Grivel Quantum/Matrix Light Tools

[Coldfinger]

Would appreciate any feedback on these, intended for alpine and moderate (by modern standards) long ice routes. Kinda wondering what benefit the carbon fiber/aluminum hybrid has over aluminum and whether these'll cut it on ice. Thanks!

[Matt Kidd]

I e-mailed GNA when they were still around about the quantum light and they didn't stock it because they didn't consider the weight savings worth the mark up over the matrix. You'd have to get it imported I imagine unless you know something I don't. I wonder if it might be a little less cold to hold onto all day than the matrix? If you were buying for waterfall ice in equal proportions to alpine I would probably go with something else. Pretty good option as a second tool for alpine though, IMHO.

[mattyh]

There are still some stocking dealers in the US. I am about to get a pair of Grivel Matrices as well. The advantages with the Quantum over the Matrix are slim: slight weight savings and warmer (less cold transfer) from the shaft. Try this for a US supplier:

 

http://mountaineer.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MTR&Category_Code=41

[Coldfinger]

Thanks guys, Mountaineer is sweet, so whats the matrix light like for swingin?

 

I'd pass on the matrix, buddy o mine had the yellow pommel bust half way through a pitch, just like the yellow plastic cheap tent stakes. All he did was bounce the pick, not the pommel, off a rock.

Edited December 12, 2009 by Coldfinger