|
|
Forums:
Climbing Disciplines:
Alpine & Ice:
E-Climb.com Klau Screw:
Edit Log
|
|
anykineclimb
Feb 15, 2007, 12:22 AM
Views: 6915
Registered: Mar 30, 2003
Posts: 3593
|
One of my favorite things about attending the annual Ouray Ice Festival is seeing all the new gear that manufacturers are coming out with. 2007 did not disappoint as BD unveiled it Viper and Cobra prototypes to be released for the 07-08 year, Grivel had a new axe that should be out the same time also. The most impressive new product, in my opinion, was from relative newcomer, e-climb. Based in Spain, e-climb is coming into the American market with two ice/ mixed tools, crampons and screws. Out of their lineup the Klau screws really caught my attention. Picking on up I found it to be VERY light; you can definitely feel the weight difference in your hand. A 22cm Klau weighs 136 grams; by comparison, a BD comes in at 190. So in a recent trip to Ouray, I was surprised to find the screws at the Shop and HAD to buy one. Here’s my “review”:
The most obvious feature of these screws is the replaceable tip. Yep, REPLACEABLE no more filing on you own or tossing the whole screw out. According to the rep I spoke with, it can easily be done in the field. Every tip had two notches that aid in its removal and replacement. On the hanger or more specifically, the crank arm, is a small notched area that is used to fit into the tip for removal. The new tips have a dry adhesive in it the “glues” itself onto the screw body.
Tip with obvious notches
Hanger crank
Another feature that jumps out at you is the folding handle. Similar to the Grivel Americana screw, the Klau features a folding crank to speed up screw placement. What I like about the crank is it adds a little more torque to placing but easily folds out of the way. I personally feel the crank handle is easier to use the little BD crank. Something else I like about this crank is it can be used similar to the Grivel 360 where you can adjust the angle of the crank to go over features in the ice.
Folded position
Open position
On the ice, the screws went in great. The added leverage of the crank definitely helped to get them in and out. Although not able to fold all the way “in” the crank was still out of the way. The hanger worked just fine with the clip hole large enough to easily hold two biners, even three Camp Nano Wires!
In the ice
THREE biners!
As of now, E-Climb’s gear is available on their website (e-climb.com) and at Ouray Mountain Sports. As far as I know, that will be the only US retailer. The Klau screws come in 10, 14, 18 and cm sizes and retail for $55.
(NOTE: I purchased this screw with my own money and was not told, asked or persuaded in any way to do this review for or by e-climb.com)
(This post was edited by anykineclimb on Feb 15, 2007, 12:29 AM)
|
|
|
Edit Log:
|
|
Post edited by anykineclimb
() on Feb 15, 2007, 12:29 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
