have 4 axes. One 80cm trango ultralight mountain axe, one 40cm Omega Pacific Bulldog with recurved pick, one 45-50cm Charlet Moser Pulsar with set-up for adze or hammer and waterfall/traditional/ or tube pick, and lastly one Black Diamond Fusion Leashless. The reason I want a 2nd tool is for climbs like Shuksan where I ended up having to front point the pyramid top with only my 80cm Trango. Which of the thre smaller tools would be the best to take on a climb such as that? and also is the Black Diamond Fusion a bit too "hard-core" if I decide to start some ice climbing? I appreciate the advice.....unless it sucks. Quote
cracked Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 Take the Fusion. The leashless grip will keep you from pumping out on the overhanging terrain of Shuksan's summit pyramid, you'll be able to place screws really easily if your partner falls into a crevasses, the pick makes Steinpulling really easy on volcanic choss, and being able to match on the tool will come in handy when using it as a cane. Oh, and chicks dig expensive tools. The Fusion is indeed way too hardcore for ice climbing. It will work best for drytooling at Exit 32, The Cineplex, or possibly Smith. For ice you might want to use your 80cm trango. Seriously, dude, WTF are you doing with a SINGLE leashless uber-tool when you don't even climb ice??? Is this a troll? Take the bulldog as a second tool if you think you'll need one. Now where's Lambone to delete my post..... Quote
sobo Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 The OP, as you described it, would be my first choice as a 2nd alpine tool (to be used rather infrequently), followed by the CM, which sounds like a heavier, albeit more versatile, tool. The BD, IMHO, is over the top for mountaineering of this sort. Your choice for the OP as your 2nd tool will depend upon how comfortable/confident you are/feel with your technique. My $0.02 Quote
K_Y_L_E Posted April 2, 2004 Author Posted April 2, 2004 I know...sad huh? I am an ultra gear whore, and am always looking for deals of sweet gear. I picked up the Fusion (lightly used) for $12 (Twelve Dollars). For that price....what the hell! I am just trying to decide if I should get rid of some of my excess. But I love cool S^, even if I dont use it! I have problems. Quote
cracked Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 12??? OMG! Sell that puppy for 150 or better around here! Quote
mike_m Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 I've been using my CM Pulsar as a second tool for a while--using the classic-curve pick most of the time, a recurve pick if there's really going to be ice rather than neve, and lose the head-weights. Like Sobo said, pretty versatile tool since you've got all the components. Not sure about the Bulldog in particular, have never used OP tools. The BD is a geat tool for its purpose, but not for a second tool. Quote
Ryan Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 12 bucks for a Fusion?! WTF?! Where...how? I'll give you 15 for it! Quote
Rodchester Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 This is one recomendation for an alpine hammer or a second tool as you are calling it: Cassin Extreme Guide Axe That is a great price and with a 55 cm shaft it is great on lowwer angle alpine stuff where you are usingit like a regular ice axe. It is a bit heavy, but still a great tool at a great price. I would also look at the DMM Raptor . Quote
Crackbolter Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 This is something I am curious about. Does anyone have the Petzl ice hammer? Quote
slothrop Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 You can swing one o' them P'tit Loups across the street at LCD... Quote
K_Y_L_E Posted April 2, 2004 Author Posted April 2, 2004 is that like climbing jive talk or something? Cuz I am down with it, whatever you said. Quote
Fromage Posted April 2, 2004 Posted April 2, 2004 is that like climbing jive talk or something? Cuz I am down with it, whatever you said. Herr Slothrop is speaking an obscure climbing dialect that has not been extensively studied. Fortunately I have read the latest academic journal articles on the subject and I can translate. P'tit Loup is French, in which I was once fluent. It is a contraction meaning "little wolf." LCD is a usage that has grown in popularity among a primitive tribe of climbers. Derived from the mathematical term "Lowest Common Denominator" it is an alternative name for the outdoor retail behemoth we have all come to love. To put it all together: "If you so desire, you may visit Recreational Equipment, Inc., and practice swinging the Little Wolf ice tool." Next week we will examine the etymological origins of the terms "jing," "vache," and "proviculinimous." Quote
Thinker Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 The P'tit Loup...named after a French magazine for children. I wonder how THAT will affect sales... Quote
K_Y_L_E Posted April 3, 2004 Author Posted April 3, 2004 Merci beaucoup ! J'apprécie votre aide avec cette question. Je dois aller maintenant. Mon chien a le sexe avec ma jambe de neihgbors. Quote
Thinker Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 sorry, I used my French phrase book to wipe my ass in the Paris airport. What did you say? Quote
Fromage Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 You don't want to know. It's crude, but hey, it's French. Quote
scott_harpell Posted April 3, 2004 Posted April 3, 2004 and it was off a translator... you can tell because he mispelled a word and it showed up in the mispelled english... Quote
K_Y_L_E Posted April 6, 2004 Author Posted April 6, 2004 You got me, I did use a translator, I appologize. And I am sorry about the spelling, I was just too excited about getting a Fusion for $12 to pay any attention. I dont really climb but it makes great wall art for less than the price of a framed print. Just kidding, Thanks for the advice all. I think I will hang on to the Pulsar and OP. The Fusion although pretty bitchin', just means that I would have to add another sport to my already full list of activities. (That and I do not want to fork out the $$$$$ for another one to match.) One last question though, with regards to ice climbing ..of what use is a tube pick? Thanks again, Take care and happy climbing Kyle Quote
Fromage Posted April 6, 2004 Posted April 6, 2004 Tube Pick: Australian for core sample of yer leg. Quote
JoshK Posted April 6, 2004 Posted April 6, 2004 Pro mountain sports sells the grivel version of that charlet mini tool. I picked one up a few weeks ago and love it already. From the picture of the charlet tool, the grivel looks better. It features a better spike. It also isn't that nasty teal color Quote
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