The best tool I have used. The bent-shaft is especially good when using the low dagger technique because it keeps your knuckles from banging into the ice. The components are easy to replace. Very comfortable and ergonomic swing. Relatively light weight.
Being one of the more popular tools on the market i felt duty bound to give it a swing in Scotland this season up on the Ben.
Although I didnt do a full route using this axe its qualities were obvious. It has a easy swinging action and is well balanced. I foung the pick penetrated well into hard ice and firm neve. It did take a bit of wrigling to take out though.
Good clearance on all parts of the shaft and comes with a comfortable and easily adjustable leash. Note that it is not too great for climbing trees!
After swinging those heavy BD x-15s for a few years, these feel feather light. They swing well, efficient, and true. The rubber coating on the handles insulates well and the tool just seems to have a lot of ergonomic study behind it. Ice climbing became much more fun with these and they have served me well at places like Kandersteg and the Chamonix area.
I have the new model with the grip rest and lower attachment point for my leashes. What to say about THE QUARKS, they swing great, they are light, the extra Quad pick is burly, they plundge well, torge well. I have yet to find something they dont do well. I have used them on hard water ice and alpine routes and wouldnt want to swing another tool. It is the do it all tool, great for leashless water ice to hard alpine routes.
Nothing fancy just a great solid ice climbing or dry tooling tool. I have abused them relentlessly on vertical and overhanging waterfalls. They can take on anything you throw at them..even dry-tooling in the dry seasons.I recommend them as a tool of choice for ice climbing.
from my old Pulsars... I borrowed these from a friend, climbed leashless for the first time and then bought a pair within two days. well worth the money, i just wish i could get out with them more....
marcminish - Jul 23, 2002 12:32 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review