Petzl Aztarex and Aztar

[Dr_Crash]

Has anybody used the Aztarex? How it is? I was going to get a third tool to go with my Grivel Air Tech Racing ice ax (mountaineering, straigth shaft, classic pick, B rated shaft)... But a tool like the P'tit Loup or the Grivel Black 3 is 16 oz, and that Aztarex thing is 18 oz...

 

So... Is a pair of Aztarex a good set of tools for alpine and water ice? Or will I be disappointed when I'll start the latter? If it's good, then I'd rather get one now instead of the third tool and complete the pair later. Is the B rated shaft an issue (likely not at that point in my climbing abilities)?

 

Is the Aztar much better?

 

Thanks,

 

drC

[fenderfour]

Talk to Mr. Nelson at Pro Mountain Sports in the U-District. He had a set he was climbing with last time I was in.

 

He seemed to like them pretty well.

[DPS]

I bought my wife a pair of Aztars. In general they are a bit short and light for my taste, but are otherwise decent tools. I especially like the grips and leashes. If you plan on doing water ice I would get the Aztar over the Aztarex.

[Pro Mountain Sports]

Not sure what I think about the Aztarex. I share Dan’s concerns about the light weight for water fall climbing, but was surprised when I was surprised with several pitches of water ice on Stuart this past March. I’m curious what others think and have demos to loan. Has anyone used the Comitec?

[wdietsch]

Has anyone used the Comitec?

 

not to sound ignorant or anything ... what is the Comitec?

[Pro Mountain Sports]

a lighter B rated tool from Petzl. Nice looking fixed drooped pick, and trad spike. Two lengths 55cm and 62cm(for dps).

Edited April 22, 2005 by Gearhead

[wdietsch]

 

petzl Cosmi'tec

Edited April 22, 2005 by wdietsch

[Dr_Crash]

Not sure what I think about the Aztarex. I share Dan’s concerns about the light weight for water fall climbing, but was surprised when I was surprised with several pitches of water ice on Stuart this past March.

 

So, were you pleasantly surprised (asusming you had them on Stuart)? How did they feel?

 

drC

[Pro Mountain Sports]

Crash, I was pleased with the Azrarex on Stuart. I used a pair of them along with the Irvis crampon. Not sure it’s the right tool for everyone but I tend to like the lighter tools for alpine. I liked it so much, which has me thinking I’d like the Cosmitec also, but would I miss the pinky thing? Aztar and Cosmitec have steel spikes.

[Dr_Crash]

I am also looking at the Grivel Air Tech Evo. About the same weight, traditional non interchangeable pick, but T-rated bent shaft. What do you think, if I had to get only one kind? I could pair one of these with my Air Tech Racing ax.

 

drC

[Pro Mountain Sports]

C, I like Grivel Air Tech Evo. Real nice axe, maybe the nicest all around. What do folks who have it think? More of a classic all around style, while the other two are a little more technical with the steeper pick angle. I was impressed with the picks on the Aztarex on water ice which are the same as Aztar.