I love the talon hook. I have used it more frequently than any other hook I have. That only seem logical courtesy of the 3-in1 structure. However, even when I have the option to use a hook of similiar size or another option I have found that the talon is much more stable on a flat rock face because the remaining two hooks have a tripodding effect. They two other hooks also bite into the rock a little bit to add stability. That helps when I need to top step or lean out one way or the other when traditional single hooks will rotate much easier. Nothing can get your heart going like a shifting hook above a row of bashies.

Customer Service

Black Diamond customer service is very helpful. I live in SLC so I am able to deal with them quite often. The staff are mountain lovers to start with so many times they have first hand knowledge about the equipment and local climbing beta. I have even had them make a few modifications for me on equipment before. I really appreciate the small town feel when I have called in.

Similar Products Used:

pika hooks, abc hooks and leapers.

A handy little tool, oddly enough, I have used this hook most effectively while buildering. It stays put even when perched percariously on the edges between bricks.

The Talon is another workhorse hook that should be on any rack. However, the smallest hook of the three is advertised as a "bathook" but beware, it is often too large to fit into traditional "bathook" holes that were drilled for the Leeper Narrow hook (aka bathook).