Jump to content

Recommendations: Ice tools for a 2nd season female


jesselillis

Recommended Posts

I'd like to hear some opinions (hopefully some female ones) on a good ice tool for beginner women. Looking for primarily single pitch waterfall ice use. She has used the Vipers (didn't like them), Quark Ergos (didnt like them) and Aztars (thought they were ok). She's pretty set on buying a set this season, but there really aren't stores around here with a broad selection and there definitely aren't ice festivals (or much of an ice climbing scene) in the neighborhood. I know this is sort of shooting in the dark and anticipate most responses reading something like 'buying a tool you haven't used is like {doing something else dumb}', but I'd still appreciate whatever constructive advice is out there...

thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 29
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Posted Images

If she thought the Aztars were OK then why not just get the Aztars. They're a fine tool. Pretty much all current model tools are light and have small enough grips to fit the girlies.

 

FWIW I have Quarks which I like fine, though I think the Vipers have a nicer swing. I have also cranked with old style Rambos. There isn't a "female" opinion. It's all individual.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am a female climber who didn't really like any of the mentioned tools either. I like the Ty'coons better, but then I tried a set of Cassin's X-Files and loved them. The weighting, shape, and throw is similar to the Grivel Ty'coon, but they were more manuverable and didn't overstick for me. They also have an awesome leash system that is like a mini caribiner. I looked for these for a year (no more cassin ice distribution in the US) and then randomly found them yesterday on Sierra Trading Post. $195 a piece, sweet tools.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They also have an awesome leash system that is like a mini caribiner.

 

yelrotflmao.gifyelrotflmao.gifyelrotflmao.gif those carabiner style clipper leash systems are sooooo suck. especially the way they clank every time you swing pitty.gif

 

Deal, or deal not, there is no suck. yoda.gif

 

Ahem. So anyway, just another datum - the quark (non-ergo) grip is about the same diameter as the aztar. Something else for her to try out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Get her what she likes. Don't make the mistake of telling her what she should/will like... it will suck if it turns out you were wrong. You will find this lesson applicable to many aspects of relationships and dating yellaf.gif. Far, you will, go if you master it. yoda.gif

 

Thanks Dr. Phil. rolleyes.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am a female and have gone out twice with Black Diamond Rage tools. I loved them. I have been DTing and ice climbing a couple times with other brands (Quark, Aztar, BD Prophets) and didnt like them as much. Hope this helps. You know John Frieh is right - get her what she wants because if you buy her a pair that doesn't suit her needs you might be buying a second pair next season. madgo_ron.gif

Edited by ajm
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I could take this opportunity to make a shameless plug for my CFBP Tools (on sale in the yard sale section of this web site) but, I won't. My wife climbs with the Quarks and has climbed with grivels and black diamonds. The typical problems women have with tools is weight and grip size. The Quarks are both light and have a low volume comfortable grip. And as far as swing goes, they stick themselves into the ice, very user friendly. My suggestion is to go down to a shop that has a variety, and dry swing the different models(with gloves on etc.). You can get a pretty good feel for a tool just by doing this. Good Luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Glassgow, I agree with you, the ergos are nice, I used to own a pair. I just couldn't justify owning a set when I never used them on anything harder than WI4 leads, when I am leading WI5 I like having leashes. I just never got comfortable with them, paranoid about dropping one, or sliding off a grip. If your going to go leashless, why get the dated ergos, go for the new Nomics by Petzl Charlet. Has anyone tried these beautiful looking tools?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

nomic are not in stock and most likely they won't be in n. america for sale this winter. i had a chance to look at these puppies and they might be more dry-tool then ice-mix. i just compared ergo vs quarks and they are identical up to the bottom grip.

i have never heard about anybody just slipping off the tools. i think you actually have a better chance dropping one with leashes then without. on pure ice i place the tool in ice, on mix i clip them into my ice clippers.

as far as slipping off the tool this is my take: with gloves and a couple of sleeves on your wrist i think your hand would come out of the leash anyway.

a couple of weeks ago i was seconding klatu verata n. the pitch was about M6. i started with leashes and ditched them after a few moves. my hands were getting colder and leashes were creating a total cluster fuck.

remember long slings between the harness and the tools? do you see anybody still using them?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...