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nelsras
Sep 22, 2002, 10:18 PM
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Registered: Apr 16, 2000
Posts: 11
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Just curious what people think about BD's new tool the Viper. It looks a lot like a cross between the Rage and Cobra. I've swung a pair in the store and they feel nice. Anyone had a chance to demo them yet? You can check them out at http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/alpinism/icetools_viper.html
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coconutz
Sep 23, 2002, 3:24 AM
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Registered: Apr 18, 2002
Posts: 78
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for what I understand they are a better "hooking" tool. They made it with more clearence than the cobra to help with it. Because of the extra clearence it is supposed to be better to use leashless that the cobra. Also thay have added a little pommel(sp?) stop for your pinky.
The Cobra is still in the BD line. They say it is a better "pure swinging" tool. Better balanced I guess and is supposed work better for people who only occasionally climb mixed routes. BD also says it is not as "stiff" as the Viper. The only thing I can think of when I heard that comment is that the Viper "feels" better on rock. You could liken' it to wearing slippers (viper) or wearing some stiff board lasted crack shoe (cobra). I know I streched that one a little thin but you get the idea about the "feel" comment
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pbjosh
Sep 23, 2002, 3:35 AM
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Registered: Mar 22, 2002
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I demo'd some Vipers last winter - they're pretty nice, remind me of a cross between the Quark and the Cobra - a little bit "bigger" than the Quark but more hooked and lighter weight than the Cobra. I think they'll make a fine mixed tool, but I'll stick with my Quark's for mixed (finer point on the pick and I LOVE the Quark grip) and my Cobras for ice (love the swing). But then again I already gots 'em and don't need the Vipers
josh
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beyond_gravity
Sep 23, 2002, 4:10 AM
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Registered: Jan 2, 2002
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New? I thought the Viper was taken off the line a few years ago and turned into the Cobra?
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petsfed
Oct 15, 2002, 5:44 PM
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Registered: Sep 25, 2002
Posts: 8599
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The Black Prophet was phased out of BD's line last year, but the only other axe/tool phased out was the Arc Light to make room for the far better (imo) Raven.
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