Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool - Adze

Item # 761267

$229.95

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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Description
Specs
Customer Reviews
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The evolution of the Black Diamond Viper ice tool continues with key updates that keep you swinging into ice with ease.

New hydroformed shaft is stiffer and lighter than the previous model, yet it still maintains excellent clearance
Hydroforming uses pressurized water to expand the Viper's shaft into a unique shape that is exceptionally stiff and light
Equipped with Viper Fang and Strike to cradle your hands while climbing leashless; Strike allows you to match hands or choke up while climbing
Chromoly-steel laser pick has a thin taper and low-volume tip that penetrates easily with a low displacement of ice
Stainless-steel head and 7075 aluminum shaft combine for lightweight but durable power on ice and mixed routes
Superb balance creates a natural swing for placements with excellent purchase
Scoop-shape adze chops and cleans steps and anchor placements
Thermoplastic urethane grip provides a sure hold while wearing gloves
A great tool for mixed climbing, waterfall ice and drytool classics

Please note: Black Diamond products can only be shipped to the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Made in USA.

Item 761267

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Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool - Adze Specs

Specification	Description
Weight	655 grams
Length	50 centimeters
Shaft style	Bent
Components included	Laser pick, micro adze, Viper Strike and Fang

Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool - Adze Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool - Adze

4.0

(based on 1 review)

Reviewed by 1 customer

Displaying review 1

Feb

2009

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Solid Tools

By Sweet Baby Ray

from Eagle River, AK

About Me Avid Climber

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Versatile

Cons

Weighting

Best Uses

Alpine climbing
Leading
Mixed climbing
Water Ice

Comments about Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool - Adze:

I use these tools for primary on water ice climbs, although occasionally I dabble in mixed climbing and some dry tooling.

The tools grip is nice, a little small if you're using bulkier gloves like the BD Specialists. They are relatively light tools although I would rather have the tools be a little heavier and have some more weight in the heads, as a result you have to give it a little more wrist and force to get a nice hold. On the same note, once the picks are in they're not coming out, sometimes to a fault. I climb with a few people all of who have the Petzl Quarks, and we all seem to have this problem. The Adze is a little superficial, they're really blunt and are sufficient for chopping steps and clearing ice for screws, but it's definitely something that is a little off. The clearance is great, the grip is set back enough from the head, I don't have any problems with slamming my knuckles into the ice because the grip is too far forward. Like I said, the laser picks are great for penetration of pure ice and snagging little rock holds but it's important to find that nice mix between giving the swing a little more muscle to account for the lack of weight in the head, but not too much to get the picks stuck.

All in all they're good tools. A nice combination for ice and mixed climbing. The biggest thing I'd recommend is weighting the heads for an easier swing. Everything else just takes time to get used to.