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nmoroder
Feb 17, 2005, 7:05 PM
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I'm just getting into ice climbing and am thinking about purchasing a pair of OP bulldogs. I can get a pair for $125. That's less than a quarter of the price of top of the line tools. Price is a major consideration considering I'm in college.
If you have the bulldogs, what do you think of them?
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nmoroder
Feb 17, 2005, 11:31 PM
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Noone? Nothing?
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adamwvt
Feb 17, 2005, 11:46 PM
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Scrimp and save, get good tools. If you don't want to quit smoking herb , I would go with a second hand pair instead of new. I started on used tools that were good enough for my first two years on ice. You gan get them all over the place here in New England. The outdoor gear exchange in Burlington, Vt has a dozen or so used tools for sale, as do other places around here.
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plund
Feb 18, 2005, 12:26 AM
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I responded to your PM; didn't see the post (been buried here at work today...) That price is WAY low - it'd be hard to pass it up...
To recap my PM, they've worked fine for me....an ice n00b who didn't want to break the bank. Very comfy / well designed leashes, wicked sharp right out of the "box", and they make a cool tubular "thunk" when you get a good placement. Very simple, basic tools that feel solid and appear to be designed well...including replaceable picks.
I'd jump at $125 for the pair - got mine for $179 at gearexpress and still think THAT was a pretty good buy!
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gunkiemike
Feb 18, 2005, 2:47 AM
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I have one as my 3rd tool. It's OK, but I think if you get serious about your ice climbing, you'll quickly outgrow them. AcmeClimbing.com has a better OP tool, the Alpha, for $99 each. That looks like a decent modern (curved) tool. The tech rep there I dealt with said they were a better tool than their Quark-like Raveltik axe that everyone wanted to try (but no one bought) the last 2 years.
Buying used good tools is a smart move, but the best tools (Quarks, Vipers, Cobras, even Rages) are still going for $300+/pair.
Bottom line - "Buy nice or buy twice" is good advice. But if you have to trade up, think EBAY. :D
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nmoroder
Feb 18, 2005, 5:11 AM
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Thanks for the advice guys.
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anykineclimb
Feb 18, 2005, 5:37 AM
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If acme climbing still has the OP Alphas,
GET THEM!!
They are amazing tools for the price!
They're nicely curved, but not so much that you can't use them for alpine.
I bought them my trip out to Ouray and prefered them to some of the other, more expensive tools.
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adamwvt
Feb 18, 2005, 7:32 PM
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If those tools preform anything like OP's ice screws do, you would be better off flushing your money donw the toilet.
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wlderdude
Feb 19, 2005, 5:54 AM
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I have a pair of Bulldogs I bought last year.
The leashes didn't stike me as very easy to get out of. They have a tab you have to pull on where most leashes have a loop you hook over the hammer or adze. So I talked the guy at the store into including a pair of nicer leashes with the Bulldogs.
They have sat in my closet and have never seen any ice.
My advice if you are considering buying them: don't buy tools expecting to find an ice partner AFTER you buy them, and don't move to Texas.
Where did you find the $125 deal?
If it falls through and you still want them, I will sell you mine with the nicer leashes and an ice screw.
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nmoroder
Feb 19, 2005, 5:28 PM
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grearEXPRESS.com has the 125 deal for blems & leashes. They have the best service I have ever worked with. Give them a look.
However, I ordered the Omega Alphas from Acme Climbing last night. Thanks ankineclimb!
The reviews say that one of the only downside is the pick design. They tend to get horribly stuck in ice. It looks like I'll have to do a bit of filing to the picks, but it will be worth it. I'll have to find leases too...
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adamwvt
Feb 19, 2005, 5:37 PM
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Sucker, enjoy the ice.
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jimdavis
Feb 19, 2005, 8:47 PM
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In reply to: I'll have to find leases too...
Charlet Freelock are wicked comfy, and easy in/out.
Jim
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