Black Diamond Cobra

Review Date
August 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: ad climber(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Seattle

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Where can I find Cobras for $385 CDN? The price in the US is $299 US, it's worth a trip to Vancouver if I can find them for $385 CDN.

Thanks!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
September 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Paul (Mongo) Mahony(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Calgary, AB Canada

Price Paid:  $200.00 at MEC

Summary:
I just picked up a fresh set of Cobras. I used them on the North Face of Andromeda last week. They are an excellent tool for steep mountaineering routes as well as techy ice. The only downside is price.

At $385 CDN. They are pushing the envelope of affordability. However I think they are worth the price. As they are solid piece of gear. Good pentration with little vibration as well as balanced like no other tool

Customer Service:
BD has always been good to me.

Similar Products Used:
You name it. All the Charlet Moser Tech tools. BD Black Prophet Carbon & Regular, X15, Grivel, DMM. The List goes on and on...

Review Date
September 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Christine(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Ithaca

Summary:
These are certainly the lightest tools around (or were, last winter). And lighter, for me, equals more endurance! But the grips feel huge in my hands, which is okay when I'm fresh, but means more fumbling and poor swings when I'm tired.

I'm still waiting for someone to make a lightweight, well balanced tool with a small grip-- maybe this is the winter!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
February 23, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: Adrian Burke(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Abbotsford, BC, Canada

Summary:
I have used numerous tools on steep waterfall ice and on technical snow (mountain) routes. I've tried the X-15, Charlet Moser's Quasar, Charlet Moser straight shaft and the Black Diamond Black Prophets (bent shaft). The Prophets used to be my favorite tool, but now that I've gotten a pair of Cobras, there's no going back. Cobras are simply the best tool I have ever used. Great swing. Good sticks (great picks). Light weight from the carbon fiber construction, yet good weight placement relatively to the head. Good clearance over cauliflower ice and bulges. They're the best.

...and the most expensive. (but in my opinion, it's worth saving up for 'em!).

Customer Service:
BD has great customer service and stands behind their products.

Similar Products Used:
Charlet Moser Quasar
BD Black Prophet (Bent Shaft)

Review Date
February 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: John Ely(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Ventura, Ca. U.S.A.

Summary:
I used Cobras at the Ouray ice festival that were demo's offered by BD. They were much better than the Carbon Fiber Black Prophets that I've been using for two climbing seasons. CFBP's are great, but Cobra's really make a difference when you have to hook over cauliflowers and bulges. They are light and easy to swing. The grip is perfect for my big hands. They stick easier than other tools I've used, partly because of the extra bend, but also the BD picks work really well and the carbon fiber gives a good swing. You don't bang the upper shaft against bulges like happens with straight upper shaft's. I've hit the carbon fiber against hard ice and a few rocks and it seems to hold up really well. The only thing I didn't like was when decending steep snow slopes and plunging the shaft in for security, snow tends to work it's way up under that thin rubber that's on the hand grip unless it's perfectly glued down. Otherwise I loved them,I ordered a pair as soon as I got home. They are expensive though, there are a lot of more affordable choices out there.

Customer Service:
I have ordered from BD several times and have called for advice and they have always been great. They also send out a flier when they have discounts and end of season sales.

Similar Products Used:
CFBP's, X-15 straight shaft, Charlet Moser straight shaft, Hummingbirds, Chouinard ice hammer.