Dark Machine w/Total Ice Vario
Description
Ultimate technical ice axe which combines the most advanced technologies and materials into a modern tool, destined for great performances.
Designed for ice climbing, this aggressive technical ice axe has a G-bone carbon composite shaft and full carbon handle that ensure lightness and, at the same time, extreme toughness and durability.
Very light at only 490 grams, their geometry offers a higher balance point, that allows a much better swing.
The head is compatible with VARIO System, an innovative light and modular system for interchangeable blades and accessories: naked, mini-hammer, hammer and adze. The VARIO System allows to choose between different blade construction technologies (hot forged or laser cut) and to perform the best combination to front any type of terrain with great all around performances.
Ultimate technical ice axe which combines the most advanced technologies and materials into a modern tool, destined for great performances.
Designed for ice climbing, this aggressive technical ice axe has a G-bone carbon composite shaft and full carbon handle that ensure lightness and, at the same time, extreme toughness and durability.
Very light at only 490 grams, their geometry offers a higher balance point, that allows a much better swing.
The head is compatible...
Retail price
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Weight (g / oz) | 490 g / 17.20 oz |
| Length (cm) | 49 cm |
| Head Details | No adze or hammer 2 Screw adjustment |
| Ice Rating | Pick: T / Type 2 Shaft: T / Type 2 |
| Picks | Included with the tool: Total Ice Vario Other Picks Available: Ice Vario Total Dry Vario Katana Ice Vario Dry Plus |
| Pommel & Grip | Upper Pommel: Fixed Lower Pommel: Fixed Grip Size: 1 size fits all (not adjustable) |
| Materials | Pick: Steel Shaft: G-bone carbon composite Grip: Carbon |
| Certification |
CE, EN, UIAA |
No reviews yet.
This is a brilliant tool, which climbs ice as well as any axe I've used. The carbon shaft is light, stiff and warm. However it's unashamedly specialist. I'd be reluctant to use an expensive carbon fibre axe for mixed climbing in Scotland, as a standard aluminium tool would do the job as well, and better withstand the rough usage. And at £343.95 per axe, they're not exactly a budget option. For your average UK winter climber the benefits may not justify the price tag, but if you really need their combination of performance and lightness, then the Dark Machine may well be an investment worth making.
As soon as I picked up the Grivel Dark Machine, the exceptionally high center of mass and minimal total weight caused some concern. Usually, the high balance point is a good thing as it adds power to the swing. But I had never swung an axe with such an exaggerated balance point. Since I use hammers on big ice missions, I packed a pair of the Hammer Varios. These would add 2.4 ounces to the back of the head. Yes, it would push the balance point upward. But I reasoned that the added weight would provide a more familiar feeling.
At the end of the day the Grivel Dark Machine is a tool for the focused specialist. It's well suited to steep terrain, ice that's dead-vertical or just beyond, and objectives that are long enough or remote enough to merit the weight savings of a carbon tool. In those situations, they shine. But if your winter tick list involves complex mountaineering, snow climbs, or moderate ice, a more generalist tool will likely be a better choice.
