Best of the best!
by urbanrn on 04/12/2020Pros
Quality, design, features, reputation
Cons
None
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
Disclaimer
Just my opinion
Nomic
Description
The NOMIC ice axe sets the standard for ice climbing. Perfectly balanced, equipped with weights, it offers an exceptional swing. The PUR'ICE pick provides efficient placement in any type of ice. The shape of the ice axe and the double handle offer multiple grip modes, as well as stable hand switching. The grip is comfortable, thanks to the ergonomics of the handle and to the adjustable GRIPREST handrest. Featuring a minimalist hammer, the head is protected and allows the user to hammer a piton back in. Entirely modular, the ice axe can be optimized for the terrain.
Description
- Efficient placement on any type of ice:
- perfect shape and balance of the ice axe provide an exceptional swing
- facilitated hooking, thanks to the curve under the head
- PUR'ICE pick is tapered at the tip (3 mm), offering excellent penetration in any type of ice, including the very hardest. It is serrated on the upper side to offer a stable support when turned upside-down
- inertia and striking quality are optimized, thanks to the MASSELOTTE weights - Comfortable grip, designed for technical ice climbing:
- multiple grip modes and stable hand switching, thanks to the double handle (high and low)
- lower handle is offset to protect the hand from contact with the ice and to provide more comfort when suspended
- upper handle is over-molded and bi-material, offering excellent grip and insulation from the cold
- hydroformed shaft for optimal grip in the middle of the shaft - Modular construction:
- entirely modular head allows the technical aspects of the ice axe to be adjusted
- sold with MINI MARTEAU, to protect the head and allow the user to hammer a piton back in
- without accessories, the ice axe is lighter, for dry tooling (only 500 g)
- GRIPREST NOMIC handrest is overmolded and adjustable to three positions, to adapt to all hand sizes, even while wearing gloves. The lower part has a serrated stainless steel point that improves support when used in piolet-canne mode
- connection hole is compatible with V-LINK elasticated loss-prevention webbing
Retail price
US$ 309.95
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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. | 585 g / 20.63 oz |
| Length (cm) | 50 cm |
| Head Details | Hammer 2 Screw adjustment |
| Ice Rating | Pick: B / Type 1 Shaft: T / Type 2 |
| Picks | Included with the tool: Pur'Ice Other Picks Available: Ice Pur'Dry Dry |
Pommel & GripPommel & GripUpper PommelFixed: 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 PommelFixed: 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: Fixed Lower Pommel: Removable & adjustable Grip Size: Adjustable |
| Materials | Pick: Steel Head: Steel Shaft: Aluminum Grip: Glass fiber reinforced plastic |
CertificationCertificationsThe 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 MoreRock and Ice Certifications Guide |
CE, UIAA |
Picks it comes with
Interchangeable Picks
Ice Tool Acces. Ref
A piece of tool to go to war with
by TomGrassMat on 04/6/2020Pros
Geometry
Balance
Comfort
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
A Vertical Ice machine
by anonymous on 03/31/2020Pros
Natural swing
Wonderful balance
Phenomenal pur’ice picks
Comfortable grip
Cons
Soft picks
Pick weights loosen easily
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
Disclaimer
Once you swing Nomics, you’ll never go back
The vertical ice tool
by Benjamin VanderStouw on 03/29/2020Pros
Well balanced
Aggressive design
Modular handle
Cons
Swing less intuitive than others
Picks less durable than others
Familiarity
I’ve used it a few of times
Awesome all-around tool
by Giacomo Musante on 03/28/2020Pros
Great weight distribution for easy swing
Performed well for both ice and mixed routes
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
Disclaimer
Second-hand conditions many vary
All of this adds up to one of the best choices for a technical climbing tool on the market! While you will notice how nice they feel in hand at your local gear shop you truly will be impressed the first time you take these out on real ice. These are a perfect choice for the ice climber who only occasionally (or never) climbs hard mixed routes. They excel on WI3+ routes. I would still reach for the Petzl Quarks for WI2 or more alpine type objectives but for ice cragging at Frankenstein, Ouray, or any WI4 and up these are the bees knees. I hope you get a chance to climb with them!
The latest iteration of the Nomic improves on a tried-and-true design. The new Nomics come in at the same weight (about 21oz), but by shedding a few grams from the handle, Petzl was able to add their Mini Marteau hammer to the head, plus a stainless-steel spike to the bottom. Other improvements include a wider handle for a more comfortable grip, a glass-filled nylon overmolded upper grip (no more need for tape), pick weights shaped to better slot in cracks, and an insert in the head that prevents wobble in colder temps.
We first got to handle Petzl's new top-end ice tools at the ISPO show in January 2018. They looked exciting; but there's only so much you can tell in an exhibition hall, and to really judge an axe you have to climb with it - a lot. Well as winters go, this one has not been the best to test ice axes, with conditions coming and going all season. Having the new NOMICS and ERGONOMICS sitting near my desk has been a frustrating business; however we've managed to get out enough to have a good idea of how they climb.
The updated Nomics (585g each with standard accessories included, 500g without) are only slightly lighter than their predecessors while adding useful features including an integrated bi-material rubber grip over the shaft (making tape unnecessary), a built-in smaller hammer for pounding in pins, a steel spike at the bottom for use in cane mode, and tapered pick weights that slot better in cracks.
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
Instructional pictures for Petzl Nomic ice tool 2018.
Field of application, inspection and additional information with instructional pictures.
Describes with words and helpful photos, how to protect your ice tool and ice axe.
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Helpful instruction for inspecting Petzl ice tool and ice axe.