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summerprophet
Dec 17, 2007, 8:02 PM
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Registered: Jan 17, 2004
Posts: 764
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So what is the deal with petzl iceflutes?
Are they worth it, or are they just a gimmick?
Really any better than gearloops?
Thanks in advance.
J.
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paintrain
Dec 17, 2007, 11:53 PM
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Registered: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 184
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I got some as a gift. Never used them. They seem like a fiddly low density way to rack for climbing.
Most go for the plastic clippers that either go into the integrated harness parts or elastic onto the waist belt. The new ones have flattened tops so you can get access to screws racked lower on the clipper.
Not that it is a sure thing, but their lack of popularity might be telling as to their overall utility. They do work well for keeping the threads and points from getting dinged while packing them around.
PT
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builttospill
Dec 18, 2007, 3:24 AM
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Registered: Jan 8, 2004
Posts: 814
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I'd only use them to pack gear around, never to rack I don't think, but I've only held them and fiddled with them. Just my opinion.
I don't pack my gear special when heading for the crag though. Who needs an ice screw case? Put the orange teeth protectors on, pack them in soft fleece, stuff in pack.
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mattb1921
Dec 18, 2007, 4:13 AM
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Registered: Nov 30, 2006
Posts: 144
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I have a few from buying some Petzl screws. I could not imagine using them to rack my screws. They pull smooth out of the flute but I could not imagine having them on me for a long pitch. It seems like they would be going all the way around the harness.
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paintrain
Dec 18, 2007, 4:13 PM
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Registered: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 184
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I think they are meant to be worn bandoleer bandito style.
I do think it is important to protect the threads of your screws. If you start dinging them up, they drill less efficiently. I avoid tapping the threads when I clean ice screws and am carefull about just dropping them in my pack (I don't put them in the bottom).
PT
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zao479
Jan 8, 2008, 4:51 AM
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Registered: Aug 20, 2005
Posts: 160
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I have them because they came with my screws. I think the are more bulk than you need on a waterfall route, but they are good for transporting in a pack. I do wish that they held the screw tighter. I know that this would make it harder to remove a screw on route, but i don't really see anyone using them for much more than transport.
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