KingsMM Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 Hey I am going to buy my first pair of ice tools and was wondering what people would recomend. I am looking for basicly the cheapest that i can get that are decent quality. Any place in particular to buy cheap tools would be helpfull. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendershot Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 Buy used, it's a buyer's market. Most people buy tools and don't use them enough so you will find some for sale. Check the yard sale or craigslist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
high_on_rock Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 I asked a darn similar question recently and received this advice: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/612019/page/2#Post612019 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salbrecher Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 (edited) The BD Cobras are really great tools that can be used for alpine, pure ice, and mixed and do all quite well. they really excell at pure ice though. not quite so good for leashless mixed but good enough. If you use them enough in the alpine for plunging and knocking snow buildup from under your crampons the rubber can start to peel up but you can tape it down with climbing tape or rip it off and re rubberize it with tool dip. I bought mine used for $250CND a few years ago and they've had heavy use ever since and are still going strong. Out of my partners tools i've tried i've never even come close to wanting any of them (rage, aztars, quarks, prophets,). The bd vipers seem pretty sweet to and i would consider buying them next. ive only held them in the store though and swung at imaginary ice. Will Gadd reccomends them too so they must be good Edited December 6, 2006 by salbrecher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmace Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 I am looking for basicly the cheapest that i can get pretty sure thats the first line in how to climb ice, it says do not do that... go to store swing some tools and see what feels best and buy those if yo dont have the loot to spend then try and find them used..for instance I cant stand those cobras, heavy, hard to remove, to wide of a grip...but one of my parnters loves them..its like boots or shoes you gotta try em on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weekend_Climberz Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 I just got a set of Vipers and I've been loving them. Of course, after climbing on a Str8 X-15 and a Pirahna, any modern tool would be better. Check out the BD Reactors, I was going to get these, but I decided on a more traditional () tool. The reactors are on sale at mountaingear.com, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-spotter Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 I hate the Cobras too. I have small hands and they have a huge grip. Try holding a Coke can or a coffee cup(not by the handle) in your hand and swinging your arm, then make a fist and swing, and see the difference grip radius makes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
climbnsparky Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 i just picked up a set of reactors. havent had a chance to use them yet, but the feel nice in my hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric8 Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 aren't there like 4 threads on this topic due a search Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolyn Posted December 10, 2006 Share Posted December 10, 2006 Im willing to sell my rages. Dont think I have used them in at least 3 years. Im with dru, I dont like the cobras, as the handle on them do not fit my hand well. The new petzl tools have a small handle. Im going to give them a trial run next week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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