Grivel Horn on X-Monster?

[Jon H]

Can the Grivel Horn be mounted on the X-Monster ice tool for additional hand/pinky support when leashless climbing?

 

If so, does it require any dremeling or does it just mount right on?

 

 

[Coldfinger]

Leave it to NJ to create optimal environmental conditions for the birth of the Grivel Monster Horn. Little horn is born.....

 

Sorry, just kidding.

 

I seriously doubt that it would ever fit even with a dedicated custom conversion reality show. It was made to convert standard aluminum oval shafted Grivel tools into good leashless rigs, like the Monsters. Have the Horns on Matrix lights and love them.

[EastCoastBastard]

Hey man

I'm pretty sure it won't fit.

X-monster handle is square-ish, horn is designed to fit around a round shaft. I suspect (without having one in my hand) that the monster handle will have a larger diameter than the horn.

[Jon H]

Thanks for weighing in everyone. I've never had a chance to climb on the X-monsters before and the pinky hook looks a bit small for support, at least compared to the Cobra, Nomic, Quantum Techs, etc.

 

Can anyone comment on the comfort and finger protection (against bashing) offered by the X-monsters?

[EastCoastBastard]

I've climbed on monsters a fair bit - I didn't notice a problem. What happened to your ergos?

 

[Coldfinger]

Howdy Jon,

 

The grip is at a pretty good angle off of the ice so not much chance of bashing anything; in fact it is a great grip with a great ergonomic angle, the shaft is what gets deductions as it is spring steel.

 

Pics are bomber.

[burchey]

I've had no issues with bashing fingers - I've got big hands. The horn will not fit. I'm not sure the flat shaft gave me any issues in itself, although I may not have put it through a sitch that would shine light on the flex being a prob.

[Jon H]

I've climbed on monsters a fair bit - I didn't notice a problem.

 

Oh, I'm not saying there's a problem. I just observed that the pommel on the X-monster is quite small compared to Cobras, Nomics, Quarks, etc so I was curious if anyone felt it was small enough to be a disadvantage on vertical ice in terms of less pinky support.

 

What happened to your ergos?

 

Nothing happened. Still got 'em and I intend on keeping them. But I definitely want something a bit less radical for low angle ice (gullies on Mt. Washington, etc), alpine excursions, or as a spare pair to lend out, etc.

 

I found a pretty good deal from a buddy of mine ($170ish for both) on a set of X-monsters and just want to do my homework before I have him ship them over to me.

 

While I would prefer my 2nd pair to be Nomics (so the picks match my Ergos) or Cobras (best all around ice/alpine tool on the planet, IMO) they would both cost me waaaay more than double what these X-monsters would cost. And since I have a bunch of other expenses coming up anyway, I'm happy to save the cash.

 

BTW, did you wind up getting those Nomics the other week?

Edited March 28, 2012 by Jon H

[EastCoastBastard]

Yeah, I got some nomics - they're pretty much brand new. Not 100% sure I made the right choice, but once I'm rolling in money I can get some other ones.