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Petzl Quark Hammer
  • Petzl Quark Hammer
  • Petzl Quark Hammer Head
  • Petzl Quark Adze Bottom

Quark Hammer

Rating

My vote: None ( 5.6 avg )

Description

Versatile ice axe for technical mountaineering and ice climbing

QUARK is a versatile ice axe designed for technical mountaineering and for ice climbing. Its balance and its ICE pick allow solid placements on any type of ice. The TRIGREST and GRIPREST handrests make it easy to handle and comfortable in any situation. They provide more efficient handle grip for difficult sections. Entirely modular, the QUARK ice axe adapts easily to technical, varied terrain: snow couloirs, gullies, north faces, icefalls...

  • Versatile ice axe:
    - shaft curved below the head and GRIPREST QUARK handrest at the bottom of the shaft to protect the hands on ice climbs
    - shaft has a steel spike and is straight enough for use in piolet-canne mode
    - shaft is hydroformed for optimal grip in the middle of the shaft, for snow couloirs
    - over-molded, bi-material handle provides good grip while insulating from the cold
    - TRIGREST QUARK and GRIPREST QUARK handrests strengthen the grip on difficult sections 
    - 550 g with PANNE or MARTEAU
  • Efficient placement on any type of ice
    - ICE pick is tapered at the tip (3.3 mm) and versatile across all terrain: snow, ice and mixed
    - compatible with MASSELOTTE weights to modify the balance and improve the inertia of the ice axe
  • Modular construction:
    - entirely modular head allows the technical aspects of the ice axe to be adjusted
    - compatible with Petzl accessories: PUR'ICE, MINI MARTEAU, MASSELOTTES...
    - TRIGREST QUARK handrest is height adjustable without tools
    - GRIPREST QUARK handrest folds in easily for planting the ice axe in snow
    - connection hole is compatible with V-LINK elasticated loss-prevention webbing
    - only 465 g, not including accessories

 

Retail price

US$ 269.95

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Weight (g / oz)

Weight (g / oz)

In grams and ounces, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

The weight is the packaged weight. If there are differences in weight (due to optional accessories) we'll note them here.

550 g / 19.40 oz

Stripped down the base-weight of the Quark is only 465 g

Length (cm) 50 cm
Head Details Hammer (pair: Quark Adze )
2 Screw adjustment
Ice Rating Pick: T / Type 2
Shaft: T / Type 2
Picks Included with the tool:
Ice
Other Picks Available:
Pur'Ice
Pommel & Grip

Pommel & Grip

Upper Pommel

Fixed: An upper pommel that is fixed in place (it cannot move up/down the shaft nor can it be taken off).

Adjustable: An upper pommel that can move up and down the shaft.

Removable & Adjustable: An upper pommel that is completely removable and also adjustable.

Removeable: An upper pommel that is either on or off (it cannot move up/down the shaft).

None: If there is no upper pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately).

Lower Pommel

Fixed: A lower pommel that is fixed in place (the angle cannot be changed nor can it be taken off).

Adjustable: A lower pommel that can change angle or location on the tool.

Removable: When the lower pommel can be removed but not adjusted.

None: If there is no lower pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately).

Upper Pommel: Removable & adjustable
Lower Pommel: Removable & adjustable
Grip Size: Adjustable
Materials Pick: Steel
Head: Steel
Shaft: Aluminum
Grip: Glass fiber reinforced plastic
Certification

Certifications

The main climbing gear certifications are CE and UIAA--and normally the UIAA creates the rules that the CE body also supports. When possible, we try to list all the certifications the product carries.

To sell a climbing product in Europe, the device must be CE certified. There are no official requirements to sell climbing gear in the US. The UIAA certification is a voluntary process.

Learn More

Rock and Ice Certifications Guide
CE, UIAA
Ice Pair Reference
Picks it comes with
Interchangeable Picks
Ice Tool Acces. Ref
AVG RATING
6
( 6 avg )
Rating
6
( 6 avg )

I love it quark a lot

Pros
Comfortable, sharp, lightweight
Cons
Not for WI5
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

I got this bad boys back in December and have been using it all season. I got it along with the adze but actually removed both that and the hammer for now. It's my first set of ice tools and I couldnt be more in love. Definitely a must have for people just getting into ice climbing.

They swing beautifully, are so lightweight that your arms dont get pumped easily, and they stick incredibly into the ice even minus the weight. They fit really nice in my hand especially with my gloves on. The angle on these isnt super aggressive, but I climbed WI4+ with these and they did not fail me. If you're going to be climbing WI5 and some inverted technical stuff, maybe they could do it, but youd probably want to go with a more advanced tool. I've tried a lot of my friends ice tools and I'm still glad I chose these. Even my friends want to also get my set for easier climbs.

Alpinist Gear Review rating 4.5/5

When all is said and done I think the new Petzl Quark is a great example of what we have come to expect from Petzl—lightweight, practical, adjustable, durable, innovative and dependable. If you are looking to climb predominantly steep and technical terrain, the Nomic is possibly a better fit for you. If you already have a set of the last Quarks, maybe you don't need to jump to an upgrade just yet, but if you want a set of axes that handle it all, and are in the market for an alpinist's dream tool, look no further.

UK Climbing Gear Review no rating given just a review

The updated QUARK is a superb tool, that will climb equally well on ice, mixed and snow. Petzl seem to have ironed the key durability issues of the previous model. Whether you are an experienced winter climber looking to upgrade your existing tools, or an aspiring mountaineer looking for your first pair, the QUARK would be an excellent choice for a mid-range do-it-all winter tool. Whilst there are other cheaper tools available, the RRP of £210 per axe is comparable with heavier tools from other leading brands. I am not a fan of the movable griprest, or the trigrest, but the former can be ignored, and the latter can be easily removed, so this does nothing to detract from an otherwise brilliant tool. If you are looking for something that will take you from grade II to (at least) grade VII then this has to be one of the best choices available right now.

2018 Petzl Quark, Nomic, Ergonomic Review by Anne Gilbert Chase
Conrad Anker Reviews: 2018 Petzl Quark, Nomic, Ergonomic
Details of Petzl Quark, Nomic, Ergonomic 2018 Ice Tools