How would you compare the new Petzl Sum'tec to the Venom? The Sum'tec has a spike and a movable hand rest and was wondering if this might make it an improved option over the Venom. Any thoughts?

The removable finger rest seems like another thing to lose\worry about while on the hill. I was torn between the 2 as well. I went with the venom and am not complaining. I like that I can use it quickly without having to adjust the finger rest when conditions change I have to use it to plunge vs swinging. Both are great tools, Jacon is right, one does weigh more. Good Luck!

I've been wondering the same thing, so I'll throw in my two cents. Haven't used either, so take this with a grain of salt. At 50 cm the Venom is 4 ounces lighter than the 52 cm Sum'tec. It's a 19% weight difference which I think is reasonable to distribute across all the other lengths, though I can't find data on the weight of longer Venoms. If you adjust for the 4% difference in lengths, it ends up being a 16% difference. That seems fairly significant, especially when we're talking about a quarter-pound and above. Also, this seems like the sort of axe you would always use with a leash. So while a hand rest is nice for comfort and finger protection, it is hardly necessary.