Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool
From waterfall ice to technical mixed climbing, the Black Diamond Hydra Ice tool can be customized to match your mission, thanks to its Integrated Component Exchange (I.C.E.) system.
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- Modular design can be customized for specific objectives; accepts a full suite of I.C.E. accessories—including picks, hammers, adzes, head-weights, spikes and grip spacers
- I.C.E. picks are chromoly steel with a proprietary heat-treat process that makes the picks harder for a sharper edge, thinner for maximum penetration and more durable
- Ultrastiff, hydroformed shaft with overmolded adjustable grip
- Shaft geometry is ergonomically designed for climbing on steep, technical ice and rock
- Optimized grip geometry for maximum stability in first and second positions on steep terrain
- Grip can be fine-tuned to fit your hand and has options for a lower spike or lower pommel
- Designed to easily rack on ice clippers
- Includes a light and heavy head-weight set, 4 mm and 5 mm wrenches, 2 grip spacers, I.C.E. Micro Spike, I.C.E. Pick, and I.C.E. Micro Hammer
- Modular head-weights allow you to dial in tool penetration without altering center of mass
- Compatible with I.C.E. system picks (Alpine, Mixed, Ice or Dry)
Imported.
View all Black Diamond Ice Tools| Best Use | Ice Climbing |
|---|---|
| Components Included | Light and heavy head-weight set, 4 mm and 5 mm wrenches, 2 grip spacers, I.C.E. Micro Spike, I.C.E. Pick, and I.C.E. Micro Hammer |
| Material(s) | 45% AL/28% steel/14% nylon/13% WNiFe |
| Pick Shape | Reverse Curve |
| Shaft Shape | Bent |
| Weight | 1 lb. 4.8 oz. |
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Hydra is a great new product from Black Diamond
This tool is better than a Petzl Nomic, it sticks more cleanly into the ice and has a better balanced feel when "throwing" it. I purchased both new (I was and still am a loyal Petzl user) and I can tell you that that I just felt more secure and less fatigued when using the Black Diamond Hydra. I'll be buying a new Hydra shortly so I have a pair. The cons? It doesn't come with a spike on the bottom end and you have to buy it separately. And I'd like to change to an adze but haven't found that opportunity accessory yet.
A modular tool on a proven design
The Hydra climbs steep ice and mixed/dry terrain equally well. The factory ice pick is well designed and I will see how well it holds up. The headweights are nice , nestled in the actual head of the tool. Optional parts are nice to have to mix things up depending on terrain. My only concern is the lack of a rivet in both the head and handle connections to the shaft as a backup to the epoxy connection. I solo alot of ice and should that glue fail with no simple 'pin' backup, it could be a catastrophic failure. I have personally experienced glue failures on another top brand tool with this exact design, with the rivet preventing total separation.
Got a chance to use the prototypes twice and they are amazing
Went climbing with Will Gadd last year and he let me and swing these a few time and they felt amazing. Then a couple months later went to the world championships of ice climbing in Edmonton to watch and the next day did a course on the homemade ice wall there and the guy running it (I can’t remember his name but he was great and a black diamond athlete from Calgary) let us use his well climbing and we got to compare them directly to the nomics and they penetrate and held onto the ice more easily and more efficiently. They are a great tool and can’t wait to use them this winter on some water fall ice.
happy with the hydra’s
as a newbie to this ice climbing world i am not sure im the best person to be reviewing tools:) is all I can say is that i spent a few days climbing in ouray with a wide assortment of tools and these stood out to me as my favorites:)
Super!
I am surprised at how well these stick. They are pure fun to swing and nicely balanced. Could not be more happy with them. Regarding the omics vs Hydra question, very similar; the hydra seemed a little more snappy.
Almost a copy of Nomics at a more reasonnable price.
Modular tool is great. Comes with 2 sets of different pick weights which is great. Has a small hammer which is better than no hammer. Lacks a place to clip a carabiner into the tool (that's even a safety issue).
Solid
Took this ice tool to the gym for some dry tooling, and it handled great. It’s got a solid grip and balance that makes it just as fun on plastic. I can't wait for winter to come back to try it on ice.
Awesome looking tool!
Feels good, looks good, dry climbs great, looking forward to swinging it in ice. Only complaint is the lack of choice when it comes to the pick it ships with.
Great feel and balance
Handle feels more substantial compared to Nomic. Also, appreciate the ability to adjust the grip size. Excited to try them out this winter.
Elegant, expertly balanced with perfect
Elegant, expertly balanced with perfect angle. Love the modularity and flexibility. The swing feels good.