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Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool

Read All 16 Reviews

Item No. 10036126

The Viper Ice Tool by Black Diamond has evolved with a new hydroformed shaft to increase stiffness and reduce weight, while maintaining exceptional clearance. Hydroforming uses pressurized water to expand the Viper's shaft into its uniquely stiff, yet lightweight shape. With superb balance, leashless capability and an optional integrated Android Leash, the Viper goes most anywhere. Comes equipped with our Viper Fang and Strike, to cradle your hands for precise gripping when going leashless. Laser Pick included. Patented.

DECENT FEATURES of the Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool

Hydroformed shaft for clearance, weight savings and strength
Laser pick, Viper Strike and Fang included, modular head design
Shaft CEN-T certified, patented
Pick is CEN-B

The SPECS

Lenght: 50 cm
Head: Stainless steel
Pick: Chromoly steel
Shaft: Aluminum
Grip: TPU

The SPECS for Hammer

Weight: 1 lb 6 oz / 625 g

The SPECS for Adze

Weight: 1 lb 7 oz / 655 g

ALL CLIMBING SALES ARE FINAL.

Custy Reviews

for the Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool

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"Very pleased with this axe" 11/02/12

I use this for climbing glaciers especially. I highly recommend this axe- great quality, and just everything about it!

by John from Nashville

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"Amazing weight, swing, and value" 10/04/12

For the money, I dont think there is a better ice tool on the market. BD tools have proven to be reliable for decades and I love that the picks remain interchangable without additional tools. The viper swings well with a solid amount of head weight, but overall the tool is very light and still fuctions great as an alpine tool when needed. Works great as a leashless tool, and you can use the full size clip in the spike for tethers if needed.Certainly recommended.

by darin from Denver

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"Solid tool for waterfall ice. Definitely gets the recommendation." 01/19/12

The Vipers perform very well on waterfall ice. This tool is well-weighted and has a natural swing with very little reverberation upon striking. It is a bit chuckier than the Nomic, translating into a heavier swing. The grip is big enough, as I have large hands, even with heavier gloves, however, as with all tools, the thinner gloves the better. The Android leashes are nice if you're just starting out and not needing to unclip that often, but a bit of a pain when leading. The micro adze and hammer are of good size, dont feel it necessary to change to full-size, unless you’re loving your pitons. As for drytooling, its fine however the head is a bit big and cumbersome at times.

by Michael

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"Bad.ass.axe." 11/26/11

I've used quite a few tools in my day, and the Viper is the one that I've consistently stuck with. They are comparatively light, and its design ensures that you never need to worry about bashing your knuckles against the ice. It's successor "the Cobra" is lighter still, but I actually prefer the substance that these tools bring to the table. I suppose it's a personal taste, I just love how these axes swing.

by Michael

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"Buy this axe, you wont regret it!" 10/31/11

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. 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.All in all they're good tools.

by Andrew from Rapid City SD

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"This is a great ice axe!" 10/31/11

It comes with the Laser pick standard and is a T type axe with a B type blade and is designed to take the Titan blade that BD makes which is an ice/rock climbing pick, the standard laser pick that comes with it is for ice generally. A good all around axe.

by Andrew from Rapid City SD

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"This is a great tool!" 06/10/11

Tough, durable, light. Took it on a trip to Rainier and it performed flawlessly.

by tyler from Phoenix, AZ

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"From the weight to the versitility, I love the crap out of this axe." 06/07/11

I think it is great to be able to switch out the hammer and adze for whichever you will need. The handle allows you to maintain a solid grip longer than you could with any classic axe. The hydroformed aluminum shaft makes this thing super light allowing you to carry more necessities without the extra weight.

by Frank from Chicago

EVEREST STATUS

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"Amazing!!!" 03/18/11

Best ice axe I've ever had!

by Chanel

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"Awesome" 01/25/11

Great tools! I had the older style cobras and found these to perform much better.

by Alec from Missoula, MT

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"Great tools!" 01/15/11

I've used a couple different tools (Petzl Aztarex, BD Cobra) and the BD Vipers are awesome! I debated about getting some leashes but the grips are bomber and I like them just great leashless. They've got a good balance to them and a nice swing. I know the Cobras are sweet tools too but I liked the feel of the Vipers better. They just feel more burly, like they can take punishment better. Great tool!

by Adam

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"Great Tools" 01/11/11

Love using the Vipers. The hammers, however, are a bit anemic, so if you're climbs require pounding in pitons I wouldn't rely on these (unless you practice using the Vipers beforehand). The grip on them is great even without adding grip tape. Almost effortless to sink into ice with the way the shaft head is weighted. If you're on the fence, pull the trigger!

by Abbie

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