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avipoodle
Jan 27, 2005, 8:36 PM
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Registered: Jan 25, 2005
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Just wanted peoples opinions on whether it would be a good idea to pick up the BD Vipers. They're on sale at BD's web specials website for a pretty good deal, but I've never climbed with them. Any thoughts?
Thanks
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e_wire
Jan 27, 2005, 9:36 PM
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Registered: Apr 28, 2003
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I've been using them for almost 2 season now. I like'em alot. Almost as easy to use then the Quarks... As easy to get into the ice - but harder to remove. The swing is also very natural. No real complaints... here. If the deal is good - I suggest getting a pair!
e_wire
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jimdavis
Jan 27, 2005, 9:49 PM
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Registered: May 1, 2003
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The lower girp is very small for me. They also flex when you fully load them, because of the full length twist in the shaft.
A lot of people like them, I'm not one of them.
Try em out if you can.
Jim
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gunkiemike
Jan 27, 2005, 9:58 PM
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Jim is right. Tools have to match you swing and preferences. Buying any tool that you haven't test-climbed is not generally a good idea. The silver lining, however, is that Vipers are a great tool and if you buy them and subsequently decide you don't like them, you can re-sell them at what should only be a modest loss. Not so with off-brand tools (Omega, DMM, Cassin, Simond, Stubai etc) even though these may also be good tools.
My $0.02 - don't buy ANY tool until you have tried Quarks. 8^)
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e_wire
Jan 27, 2005, 10:03 PM
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Registered: Apr 28, 2003
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To add to the above comments - if you have the chance to try them before buying - you should!
But, having used both tools (Quark and Viper) extensively, I think the Quark are no1 and the Viper a close 2nd. All the rest is somewhat marginal (DMM, SIMMOND, etc).
Again - we're talking about tools with leashes... Cause for leashless, it's another story...
e_wire.
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lambone
Jan 27, 2005, 11:12 PM
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Registered: May 1, 2003
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I like them and would recomend them, have climbed on them for three seasons. The Fang piece is nice. The swing balance is very good.
Only complaint is that they are a bit flexy. I don't think this compromizes a placement, but it can be an un-nerving feeling when leading steep ice.
Sounds like BD is working on a replacement...that might be interesting.
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