Superior all around

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

To echo the sentiments of others, I find these superior to BD Turbo Express screw for many reasons. They have afforded me a nice confidence boost in leading. Pros: - Better teeth engagement and weight balance gives you consistent half turn starts without falling out. I'm still amazed every time I place these how well these bite in side-by-side comparisons with new BDs. - Superior crank handle allows for big radius fast cranks. - Smaller head gives better clearance against variable ice. Less clearing to drive the screw home. Cons/considerations: - Rack fatter than the BDs. But not really an issue if kept to 4 screws per clipper, which is fine for a majority of leads. - Single hole instead of two like the BDs. But really only a thought when building an ice anchor, and the single holes are big enough for more than one locking biner. - Less durable aluminum hanger. But just be mindful to clear screws by tapping the end of the steel tube only.

Timothy S.

You're not screwed

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Time is of the essence when placing a screw. The Petzl Laser will not let you down. They feel easier to start in hard ice compared to BD Express's and thread nicely as well. I find it fits in smaller crevices better also.

Matt A

My Favorite Screw

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I used these, BD Turbo's, and BD Turbo Express screws, and so far these are my favorite. They rack really nicely, and the handle is very ergonomic and easy to use. Compared to brand new Turbo screws, I find that the teeth on these bite into ice more easily, and I'm able to get the screw set into the ice very quickly. The hanger is spacious, and easily has room for 2-3 carabiners. I would choose these over the Laser Speed Lights as they're more durable, with the exception of maybe the 21 cm length, which has the most significant weight savings. If you're building a rack of ice screws, just get these and you'll be a happy climber!

Robert Lindsen

Love them

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I have used the BD version a handful of times but decided to go with these instead. They go in super smooth and rack great. Go smaller then you think!

Jennifer C

Best out there

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Make your life easier and get the speed verison of these screws. You are already working hard enough to get a good sink in with your tool and the last thing you need to do is get pumped out fiddling with the hanger. Once you get them set they breeze through ice like a hot knife to butter. I also really like the design of the folding handle compared to other options out there. Do yourself a favor and pick these guys up. You won't regret it.

Wesley Eads

What You Need

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

The screws are awesome. Simple to place, easy to remove, with no frills. The ice comes out easily after you remove them and they rack well without taking up too much space. 'Nuff said.

Daniel Goodman

Look No Further

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I first started building my ice rack with BD Express screws because I'd heard they were the 'standard' but soon realized that these are superior. They bite better, have a nicer handle and finish, and are easier to place properly since the hanger itself is smaller and clears surrounding obstructions. The 13cm is my savior! Also, those who claim that these are not as durable as BD, that is a bunch of bs. The main concern being the durability of the aluminum hanger. So unless you're hammering the hanger, which you shouldn't do, these will last just as long.

Josh P.

Ueli Steck - Les Drus / North Couloir

Wolfgang Schweiger

PETZL - ice climbing basics

Wolfgang Schweiger

PETZL - Commitment to Quality

Wolfgang Schweiger

Better than BD

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I think so. I have two 10 cm to fill out my rack. Unfortunately, 10 is so short that you practically don't need to open the crank. But it does feel ultimately better. I find with my BD's that i will still make many turns without the crank. Especially for the last couple. They do fit into smaller places a bit better, but the aluminum hanger should not be hit with a hammer. You shouldn't hit the steel BD hanger either though, IMHO. I use the heel of my fist (OR gloves come with a nice pad for this) to try to push the hanger over some bulges or back the screw up and hack out things a bit when that fails. The screws bite perfectly. This is either because they're brand new or because Petzl tips are better. This is unverifiable as none of my BD screws are new. But it does give me confidence to buy the Lim'ice sharpener and apply it to my BD screws. I'd like to try the superlight aluminum shafted Petzls, but i don't know if i am prepared to pay the price difference. These seem pretty solid to me.

Courtney Dean

Still not convinced..

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I've used the BD Express extensively so I will draw comparisons with them. Racking: These rack the same as the BD, they nest nicely together into an ice clipper. Starting: They start quickly and well, but not a noticeable improvement over BD. I had no problems starting them easily. Speed: The crank knob is a lot bigger than the BD but tends to fold up unintentionally if you crank it really fast. Kind of annoying but I might need to just get used to it. Clearance: The slightly smaller hanger compared to BD means it does fit in slightly smaller spaces, but not anywhere near a Grivel 360 clearance. Weight: These have an aluminum hanger so they are lighter than the BD screws. The "laser speed light" model with aluminum shaft is incredibly light. Hanger: You can easily fit 3 carabiners in the hanger which is quite generously sized. Cost: These cost the same as the BD Strength: Probably strong enough, but I had no way to test this. *Cleaning: I had major problems clearing the ice out of the screw when cleaning them. For half the placements the ice would not come out through normal means (tapping the head against the ice). I had to put the screws in my jacket to melt the cores out. This was with new screws on 2 different trips with 2 different conditions. Durability: I have not had them long enough to extensively test the durability. After 2 alpine climbs the shiny finish near the teeth is visibly worn away leaving spots of dull grey metal on the shaft of the screw. Not sure if this is significant yet, but I've never had this with the BD. Conclusion: I am not thoroughly convinced these are worse than the BD. However I am convinced these are not significantly better than the BD. The problem with clearing the ice out of the screws was fairly severe, but will require more testing to figure out why that was happening.

Shane Shin

Petzl Ice Srew Placement

Dan Gates

Does what it says!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

My friend had a few of these on a climb the other day, and was telling me how much easier they are to place than BD Expresses. I didn't believe him until I tried it for myself. Much easier to start, and drive faster once to have the handle out to boot. Good deal.

Jerome D.

Sharpen and maintain your ice screws

Adam Saucedo

Petzl Instructional Vid

Petzl says: This film demonstrates proper ice screw placement technique, as well as how to set an anchor and a v-thread in waterfall ice. We will discuss the key technical elements, but remember that when swinging your tools into the ice, it is crucial to understand the medium on which you are climbing. The quality of the ice, its structure, the terrain above, recent changes in temperature - all these factors and others must be considered before you step off the ground and onto the ice.

Jesse Thunderbird

Laser Speed ice screw threads

Ryan Hamilton

13 cm Petzl Laser Speed ice screw

smaller hanger keeps it from getting caught on sculpted ice

Ryan Hamilton

Awesome ice screws!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This redesign by Petzl is awesome. The screws have extended tips to help with the initial "stab" at the ice and really good cutting faces on the starts of the threads. They drive really well with the handle out. Would have liked to see a double hanger like the BD screws, it comes in handy, but it's definitely not a deal killer.

Ryan Hamilton