BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

Alpine: A+
Steep Ice: A+
Mixed: B+
I've previously owned X-15's, Black Prophets, Carbon Fiber Black Prophets, Fusions, and Nomics.
Once I tried leashless tools, I've NEVER looked back. I'm just not that into leashed tool bondage.
The Fusions were excellent at mixed, but I didn't care for their swing on ice...plus mixed climbing is fun, but I'm not that good, I enjoy long days of backcountry ice the most.
I love my Nomics...great sticks with an open handed swing around your trigger finger...also fantastic at mixed. But they don't have a spike and the staggered hands make it difficult to plunge into deep snow between pitches on backcountry ice. I'm keeping my Nomics for mixed climbing.
My new Cobras are a joy to swing on steep ice and backcountry/alpine ice. With the majority of the weight in the head, not in the shaft, with an open handed swing around your pinky, you'll get solid placements on most first swings. They plunge into snow well, and the spike adds confidence while walking steep snow between pitches. I removed the middle strike/pommel, as I prefer a smooth shaft, and I don't match hands on one tool too much on ice. Switching hands without the middle strike/pommel takes a little getting used to, but becomes second nature quickly. Cobras still mixed climb quite well if you leave the middle strike/pommel in place, but mixed isn't their intended purpose.
They are expensive, but they are worth every penny. I bought them at EMS on sale at 20% off.
I absolutely love my Cobras.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

I bought my pair of cobras as an upgrade from my BD Reactors. I really liked the reactors (4 of 5 stars), but this tool is phenomenal. This tool is much more efficient than any other I've owned. All of the weight is concentrated at the head, allowing for solid yet effortless (read: efficient) swings. Once you try this tool you will never want to go back. The only downside is the price - [$] for the pair with leashes. If you can snag this pair on sale do it! You won't regret it!

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

See my comment from Ouray ice festival. This tool was purchased to replace the one stolen from my house during an unauthorized teenage party in my absence. (suggestion if you have teenagers or live in a dorm lock your gear in a trunk or similar)

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

BD Cobras are beautifully balanced and their weight is in the head of the tool, making it relatively easy to get a good swing and precise placement. Of the half dozen or so ice tools I've tried they are clearly the best.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

it is weighted very nicely, has a great feel to it when it hits the ice, very solid and reassuring. it's more expensive than the other ice tools out there but now that I have it I'm very glad I do

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

The new Cobra is the best ice tool i have ever used. Normally it takes a little while to get used to a new tool, but I felt comfortable leading on these right away. They have a wonderful flick with the weight concentrated in the head, and good penetration. My only complaint is they can occasionally be hard to clean if you whack em in for all they are worth.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

The BD Cobra is a great tool. It requires a bit of a different swing, but sticks and hooks great. I noticed there were certain angles of ice that limit the ability to stick – increased blow out and shattering. THis was mostly low angle ice and it was never a real problem. These things are amazing on chandelier type ice, steep ice, hooky features, and climbing around bulges without smacking your hands. I used the tools both leashed (android) and leashless. I preferred leashless climbing and the tools worked great for that.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

New to Ice climbing but an avid rock climber. EMS provided a great deal on these Ice Tools, thank you. The tools are a great weight and easy to swing. The handle is a little small for larger hands but can be built up. The tools do not get as cold during the long climbs in cold weather due to the carbon fiber. Get them while you can!!!

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

Beautiful well balanced tool which worked well at the Ouray Ice Festival where I demo-ed a pr. Thought they were better then other tools which I tried so I bought a pr.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Cobra Hammer:

This is a great water ice tool. From the first time that I picked one up, I was amazed at it's balance. Effortless swings. It's very light. It's my first Black Diamond tool, so I had a bit of a learning curve on hard ice. The picks seat securely in ice and a bit shallower than I'm used to. These tools are pricey, but this is a very high end tool. AND I got a great deal from EMS!