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brianthew
Oct 28, 2002, 4:50 AM
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Hello again. I've cut my teeth on the ice and really enjoy it. I'm thinking about getting some gear for it the next few weeks (at least a pair of tools) perhaps, and found a guy offering a quite a deal on two good tools, but I'm not sure if they are really the right ones for me.
He's offering a pair of BD bent-shaft Shrike tools for an *extremely* low price. However, I've heard mixed reviews on them as far as thier usefulness on vertical waterfall ice, and am thinking I might as well just spend an extra $150 to get a pair of new, more waterfall specific tools (such as maybe the BD Rage or CM Axar). But then again, these are really cheap tools........just curious what ya'll think about it.
Some say the Shrikes are good "beginner" tools, however I'm not interested in such because I don't want to buy another set for when I get better. Besides, all the ice I've done are with Rages so that's what I'm used to.
Opinions?
[ This Message was edited by: brianthew on 2002-10-27 20:50 ]
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jbrd528
Oct 28, 2002, 5:54 AM
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The axar is a great tool. It is light and it climb both waterfall and alpine wonderfully. For the money they are a great tool. I feel differently about the rages thougth. I have climbed with them on several occasion and they just feel weird. They didn't like them one bit. They are heavier than and axar the thay have a plastic piece that you pinky rests on. I have seen several of these break off. The axars have a similar feature which is made of metal, and therfore is alot more durable.
On the other hand the Black Prophets are a great tool - very versitale. If you want to save money I would go with the prophets and if you dont want them let me know who is selling them and i might be interested. Good luck.
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brianthew
Oct 28, 2002, 6:21 AM
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The tools are shrikes, not prohets...but either way, at the risk of being called a spammer, you all might be interested (here's the ebay link):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1870543814
there are a few other Shrike auctions going on that are really cheap as well.
[ This Message was edited by: brianthew on 2002-10-27 22:21 ]
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mainline
Oct 28, 2002, 6:25 AM
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For that price I would go with a more modern bent shaft tool. The shrikes aren't bad tools, but the newer tools are a lot nicer, and not that much more expensive.
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darkside
Oct 28, 2002, 7:18 AM
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I tried and borrowed a number of tools before I bought some. When I did, I decided to bite the bullet and spend some cash. I could have bought a pair of cheap tools new, for 1/3rd the price of the ones I eventually decided on. It is not a decision I regret as they have performed awesome on waterfall ice. Also to buy them now, the price has gone up $40-50 since I bought.
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gunked
Oct 28, 2002, 7:42 AM
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I've not yet used the Shrikes, but they look exactly like the X-15's (red handle) with a different coat of paint and stickers.
If this is true, beware of the thickness of the shaft. If you have small hands, they are very pumpy to hold on to as they have a thick shaft. I have small hands, and the X-15's (my first ice axe) are brutal. I can barely hold onto them. My fingers barely wrap around them.
My next ice-axe purchase will probably be Charlet Moser's Axar or Quarks. As far as I'm concerned, it's worth the extra dough!
Jason
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csoles
Oct 28, 2002, 4:04 PM
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It's hard to recommend old-style bent shafts anymore unless super cheap. Better to get something modern and versatile like the Trango Madame Hooks, which give you the leashless option.
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tim
Oct 28, 2002, 4:20 PM
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The shrikes have thinner shafts than the X-15's, but still feel like battle axes compared to more modern tools.
Steve House climbed The Gift with bent shaft tools, so as long as the pommel isn't too big, there is no reason that anyone can't crossover with many of them. The Grivel Alp Wing, the BD Vipers (w/filed-off bottom), and whatever Charlet Moser is making in that category all look like terrific tools.
I bought a pair of Rambos for $190 or so last year and I was amazed at how much more precisely I was able to target my swings with lighter, more nicely balanced tools. Now I have to get rid of the X-15s without feeling like I'm shafting someone (no pun intended).
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rocknpowda
Oct 28, 2002, 5:04 PM
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Registered: Apr 16, 2002
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talk about cheap, check out the ice package at www.acmeclimbing.com. the tools look similar to the Quarks but way cheaper.
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tradklime
Oct 28, 2002, 5:16 PM
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Registered: Aug 2, 2002
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In my experience, the Rages climb great on most terrain. I've met many people who share that opinion. I have always had good luck with BD and Grivel tools, I don't think you could make a bad decision with either.
As far as CM goes I have talked to several people who complain that the pick attachment loosens over time and cannot not be tightened. I don't know if they've corrected this with the axar, the quark has a fairly different sytem then the previous tools.
If you don't have a strong opinion, BD has several advantages. Well mainly one, the pick. Much of how well a tool climbs is the pick. BD's picks are the best overall right out of the box. Also, the attachment is simple and easy to maintain in the field. Finally, you can buy BD picks almost anywhere. If you are on a road trip in North America and need a new pick, sometimes CM and Grivel are hard to find. Of course you should always carry spares but...
Just more food for thought.
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