thought I was getting a deal on the Alien for $160, but they kinda suck. For steep Ice, the swing is hard to get down, and I used them for a season and a half. I have no money, so I thought these would save me a few bucks, but now I'm even more broke cuz now I buying a new set. The bent shaft is cool, but you'll still get the occational knuckle bash. I didn't know how sub par they were until I used Black prophets, Huge difference. HUGE.
Save your money for prophets ( or whatever), or you'll regret buying the Alien for a season, and then wanting to upgrade.

Similar Products Used:

BD black prophets
BD x-15s

I love my Aliens. I thought them difficult to use at first because of the wrist flick. I think the key to solving this is either filing the base of your pick or buying one of the more recurved picks such as the Alien Pick or the Smooth Torquer. The problem is that in 1999 they were still shipping the ice fall picks, their general ice climbing pick with the tools. The mixed features are super sweet.

Similar Products Used:

None

I bought this tool because of it's price tag, and I currently deeply regret it. I find that the tool is very difficult to use on vertical (alpine) ice particularly where there are buldgey features. The flick of the wrist to get the tool to snap correctly into place can be tricky to learn, as well as, again, if there are any buldges you can't get a good placement. The few benefits to this tool is the offset hex hammer, great for dry tooling and the rope groove - it really is good to have on long pitches when you are pumped. The price is tough to beat - but when you are on the ice, money means little.

If you are interested in this tool - buy mine. I'm going with CM Axars.

Similar Products Used:

Charlet Moser "Axar", CM "Quasar". Black Diamond "X-15".

I bought these tools for the 99-2000 season, and don't regret my decision one bit! I got the bent-shaft versions, and they have lots of very cool features. The rope groove in the head is a handy bit of security when you are past the commitment point, and too pumped to place a screw. I know it's bad form, but it's nice to have the option! Also, price can't be beat, and they swing better than C.M., and have the best picks I've tried. Truely Impressive!!

Customer Service

The clipper-leash isn't sold at M.E.C. (where I bought them), but I contacted the factory in Britian, and they would sell them to me direct if I wanted.

Similar Products Used:

C.M., Black Profits, Simmond, Predators

These are a nixe tool for the mixed terrain, a curved shaft would be nice, but for $200 for a pair, I can't complain. DMM makes the nicest leashes as well. The pick and adze/hammer are easily exchanged, this is nice when your fingers are freezing. I found the pair at northernmountainsupply, they have great deals. Don't buy these tools if you are planning on doing strictly waterfalls.