Petzl Nomic Ice Tool
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Designed for vertical pursuits on rock and ice, the Petzl Nomic ice tool is easily adapted for dry tooling and ice climbing.
Shop newer version- Modular head lets you adapt the axe to the activity and conditions; add a hammer for placing pitons, or swap out the pick for a different one (accessories not included)
- Axe comes with a type T Petzl Ice pick and 2 removable Masselottes pick weights that balance the axe and help you drive the pick into ice for solid purchase
- Remove the pick weights to lighten the axe up significantly for dry tooling
- Ice pick is tapered at the tip for easy penetration, even in cold ice; pick shape allows hooking on both ice and rock
- Griptape on the upper handle enhances grip and thermal insulation when matching with a second hand on the shaft or choking up
- Over-molded handle offers multiple grip options; length of the handle can be adjusted to fit the size of your hand and glove
- The Petzl Nomic ice tool has a type T shaft
Imported.
View all Petzl Ice Tools| Best Use | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Components Included | Ice Pick / Masselottes pick weights / Griprest |
| Pick Shape | Reverse Curve |
| Shaft Shape | Bent |
| Shaft Style | Bent / leashless |
| Length | 48 centimeters |
| Weight | 605 grams |
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Greatest Tool of All Time
Since the Nomic first came out circa 2008 I have had the opportunity to use this incredible piece of engineering; from huge alpine climbs in AK, China, Kyrgyztan and the Peruvian Andes to very classic water fall ice climbs in the alps and the US. I also have used these tools in multiple ice competitions, really hard mixed climbs and drytool routes. Personally I can highly recommend them!! The way they swing into the ice, on different angles and different surface hardness make this tool the weapon of choice. Doesn't matter if you are beginner, intermediate or advance ice and/or mixed climber. Petzl really thought about every single detail from the handle where you can change it from S/M/L hand sizes to the head of the tool where you can add or subtract weight. You can also add a hammer and a axe if you are going to play in the mountains where pitons and chopping ledges maybe in order for the day. The only thing that is not super obvious on the tool is where to put the little cord in order to connect them with Alpine (bungee) leashes. This is located where the bottom trigger is. Once you inspect the different sizes and how to adjust that, you will easily find it. All and all a superb tool. Honestly, I have tried many many other tools from different manufactures and the Nomic is by far the best. Thanks Petzl for making such a great ice axe!!
Tried and true in all settings
I have bounced around for years trying to figure out what tool suites my needs. I like alpine mixed, steep ice and steep drytooling. Some tools flexed more than I like. Others had soft steel for the picks. And many work well in some settings, like hanging in inversion moves, but fall short on, say, swinging into ice. I feel really confident in using the same pair of Nomics for just about everything and they have been around for a very long time. Are there any other good competitors for this tool, and it’s many uses, in my mind? Yes, the Cassin X-dream. Black Diamond needs some help particular on handle design. Grivel? They are dialing in some cool ideas but are not there for me. Trango and Edelrid? Nope. What are the Nomic positives? - The lower hold (position 1) protects my knuckles when on ice. - The ergonometric (ha, after it’s namesake) is fantastic to reduce wrist and finger fatigue when loaded for extended periods of time. - The position 1 handle design opens and closes for different sized hands and glove needs. - The swing into ice is spectacular! In fact, I love the option to remove the head weights and grind them down to exactly the weight that works for me. - The steel on the picks is very hard and doesn’t dull all that fast (other tool-making companies are finally catching up on this front). - The handle has very little flex between loading and unloading (too much flex can lock the second position handle behind bulges). - The handle fits in my mouth when switching hands. This is helped with extra handle tape to protect my teeth. Handles like those on some BD tools are just too cumbersome. Any short comings? Sure. - They don’t cane well. The handle spike is minimal and slides on hardpack snow. That said, few tools with similar handle configurations excel at this. For example, the X-dream pommel is too big and skids when caned. - The aluminum head gradually picks up a slight wobble when put under huge forces, such as lots of miles under total body weight or when slammed against too many pitons. I put in huge miles on these tools, so perhaps this weakeness does not apply to some. The head wobble is safe from the perspective that the head will not pull off, however, the feeling can reduce confidence on ice. - I am not sure why they come built with the ice pick (so-so on mixed terrain), when the mixed pick is incredible for all uses. Seems to be an easily resolved issue.... I am disappointed that I have to order mixed picks separately at a cost. Or, I take a grinder to the spine of the ice pick, adding serrations, therby turning them into something a little more functional. Overall, it is a wonderful tool but like everything, could grow.
Great All around technical axes
My go to tool. I use this on water ice, dry tooling and mixed. The only downside is using it for self-arrest; it take a bit more finesse than a mountaineering axe (don't trip and it won't be an issue, right?!). Since everyone dry tooling uses it I have blinged my out with some strategic funky duct tape for those cragging days.