Black Diamond Venom Hammer

If I had to pick one tool for ski mountaineering, this would be it. The straight(ish) shaft of the Venom works well for plunging (boot axe belay or quick anchor), yet it also has just enough clearance to reach around ice bugles if you happen to be climbing ice. There are probably better tools in specific catagories, like vertical water ice, alpine climbing, etc., but for all around use, the Venom covers all my bases.

Where the Venom really shines is on something like a winter ascent of the Grand Teton. You need something light as you are going to be carrying it for a long time (the Venom is sub 500 grams I think..?), then you need a tool that you can climb some moderate ice with, perhaps pound a few pitons, plunge in some steep snow and then carry securely on your pack. The Venom is perfect for all of this - nothing more, nothing less.

I gave it a four star rating as I wish it used the existing BD picks instead of the special Venom pick. While these are fine, they aren't quite as strong (a B rating instead of the burlier T rating) and they use two little screws to secure them instead of the one big honkin' mother screw of the other BD tools.

The attached photo shows the tool on a backpack - this was the tool of choice for climbing Mt. Foraker in Alaska.

I think the only tool that compares to the BD Venom for technical alpine climbs or for high altitude mountaineering, is the Petzl Aztarex- mainly because nothing compares with these two tools for their lighter weight. But during such climbs- especially those with long sections of steep snow- the Venom excels over the Aztarex for a few reasons, but one in particular: it plunges well. The Venom also climbs through technical sections and mixed terrain with great balance and feel- even on vertical and bullet-hard ice- but MOST importantly it climbs securely in steep snow due to a smooth grip/shaft transition and a sharp spike, which is key for self-belay and anchoring. Other tools with molded handles and finger supports do not plunge well, and the Aztarex has a hollow, open shaft which fills up with snow. I've tried and compared many tools from all major brands, and for weight, durability, climbing versatility, leash, and interchangeable picks, nothing currently on the market compares with Venom for alpine climbing. Make sure to buy the Tech Picks, unless you intend to climb only snow- and then you should go for an even lighter tool than the Venom.For climbs with longer hard technical sections or difficult mixed climbing, I prefer the Black Diamond Cobra.

If you want a tool that can be used for a bit of mountaineering as well as some steeper ice, the black diamond venom is it!! Perfect versatile ice tool when you need one that can do many different things. Id recommend it to any alpine climber.