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Cobra; 2007/2008
Gear Review
Cobra; 2007/2008 

Page Type: Gear Review

Manufacturer: Black Diamond

Your Opinion: 
 - 2 Votes
 

 

Page By: JFox

Created/Edited: Jan 3, 2008 / Jan 3, 2008

Object ID: 4452

Hits: 581 

 


Product Description

 
Cobra
The Cobra is a staple of hard ice leads and bold alpine routes. This year we’ve redesigned the shape of our legendary Cobra’s lightweight carbon fiber shaft to give it the most clearance of any of our tools without sacrificing balance or axis of rotation. The new silhouette also reduces the overall weight of the Cobra by over 100 grams. The carbon fi ber shaft keeps the majority of the tool’s weight in the head. Carbon fiber also provides vibration-free placements with minimal flex, a damp, balanced swing and wrist-flick sticks. Over-molded and textured, a new, minimized rubber grip is integral to the Cobra’s lower shaft for a flush fit, positive control and a secure, precise grip. The optional integrated Android Leash can be added for hard ice climbing. Comes equipped with Laser Pick, removable Fang and Strike. Patented.

Features

  • Uses: Vertical Ice, Mixed, Alpine

  • Modular: Pick, Hammer, Adze

  • Shaft: Compound Bend High Clearance

  • Length: 50 cm

  • Head: Adze, Hammer

  • Weight: 608 g (1 lb 5 oz) Adze, 588 g (1 lb 5 oz) Hammer
  • Images


    Reviews

    Viewing: 1-2 of 2

    JFoxBeautiful Tool

    Voted 5/5

    I just got these and will be swinging them this Saturday on their first ice sesh. I rented the Vipers and liked them pretty well. However, after much research and reading (not to mention a great discounted deal on the Cobra's I found) I decided to go with these. For the money spent, these tools will and should last me many, many years. I got to play with some Cobra's recently and just liked the way they felt a little better than the Vipers.

    I was agonizing over what to get for a good tech WI/Mixed tool as well as something I could use alpine. With the removable Fang and Strike, these should perform well in the alpine realm. I also like the fact that BD uses the same picks and heads from previous years so finding spare parts shouldn't be a problem. I also like the fact that there are minimal parts to lose with the BD tools over say the Quarks. Two screws separate the Cobra's whereas the Quarks require an allen wrench to loosen three screws with three nuts. Also, you can use one pick to unscrew the other pick if you need to with the BD tools.

    I haven't got leashes yet so I'll comment on those later. Overall these are a very sexy tool and the look, feel and swing is superb. The shaft is T rated but they come equipped with a B rated pick.

    Edit: These tools are outstanding! I swung them all day yesterday and they are the best tools I've used so far. Lightweight and solid sticks on the first go. I noticed a big difference between these and the Vipers. Great, great tool! More picts and comments later.

    Update: I just used them in Ouray this past weekend on WI4 and they performed superbly. Very happy with them still!
    Posted Jan 3, 2008 1:42 pm

    cushmanGreat Tools

    Voted 5/5

    I had the 2006 Vipers and these swing similar to those, but lighter and more weight on the head. These tools are really responsive - you can tell right away if you have a good stick or not because they are so stiff. The Vipers I had would flex with body weight, no flex at all with the new Cobras. BD has engineered a winner with these.
    Posted Feb 16, 2008 12:25 am

    Viewing: 1-2 of 2


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