This is the worst tool ever! Grip works wonders, and pick sticks and releases wonderfully. However, this tool has WAY to much curve in it. there are Mixed routes that i've had to place the tool at odd angles just because the tool was so curved. With all the curve it also need alot of snap in the wrist...somthing that you lose when you get all pumped. Too bad this tool can't rise above. The idea is right, but this tool is just so specialized it's not worth buying unless you only climb steep ice. Plus they are very expensive. Don't be an idiot, get some Cobras insted.

Similar Products Used:

BD Cobras (AWESOME!)

Contrary to Forrest Gump, you do know what you are gonna get. Friends of mine promised that the Quark would always deliver on the first swing and so far it always has. Sure, I''ve sufferd bad swings due to pump but even still the Quark pentrates. I love the grip, even over the Cobra, and the pick couldn''t possibly be more refined. Until there''s some other hi tech material, the pick and the shaft are really the best possible blend of weight, swing, and balance. I don''t care for the leash very much (prefer the BD sliders actually), and I''ve seen the grips get chewed up by abusive climbers. Yet, overall, this is an amazing tool

Customer Service

no experience

Similar Products Used:

x15, prophets, captain hooks, axar, quasar, pulsar, cobras, and machines

These are the best ice tools currently available. They are light weight yet penetrate hard ice well. They have exceptional clearance and a good grip for leashed climbing. Well balanced. I have climbed with BD Rage''s as well as the CM Quark''s and consider these two the best tools for steep waterfall ice. All others are a long way behind. The Grivel Top Machines have a good grip but their balance feels strange to me. The BD Carbon Cobra feels good, great grip, but, contrary to BD''s claims, does not have a huge lot of clearance. And it is prohibitively expensive. If You have a straight tool, great, go out and climb, but if you intend to buy a waterfall ice tool get the Quark or the Rage. The handle on the Quark is good for people with medium to large size hands but not for leashles climbing, however there is a rumour that they are going to produce the competition version, which has a leashless handle, allowing hand swapps etc. CM has a quick release leash avilable for the Quark(Clipper leash), however I didn''t like the feel of the standard leash, so I mounted BD Android leashes. Have fun climbing!

Similar Products Used:

BD Rage BD Prophet BD Shrike CM Pulsar