Petzl Quark Ice Tool Hammer, One Size

The Petzl Quark Ice Tool has been redesigned, making it even more ready to take on steep ice and any alpine terrain you can throw its way. Petzl added a collapsible finger rest that folds up into the shaft for a lower profile, and locks via a button that can be easily operated, even with gloves on. The handle received a makeover, too, with the front and sides of the old model being flattened into a more rectangular shape that increases grip efficiency. It also boasts slightly more room, allowing you to keep your hand in a more natural position, reducing pump as you work hard on steep pitches. The Quark's shaft received an update, too. It's now hydroformed into a three-dimensional shape that's slightly narrower in the front than in the back, allowing you to optimize your grip when moving up couloirs or other low-angle terrain. Additionally, the hole for clipper leashes has been removed, making the shaft stronger overall. Petzl added a nylon plastic insert between the head and shaft of the Quark to strengthen the connection, which also makes the head slightly lighter. You can add any of Petzl's head accessories to the new Quark, and use it with most of Petzl's heads for added versatility on whatever terrain you're going for.

Price: $329.95 from Backcountry