Dollar for Dollar these picks are excellent. I am in college and would be climbing with hammers if these picks were not around. I love the bend. Another sweet feature is the fact that you can tighten and change picks by using the opposite pick as a wrench. The tool is heavier than some of the others out there but it is bomber and it gets the job done. Bonus, the stinger picks that come on them are my pick of choice.

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Charlet Moser, BD carbon fiber

My X-15's were given to me by my girlfriend when she purchased a pair of the CF-BP's, So I am lucky enough to be able to compare the two side-by-side. The weight of the X-15's are a tad on the heavy side (even for an aluminum body), but I like the "positive" feel of a heavier tool when the pick hits the ice. The carbon-fiber versions tended to "bounce" and not make as much penetration per swing. The bent shaft is a true knuckle saver, and the bright red paint looks good when your picture shows up on the main page of OutdoorREVIEW.com

A few pitches with the X-15's may leave your forearms looking like Popeye's, or Steve Garveys , but they are considerably cheaper than the carbon fiber versions, and can definitely take a beating. My set has been around for 2 1/2 full seasons of ice climbing, and they keep coming back for more !!

Customer Service

BD has no need for a customer service line... Their products are top shelf...

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BD Carbon Fiber Black Prophets

The X-15's may be the best vertical ice tools for the money. The new BD Shrike is the new replacement for the X-15 and should be as good or better. The X-15 has a great swing and feel. I have never banged my knuckles with them. The curved grip is wonderful for vertical ice, but is not as good as the straight shaft for mountaineering. I have used the BD Black Prophet's and the X-15 is really, really close. The Prophet's are a little lighter, so you don't flame out quit as quick as with the X-15's. I would strongly recommend the X-15's.

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Black Diamond Black Prophets Grivel

great tools for a great price.

In ice climbing it really all boils down to the picks. This tool uses the same picks as the top-end BD tools like the Black Prophets and Cobras. Those other tools are lighter, but much more expensive. If you don't mind carrying around some extra ounces, these tools are great!

Other differences between x-15 and other BD tools:
x-15 is hammer or adze. Picks are modular, but hammer/adze is not. Black Prophets are modular in both the picks and the hammer/adze.
Carbon Fiber Black Prophet has a slightly narrower hand grip - which supposedly makes it a bit easier to hang on to over time.

I've never had any problems with either of these two "shortcomings" of the x-15. I love em!

See if you can get some of the old "Aermet" picks to bold onto your x-15s! That's a great combo!

Customer Service

BD's customer service can't be faulted. They are an excellent company!

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Black Prophets, Charlet Moser Pulsars, Quasars. They're all good. It all boils down to picks and other personal preferences. I love BD picks.