Grivel X Monster?

[summitchaserCJB]

Thanks! Just figured I might get two sets of tools instead of trying to make one do everything like I've always done. Picked up the original Monster and couldn't even figure out how to swing it. How big is the grip?

 

That one pic did look like moguls to me but I didn't see a lift, lotsa folks in another pic, maybe it was a Mounties trip?

that's fair dude it really is. Not my style though which I tend to apply to others. I like to have a quiver of one whenever I can. How dare you accuse me of being a Mountie. That was the north face of chair and the moguls look closer because of foreshortening.

[Coldfinger]

I hear ya, just gave one perspective employe the Coldfinger salute last week (right MF torn tendon=gets cold), it felt pretty sweet!

[Dane]

aren't over half of those pictures from a grade 2 snow climb?

how many pitches have you climbed on the x-monster?

 

You are kidding me right? You could ask this ds how many pitches he has climbed while in crampons and he'd have an answer for you.

 

R and X rated? I quess, if you had to be bothered to actually rope up on third class.

[summitchaserCJB]

Or vertical ice?

[TrogdortheBurninator]

Thanks! Just figured I might get two sets of tools instead of trying to make one do everything like I've always done. Picked up the original Monster and couldn't even figure out how to swing it. How big is the grip?

 

That one pic did look like moguls to me but I didn't see a lift, lotsa folks in another pic, maybe it was a Mounties trip?

 

i have skinny, medium size hands, and I find the x-monster grip nicely sized. Definitely not way oversized like the original BD cobra, or undersized like the new BD cobra. i think as an all-around tool, the x is very different from the orginal monster. the original was meant for rock. the x has a pretty nice swing.

[Dane]

Zero. But it's still gae.

 

In all seriousness.

Then why don't you sit down and SHUT the FUCK up since your opinion, skill and climbing experience is useless in this thread.

[Coldfinger]

Well it's been well demonstrated tonight, kinda wondered why somebody is the favored kick-tard over in Spray, now I know.

 

Sorry for prolonging (provoking?) this, just wanted to see how far it'd go (and yes I'm sober) and thanks for the tool beta gents (Trogdor).

 

Dane finally got me to drop the leashes, let's just hope I don't drop the tool! Just don't have the $$$ for the Maserati tools.

[summitchaserCJB]

Dude leashes are weak!

[Dane]

Going to Bozeman for the fest? I'll loan you some sticks. Try some (all?) before you drop the coin...no real sense in buying stuff you end up not using.

 

On the bright side I did just get back from Canada and found the Neve heels worked well even on hard water ice. Worthwhile piece of kit I think if the price stays as low as you had posted earlier.

[Coldfinger]

Dane and Trogdor, am interested in the Monster as it seems to be the only really cheap tool with a really good pick and a dedicated leashless double grip. Just wondered how that weird shaft would swing, NOT using it for alpine--too heavy. I can bash but prefer to flick, like to hook too.

 

[Edlinger]

like what routes trogdor? North Ridge of Baker, Stuart Glacier Coulior, North Face of Chair, Rap Wall, some WI3+ r/x to name a few ect....The r/x route was my first ice lead [

Awaiting an apology...

 

Mr. Chaser... just lay low on the posting on cc.com for a few ice seasons. You have some ambition which will pay off in time. As for your your above list and how it pertains to the performance of the Grivel tool... I've climbed all the routes you list with only my Charlet walking axe solo (except for the rap wall bolted sport routes which are two tool affairs). Just relax and read what some of the more experienced folks have to say.

Edited November 16, 2010 by Edlinger

[Coldfinger]

Going to Bozeman for the fest? I'll loan you some sticks. Try some (all?) before you drop the coin...no real sense in buying stuff you end up not using.

 

On the bright side I did just get back from Canada and found the Neve heels worked well even on hard water ice. Worthwhile piece of kit.

 

Didn't know about that festival, but I've had more than a little drama to deal with lately.....

 

Thanks Dane, it'll be nice to meet ya! Will be there if there's any way in hell to go. Pretty stoked to relearn ice, especially as I have gone in other directions the last few years. Am picking up the heels as soon as they have a part number.

 

The funny thing about why I purchased one Matrix Light is that I got stuck with the previously mentioned broken Matrix Tech and really liked it. Never thought a tool that light would be so good. Will use that but not sure how much on steep ice (as you said about half assed leashless tools)......

Edited November 16, 2010 by Coldfinger

[chirp]

[Pete_H]

I've climbed all the routes you list with only my Charlet walking axe solo (except for the rap wall bolted sport routes which are two tool affairs).

 

I'm not trying to get involved, but those routes have all been skied.

 

Just for the record.

[Coldfinger]

Thought I saw moguls!

 

No turning back now, think I just sold my old tools.

Edited November 16, 2010 by Coldfinger

[TrogdortheBurninator]

Dane and Trogdor, am interested in the Monster as it seems to be the only really cheap tool with a really good pick and a dedicated leashless double grip. Just wondered how that weird shaft would swing, NOT using it for alpine--too heavy. I can bash but prefer to flick, like to hook too.

 

I really think the x-monster is an amazing deal. Seems you can pick up a new pair for about the same $$$ as an old pair of shrikes or rages. If Grivel made a more ice friendly pick, I think they'd be really good. I'd also be curious how some of the new high-end grivels climb (but they still have the same pick )

 

I dont find the shaft weird, and the swing is very natural. Swing/stick wise, worse than the nomics i've swung, better than the fusions.

 

Don't look past them for moderate alpine scratching. I really think they excel there (i may be in the minority). For straightforward alpine snow and ice, there are certainly better/lighter choices.

[Coldfinger]

I'm sure I'll be swinging a pair of Monsters sometime soon, I've always favored beefier picks, thanks I'm out!

[Peakpimp]

I see you mentioned getting a Matrix Light. I have a set and here's what I said about em in another recent thread, hopefully it's helpful.

 

"I have Matrix Lights and absolutely love them. Equipped em' with some sliders for both snow climbing and leashless ice/mixed. Great all a rounder. The only downfall I see of these tools is the laughable little hammer. One has to carefully monitor the hammer tool while on a pack with standard style Ice tool loops as the hammer is so small it can actually slip out and drop (had it happen once but knew to watch for this problem so I caught it.) Also the picks are definitely not easily changed at home without a few tools and certainly could not be changed on route."

 

I've only gotten to use em on the N.R. of Baker and the right couloir on North Peak in the high Sierra so far, as I haven't had them all that long, but I'm pretty much sold on their reasonable balance of both performance and versatility.

[Coldfinger]

Yes I did, that was one of the sources I used before I snapped up that tool for $99. Thanks!

 

Gotta say the Quantum Light had me drooling.... ...

 

And to all the rest of you:

 

1. Thanks for the good beta. OR

2. Thanks for being who you are.

[trainwreck]

Have you done a x rated ice climb Colin? It scared the fuck out of me. My belayer wouldn't even second.

 

I have. Do I get a medal or cookie?

 

 

Please say cookie.

[Coldfinger]

Neither, you get credit for one more post!