![]() A simple Allen key, included in the package, allows you to quickly vary the angle of the handle and the blade from the vertical, taking the X-Dream Alpine from Ice to Dry configuration. Versatility is guaranteed by the interchangeable blades and above all by the patented variable angle handle: a masterpiece of ergonomics in ultra-resistant material even at the lowest temperatures. With the X-Dream Alpine it's like having two ice axes in one. The handle with tip guarantees greater stability when the ice ax is used in vertical support, while the X-Trigger Fast optimizes use on terrain of any angle. The Alpine version comes standard with some accessories for a more mountaineering use: the Ice blade and the hammer make it the ideal choice for north faces, goulottes and mixed routes at high altitude. X-Dream is the tool that makes the dream of having two ice axes in one come true, with all the ideal features for ice, mixed and dry-tooling. Here they're almost as popular as the Nomics.Ĭheck this out too: youtube.Cassin - X-Dream Alpine 2020 model with new mixed blades I guess in the UK they may look like something "exotic". At least here (NW Italy) they're priced in line with all other top end axes. ![]() I think it's a valid option, by no means a second choice. Taping the axe shaft is a good idea anyway if you're the type that bites his axes (I am). It's super grippy, but it will trash your gloves in no time. Another thing that is good, but also bad is the sand paper grip. I guess that's not a massive deal, that's obviously something more to think about, but also the one cool feature that no other axe has (in fact there will be another model from another manufacturer with a similar feature just moved from the handle to the head.). The bolt was tightened to death (factory) and after having changed from mixed to ice and from ice to mixed few times the bolt looked already stripped a little. ![]() Obviously the first thing I've tried as soon as I got them was to rotate the handle. If I were to really look for some "defects" the only thing I've noticed was that the pick (the X-Dreams come with the "mixed" pick, two more picks are available as optionals) seemed to wear out faster than, for instance, the Cryo's (curiosity: Cryo's picks are B-rated, X-Dream's picks are T-rated). Providing the fit is right, and having the patience to adjust to the different models, they're all ace and it's really down to personal preferences. It would be like comparing top end rock shoes. With respect to how they swing and work on ice/rock, they're as good as the two other axes I've tried. The change of configuration of the handle is the real deal, which paired with the three picks available makes the X-Dream a true all-rounder. Triggers can be adjusted or removed and the hand grip can be made larger or smaller. With respect to versatility, adjustability and general ergonomics, I think they're really good and possibly have an edge with any other ice axe I've hold in my hands. The high-end range at the moment is ridiculously wide, I can tell you that much. axes, although I've seen all available models at Friedrichshafen only weeks ago. If it were that simple we would all use the same axes And I've never even climbed on Grivel's, Edelrid's, BD's etc. It's really hard to say whether one is better than the other. Needless to say, we're talking about three of the high-end axes in the market. None of my mates have X-Dream axes, so I was able to very roughly compare Cassin's axes with E-Climb's Cryo and Petzl's Nomics. I'll start saying I'm no expert having climbed only a handful of lines up to WI5+ and M7 only (terrible season by the way.). I have used a pair last winter for my first "real" season ice & mixed climbing.
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