A long snow route with a couple pitches of ice is the hardest type of climbing to select an appropriate tool. You can either have a good ice tool that sucks for self arrest or a standard ice axe that can barely climb a pitch of easy ice. Not anymore. The Black Diamond Venom is an ice axe that's designed self arrest and plunge into the snow easily but offer good ice performance. The interchangeable, classically curved pick is designed to provide solid placements while ice climbing and to self arrest securely. The Venom's slight bend at the top of the shaft increases vertical performance without sacrificing the ability to plant the shaft in the snow. A perfect alpine leash, the Lockdown, is included with this versatile axe.
Sizing:
- 50, 57 and 64cm lengths
Traction and Grip:
- Comfortable, dual-density molded grip
Features:
- Modular piolet with curved shaft
- 493g (1lb 1oz)
- Compound bend high clearance shaft
- Climbs steep couloirs, plunges and self arrests
- Venom Hammer is equipped with a Tech Pick and the Venom Adze comes with the Classic Pick
- Lockdown Leash included
- Interchangeable pick
The ultimate hybrid axe for technical couloirs and rugged alpine terrain, the Black Diamond Venom bridges the gap between classic piolet and technical ice tool. The curved upper shaft provides added clearance during technical ice and snow sections, while the traditional spike makes for smooth plunging on the uphill. The dual-density grip and included Lockdown Leash increase security when things get dicey.
| Best Use: | Alpine Climbing, Classic Mountaineering, Glacier Travel, Vertical Ice |
|---|---|
| Certification: | CEN-B certified |
| Country of Origin: | China |
| Grip: | Dual-density |
| Head Material: | Stainless Steel |
| Head Style: | Adze |
| Interchangeable Heads: | yes |
| Leash Included: | yes |
| Shaft Material: | Aluminum |
| Shaft Rating: | B Rated |
| Sizes: | 50, 57 and 64 cm |
| Weight: | 528 g, 1 lb 3 oz (Hammer, 50 cm) |
Subcategories of Ice Axes & Tools:
Black Diamond Venom Ice Axe Reviews:
Reviews:
Best all around Alpine tool
They plunge well for a good boot ax belay, though like most axes these days they have a "B" rating instead of a "T" rating of heavier axes that are rated for that specific use.
I own viper ice tools for only WI days and other full ice axes but they rarely see action because the vipers are so adept. I rarely can give a 100% recommendation.
It would be better if the ax had the tech pick option. I would also like to see a more visible paint job like orange or yellow because it can be more difficult to find when searching around the tent at 0dark30.
