Gear Review: Black Diamond Cobra Ice Tool

Black Diamond Cobra Ice Tool Gear Review – by Eric Whewell

The Black Diamond Cobras are my favorite ice tools on the market. They have the craftsmanship of a Ferrari and the burl of an eighteen wheel truck. I have used these tools almost exclusively for the last four seasons on a variety of objectives. They climb rock well and excel on ice.

The Cobras are a precision instrument.  They have the greatest clearance of any Black Diamond Tools without sacrificing balance.  Black Diamond has made these with a lightweight Carbon Fiber Shaft to provide damp, accurate swings.   They feature a modular head design, so you can easily put on the adze when you are in the mountains and switch out to dueling hammers for your dry-tooling enjoyment.

After years of abuse, these tools are still swinging great; a testament to the durability of the tool.  The Cobras are a great tool for anything from the Ouray Ice Park to the North Buttress of Mount Hunter!

Eric Whewell
CMS Senior Guide
IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide