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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 30, 2012 - 04:31pm PT
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I have a nice set of BD carbon fibre Cobras rigged old school for leashes.
(They live in the gear room with a nice set of the previous generation BD carbon fibre Black Prohets)
When I looked at new leashless Cobras they didn't look a whole lot different than my old ones except for the hand grips and hooks.
I'd rather do a nice retro than spend more money on new tools if it can be done in a manner that doesn't besmirch the fine craftsmanship evident in these tools.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
PB
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Nov 30, 2012 - 04:45pm PT
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If you can find the older "fang" pinky hooks that they sold for the Viper...whoa...maybe they still have some!
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/technical-ice-tools/viper-fang
Anyhoo, I took a razer knife and shaved down the plastic on a pair of these and they can be made to fit the old Cobras (used them for a few seasons now). Leashless? Probably work ok but I still would be a bit goosey about really weight bearing fully on them (still use leashes with the pinky rests).
The geometry of the new Cobras is very different to me, but, I'm sure like any tool, once you get used to them, they'd be good to go.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 30, 2012 - 04:53pm PT
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Thanks Brian,
I'd probably still run the new "Spinner" umbilical and keep the option of using the clip on leashes.
PB
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Borut
climber
french, spider, cheater
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Nov 30, 2012 - 04:58pm PT
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what do you need the clip-on leashes for?
I used to use that, but not any more.
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 30, 2012 - 05:01pm PT
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It's about choice not need.
Maybe I'm just weak and resistant to irrevocable change.
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Borut
climber
french, spider, cheater
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Nov 30, 2012 - 05:05pm PT
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The leashes aren't good for blood flow, I guess
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Chief
climber
The NW edge of The Hudson Bay
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Topic Author's Reply - Nov 30, 2012 - 05:14pm PT
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Thanks.
I've heard that's one of many advantages and hope it's true.
I played with leashless tools a couple times and although it felt alien and scary, I loved the freedom from the hideous f*#kwith.
In a perfect world I won't have to drop another pile of cash on new tools to enjoy the experience.
My dog Kakwa goes leashless all the time and says it's the only way!
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Brian in SLC
Social climber
Salt Lake City, UT
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Nov 30, 2012 - 05:27pm PT
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I think mine's more about need than choice...
Maybe I'm just weak and resistant to irrevocable change.
Bingo. Ha ha.
Have a set of leashless tools, just haven't fully committed to them.
I kinda have a theory on leashless, though. If you're strong to a certain level, then, you either need them or not for steep ice. With leashes, my grip can totally go galley-west and I'm still hangin' from that tool.
We'll see as the season hopefully progresses...(too warm here right now to get too excited).
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