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zozo
Nov 9, 2005, 2:03 PM
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Unless someone here talks me out of it today Im picking up a pair of these this weekend.
C-mon, Bring it!!!
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mbg
Nov 9, 2005, 2:24 PM
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I've got a pair. My only gripe so far is the weight and there are a couple ways to shave off a few ounces if it's a big deal to you. I don't think I'd pay retail for them since the design is a little dated but if the price is right I'd say go for it.
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cfnubbler
Nov 9, 2005, 2:28 PM
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Disclaimer: The pair of tools referred to below are about 3 seasons old. Trango may well have changed them since...
I have a pair of the leashless variety. They drytool very well, and climb ice reasonably well, since the picks penetrate surprisingly easily. I was happy to discover this, since they appear pretty brutish. The leashless grips are versatile and secure.
On the downside, they are very heavy, and the swing isn't particularly natural (for me). They excel when drytooling (say about an 8 out of 10), but due to the awkward swing and weight, I'd only rate them about a 6 out of 10 on pure ice. If it weren't for the good pick design, they would rate even lower.
On balance, a good tool for the price, but not, IMHO, the equal of the Fusions or Ergos.
-Nubbler
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jimdavis
Nov 10, 2005, 2:17 AM
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I have them and I'm pretty happy with them. The swing with the leashless grip came pretty quick to me...I'm pretty happy with that aspect of them.
The pick is great for use on rock...a little short on some ice...but it doesn't take much away from the tool.
My biggest concern with this tool is that it shifts pretty baddly when matching hands on rock. With ice below the tool for it to butt up against, it's not bad...but I've come off rock holds matching hands when the pick shifted because of this. This is the biggest shortcoming of the tool i think, and is why Trango released the Zero Degree handle, currently out of production, but Mal said they were working on something for next season.
With straight grips, i really like the swing weight, and balance. I climb mostly with leashes on these tools now. What I really like, and now am spoiled with...is that the heavy rubber grips takes so much vibration out of the stick,that all other tools seem like the vibrate way too much for me now. I swung some Quarks again after using my Madame Hooks and they just felt cheap when they stuck. The grip is really comfortable, nice and warm, the triangular shape helps you swing in straight, and fits my hands well.
They are not the lightest tools either...which I really like, and when I drytool, I take the hammers off usually. I find it's pretty damn easy to get good stick when your picks are in good shape. This is what i use my tools for mostly, and good sticks with a fantastic grip adds up to a great ice tool.
I think you get a lot of tool for your money though. Leashless or leashed, hammers or adzes or nothing, for less than a pair of either from any of the other brands. Excellent customer service as well.
As with anything, I'd recommend trying them before you buy; but I didn't and I'm really happy with them.
Cheers,
Jim
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stickyfingerz
Nov 10, 2005, 11:54 PM
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I own a pair and climbed all last season on them.
I've been very happy so far. Leashed or leashless, they climb well for me. With the straight handle, they're not as radically bent as the current crop (viper, quark, tech wing) and I'd probably go with one of those for pure ice. However, I learned on Grivel Rambo 2's so any bend is a huge benefit to me and the old wrist flick still works with them.
In leashless mode, as has been noted, they are on the heavy side. I actually like this, since here in the NE, where our ice is wicked haad, more weight = more momentum = more penetration in cold ice. I demo'd a pair of Ergos and felt like they were just bouncing off the ice with each swing. If you plan on doing a lot of drytooling, maybe the Ergos or Fusions would be better (since they're lighter) but I've heard terrible things about how the Fusions climb on ice.
In conclusion, you can probably get a better pure ice tool, or a better drytool, but if you don't have the $$$ to drop on 2 pairs of tools, I'd say go for it.
PS - You'll probably want to switch out the stock leashes that they come with. They're comfortable enough, but impossible to get out of once you're locked in, forcing you to dangle when placing screws, etc.
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rossgoddard
Nov 12, 2005, 3:29 AM
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In reply to: but I've heard terrible things about how the Fusions climb on ice.
first, take off the goofy fusion pick, and put on some laser picks
second, buy some hammerheads, and put those on. they add headweight, making for much better velocity for better sticks in ice.
third, extend the handle. call up BD, and get some extra spacers. go to the hardware store and get a long bolt, and youre golden
-harrison
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snoman
Nov 27, 2005, 9:35 AM
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Mountain tools website has the leashless Madame's for a mere 129.95 U.S each if you buy 2.....good deal. Cheaper than even used Fusions and if you are starting out it is a good way to get into leashless.
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snoman
Nov 27, 2005, 9:40 AM
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Mountain tools website has the leashless Madame's for a mere 129.95 U.S each if you buy 2.....good deal. Cheaper than even used Fusions and if you are starting out it is a good way to get into leashless.
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reno
Nov 27, 2005, 9:36 PM
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Heavy buggers.
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jimdavis
Nov 27, 2005, 11:41 PM
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In reply to: Heavy buggers.
Then do some push-ups, cupcake!
:wink:
Cheers,
Jim
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reno
Nov 28, 2005, 12:06 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: Heavy buggers. Then do some push-ups, cupcake!
What the... ? You want me to actually do PHYSICAL TRAINING?
You mean, like... work out?
Oh, you poor, poor misguided soul. ;)
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jimdavis
Nov 28, 2005, 2:09 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: Heavy buggers. Then do some push-ups, cupcake! What the... ? You want me to actually do PHYSICAL TRAINING? You mean, like... work out? Oh, you poor, poor misguided soul. ;)
Oh I know....I'm accustomed to the more traditional method of training for ice climbing, too. Ya know, the Cheeseburger / Guinness diet.
Haha, gotta love it.
Jim
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pebbleman
Nov 29, 2005, 3:05 PM
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I have a used pair for sale, $175 takes them. PM me.
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brent_e
Nov 30, 2005, 2:22 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: Heavy buggers. Then do some push-ups, cupcake! What the... ? You want me to actually do PHYSICAL TRAINING? You mean, like... work out? Oh, you poor, poor misguided soul. ;) Oh I know....I'm accustomed to the more traditional method of training for ice climbing, too. Ya know, the Cheeseburger / Guinness diet. Haha, gotta love it. Jim
mmmmmm, guiness.....the best climbing beer, if you ask me.
I'm going to shamelessly plug what i'm doing (again). If you don't like the madame's leashless handle I will hopefully have a carbom/+kevlar handle ready to try in a month or, hopefully, less that is much like the mantis' zero degree design. PM me if you're interested.
Brent
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jimdavis
Dec 1, 2005, 5:40 AM
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I'd love to see some pics either way.
Cheers,
Jim
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brent_e
Dec 1, 2005, 2:37 PM
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In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim
Jim,
of the handles???
Brent
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jimdavis
Dec 2, 2005, 5:48 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim Jim, of the handles??? Brent
Unles your offering pics of something I'm not aware of... :wink:
Cheers,
Jim
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brent_e
Dec 2, 2005, 5:53 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim Jim, of the handles??? Brent Unles your offering pics of something I'm not aware of... :wink: Cheers, Jim
ahhh, well, those will cost you!!!!
maybe i'll pm you something!
When the handles or the proto is done i'll start a thread boasting my amazing skills! :lol: you'll see em soon enough.
Best
Brent
PS....who rated that post highly?!?!?!?!
:?:
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anykineclimb
Dec 2, 2005, 7:11 AM
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Registered: Mar 30, 2003
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In reply to: In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim Jim, of the handles??? Brent
Comeon Brent! that was some funny stuff!
you surprised you got a trophy?
BTW, it was me...
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anykineclimb
Dec 2, 2005, 7:12 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim Jim, of the handles??? Brent
Comeon Brent! that was some funny stuff!
you surprised you got a trophy?
BTW, it was me...
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brent_e
Dec 2, 2005, 7:17 AM
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In reply to: In reply to: In reply to: I'd love to see some pics either way. Cheers, Jim Jim, of the handles??? Brent Comeon Brent! that was some funny stuff! you surprised you got a trophy? BTW, it was me...
LOL
I looked at it a couple times after and realized that it had implications!
:lol:
so, thanks, Steve. it's always nice to see that little green band!!!!
Take care, man
OOOOOOOH...it was YOU?!?! oh..i get it! (*vain attempt at sarcasm far too late*)....god i'm tired!!
Brent
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