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 Petzl Quark.

I have used this tool skiing in Yellowstone and also in the summer to climb Mount Owen. I am just getting into mountaineering and am not really familiar with what is good and what is better. All of mountaineering friends recommended this tool as the best all around tool. Even Stephen Koch thought it was a good choice. It was perfect for the two adventures I have taken it on.

Used these for 5 days in the White Mtns. on a Snow climb, two gulley climbs in Huntington's Ravine, and two days of ice and they performed much better than expected. I have the 57cm in Adze and Hammer and they were great on vertical NEI3/4 grade climbs, in the piolet-canne position they plunged very well, performed self-arrest flawlessly. I have the tech picks on both and self arrest was fast and not a problem. They stuck well, hammered well, and chopped well....what more do you need from a technical mountain tool? If you are heading to the hills and know you are going to be doing some technical climbing as well as snow climbing (think Liberty Ridge, Mt Washington, N. Face of Mt Baker) this is the tool for you. Not as sweet as some of the other vertical ice tools I used but then again, they are not as good on snow.

Used this on a climb of Early Morning Couloir on North Sister in the Oregon Cascades. Worked well for steep snow. The ice was in good shape just below the summit and it worked beautifully for the pitch of ice climbing, well-balanced for swinging. Caught a crampon descending the steep snow slope to the south and it self-arrests well. Great tool for these mixed conditions with minimal technical ice climbing and lots of snow. My other axe was a longer, straight axe which was too long for the steep snow and didn't swing well when the snow got steeper or while climbing the ice pitch.

Perfect for ski mountaineering or as a backup tool. I chose it over the couple of iterations of the Raven series simply because it has a replaceable blade. It is well balanced and a perfect all-around winter climbing/hiking tool. The included leash is a nice touch but I prefer to have the freedom to switch hands when necessary...

A fine ice axe for peak bagging, ski mountaineering, even lower level ice climbing if you must. Light weight, durable.

Good for self-arrest and some technical ice too; a good compromise!

Versatile, lighweight, practical bent shaft, classic pick; good balance.

I used the Venom for five days on a row and have never met a better ice axe for general climbing. It is certainly not a specialized ice-climbing tool, but it is light, easy to use and durable enough for any trekking across snow and ice. And the slight curve of the handle at the end makes it a great assistance on those rock climbing moves. A few times I was literally hanging by the axe itself on the rock.

...does not swing as nicely as Grivel Air Tech Evo. I also have a concern about the durability of the rubber grip when plunging it repeatedly into hard snow because the grip is not completely flush with the shaft. I really like the replaceable blades though.

This tool makes a good set of tools for general mountaineering where you might encounter steep snow and frozen snow and can still handle low angle water ice if needed. The later being more difficult due to the leashes more than anything else. If they made a leashless kit like the one on the bd vipers, that would be great.