Grivel debuted the most climbing hardware of any brand at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market trade show (see all the gear from the show on our gear roundup post). Grivel showcased two new ice tools, one new ice axe and updgraded their 360 ice screw.
New: 2 Ice Tools & 1 Axe
Watch the video at the top of this post to hear Peter McConkie clearly explain the differences between Grivel’s new Machine series tools.
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A moment of history: Grivel invented the first ice axe for vertical ice and called it the Machine. They’ve kept this name over the years as it represents their history. And, also unique to Grivel, all of their ice picks are hot-forged to increase durability.
1. Light Machine
A technical ice axe made for the alpine. There is an easy-sliding pommel (the finger rest) that can be used at the base of the shaft when climbing vertical ice (the configuration in the picture above) or it can be slid to the top of the shaft to allow you to plunge on more mellow terrain. It also comes with a hammer for pounding pickets and a leash. Retail: $219.95
2. Tech Machine
The most advanced of the new tools, the Tech Machine is primarily designed for steep ice climbing and dry-tooling. With its more aggressive pick angle and head clearance the Tech Machine is intended for those climbing WI4 and higher. The handle is made from vibration dampening dual density foam. The tool comes standard with a 3mm Ice pick and will also accept a 4.2mm Mixed pick. Retail: $249.95
3. Machine 3.0
A tool that excels in the WI3-WI4 range, the Machine 3.0 is made from a solid piece of hot-forged aluminum for maximum durability and reduced vibration. Grivel was the first to implement multiple grip options on the shaft of their ice tools and the Machine 3.0 keeps this very handy feature. Like the Tech Machine, it comes with a 3mm Ice pick that can be swapped out for a 4.2mm Mixed pick. Unlike the Tech Machine, the pick is not as downturned which allows the tool to excel in vertical ice and slightly lower angle climbing (one could get by on WI2 with this tool where it would be extra challenging with the Tech Machine). Retail $299.95
Ice Screw Info Missing!
Info about Grivel’s 360 Ice Screws expanded and moved to: blog.weighmyrack.com/grivels-360-ice-screw-features-and-updates
Can’t wait for these to come on the market? Here’s the Grivel tools currently available:
If you’re curious about more gear that’s coming out in 2014, definitely check out our full blog post featuring all of the climbing gear we saw at the Winter Outdoor Trade Show.
Questions about any of Grivel’s ice gear? Let us know in the comments and we’ll get you answers!
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[…] their revamped 360 ice screw, and some nifty ascenders that feature an integrated belay plate. Read more (and see videos) about the ice tools and screws here and watch a video about the Grivel ascenders on […]
Thanks for the great info! Does the 2014 360 have teeth that are 25% longer than previous years’ 360 models? Or do all 360s have these more aggressive teeth (as compared to the other Grivel screws)? Also, the photo comparing the threads of the Grivel vs BD screws shows a Grivel with substantially less aggressive teeth than the BD. Is that the new 360? Because if that’s the case, I can’t imagine how short the teeth were before the upgrade.
Hey Justin,
Great questions. I wanted to make sure we got you the full truth and nothing but the truth so I checked in with Grivel’s distributor (Liberty Mountain). I asked them:
For the 2014 version of the 360 ice screws, the teeth are 25% longer than …
a) the previous version of the 360 ice screws
b) all other Grivel ice screws
c) both a and b are true
(they answered a)
Otherwise, the picture depicting the threading is (coincidentally) the older version of the 360. I think I’ll update the photo to not show the teeth, as it’s distracting and not related to the reverse threading point. The picture is misleading in terms of teeth length as the angles of the photos are fairly different too (which is why they were chosen — to accentuate the differences of reverse threading).
Thanks for writing in, these are great clarifications!
[…] you’re interested in more new ice gear from Grivel, check out Grivel’s newest ice tools coming out in 2014. Or, check out all the new rock climbing gear from every climbing manufacturer seen at the Winter […]
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