Grivel Taa-k-oon Alp with Cascade Pick - 2006 BCS

Simply put, they are sweet if a tad heavy. This was my first set of leashless tools, and I was amazed at how much I didn't pump out without the leashes. Also even with thin gloves my hands stayed really warm and were well protected from the ice. On heavily featured ice the tools were really easy to get accurate placements, the trigger works well, and is easily adjustable... but you can't use mitts with the trigger. At first the cascade pick stuck a bit, but with practice was no trouble, and swings were very natural. I'd give it the nod over the Quark, Awax or Scorpion (all of which I've used a bit).

I wanted to try out leashless climbing with a tool that I could still plunge and add a leash to for more alpine conditions. This tool is great for this purpose. However, I was amazed at how easy leashless climbing is with these tools. The trigger and pinky pommel make holding on to the tool a piece of cake. The only drawback is that different thicknesses of glove require you to move the finger trigger. Also, the pinky pommel won't easily accommodate a super-thick glove. This isn't a problem for me since I like to climb in the thinnest glove I can and then switch to a mitten for belaying.

Great throw, weight, balance, length, and grip setup. Everybody knows these are sweet but spendy. They’re definitely worth it for serious ice and alpine climbing.