Cassin xdream full#

The Ice position drops the handle for a more natural swing on ice. In the Dry position, the handle kicks upward for a more down and out pull. Use the allen bolt above the grip to switch between Dry and Ice positions by changing the angle of the handle in relation to the angle of the pick. This amazing ice axe not only features four different T rated picks for various terrain, but it also incorporates a patented adjustment system in the ergonomic handle to fine tune the swing and pull even further. The X-Dream combines two tools in one – a fully optimized tool for technical ice and an aggressive dry tooling machine.

X-Trigger pommel attaches to the shaft for a third position.Micro-adjustable trigger finger ledges and X-Rest insert adjust the overall height and size of the handle.4 different picks (Mixte supplied as standard, Ice, Race and total Dry can be purchased separately) provide further refinement for different styles of climbing.Ergonomic handle with patented adjustment system to change between Dry and Ice angles.Comes standard with the Mixte pick Ice, Race and Total Dry picks can be purchased separately.New multi-part head design with four pick options - the Mixte and Ice picks can be combined with hammer or adze for amazing versatility.Hyperlight, perfectly balanced, fully featured tool for technical dry, mixed and ice climbing.This article originally appeared in Rock and Ice issue 240 (February 2017). With all of its permutations, the X-Dream is the Swiss-Army knife of tools. Harder aluminum replacement bolts can be had at good hardware store, and put the problem in the rearview mirror as long as you don’t over tighten the bolts. These were torqued so tightly at the factory that they stripped when I tried to unscrew them, and I had to drill them out. The picks are fixed in the head with a single aluminum bolt. Serves as a very thin hammer head, useful, if barely, for hammer starting a screw or using one tool to tap in the other. Out of the box, the factory grind on the Mixte pick was as if I had done it myself-no modifications required. That latter point can’t be overstated, giving this tool an advantage over others for really thin or really cold ice, or both at the same time. The three picks have the same aggressive, talon-like first tooth that will bite onto nearly nothing, and are thinner than most picks.

You get a Mixte pick with the tool, and have the option of the Race ($40) for rock, and Ice ($45). A secondary grip above the main grip has a large rest, and a higher, smaller, tertiary rest adjusts up or down, giving you a hold right below the head if you wish, a feature I dig as it lets me reach a foot higher without having to get stronger.įinally, a small carabiner hole lets you clip the tool to back up a belay, or tether yourself to it for a self belay while you place an ice screw. The X-Dream also has options for choking up or matching. For dry toolers, or people who want more hooking action even on ice, the grip loosens with one bolt and pivots into a “Dry” position. The cavernous grip accommodates thick gloves, and if you prefer a larger trigger-finger rest, the smaller stock one replaces with a larger rest ($6).

Cassin xdream full#

The grip is large, deep, easy to hold and the pommel is comfortable even when you have your full weight on it. The X-Dream’s grip may be the one feature that most sets it apart from other tools. Combined with the set-back grip (next), the shaft curve gives the X-Dream the handling of a more-radically curved tool.

This yields a natural swing that’s nearly identical to that of the Cassin X-All Mountain, one of the more precision pure-ice tools in today’s field. Its shaft curves in a consistent, gentle arc, rather than hooking sharply as do many technical tools. The X-Dream feels light, although at 21 ounces it is about the same weight as the Nomic and Ergo.

There are so many things to recommend about the X-Dream that I can’t cover them all, but these highlights will give you the big picture: The Cassin X-Dream, which I used all last winter, hasn’t forgotten the ice climber. Dry-tooling out sick caves grabs headlines, but the cold fact is that most climbers still only climb ice and still need ice tools.