I particularly like the way it feels when I hold it but also the way it swings into the ice. I have used the new Petzl Quark (2018) on a couple of climbs and so far I have been very satisfied. Petzl logo on the shaft of Petzl Quark Ice Axe Petzl Quark Ice Axe detail Petzl Quark Ice Axe detail Petzl Quark Ice Axe detail The change of shape improves indexing (reducing side-to-side tool movement), and the handle is also slightly larger in volume to keep the hand in a more open and relaxed position with the idea of building less pump. So on the new Quark, both the front and sides of the handle are flatter than the previous generation.
According to Monsieur Plaze, he and the R&D team at Petzl played with different handle shapes and sizes, and found that a rectangular shape, as opposed to oval-shaped or round, was the most efficient grip. The 2018 Quark has an updated handle with improved ergonomics.
With the update to the finger rest, Petzl also redesigned the shape of the stainless-steel spike at the bottom of the tool. The wiggle is almost unnoticeable, but if it bothers you, Petzl built in an option to lock the finger rest in the open position with a screw and nut. Because of the moving parts, the finger rest has 0.2 mm of play in either locked position. The locking pin to toggle the finger rest back and forth is fairly easy to press, even with gloves on, although it remains to be seen if it could possibly ice up. This might seem like small beans, but when plunging the tool for thousands of feet up moderate snow slopes, it will make a serious improvement in efficiency. In the open position, the finger rest is business as usual, but a small spring-loaded pin allows it to fold up and in line with the tool’s shaft to create a lower profile. Starting at the bottom of the tool, the new Quark has a collapsible finger rest that locks in either an open or closed position. Petzl Quark Pick Petzl Quark Steel Spike and Griprest Entirely modular, the QUARK ice axe adapts easily to technical, varied terrain: snow couloirs, gullies, north faces, icefalls. They provide more efficient handle grip for difficult sections. The TRIGREST and GRIPREST handrests make it easy to handle and comfortable in any situation. Its balance and its ICE pick allow solid placements on any type of ice. The Petzl QUARK is a versatile ice axe designed for technical mountaineering and for ice climbing. The ice axes I was looking for where the following ones: I wanted the new ice axe to be a multipurpose ice axe that I could use it for general mountaineering, but also on more technical terrains, such as on couloirs and more mix climbing activities.
For the new ice axe, I had specific needs and wishes.
Like always, prior of purchasing a new item, I do an extensive market research. Recently, I have updated my helmet and I got the new Mammut Wall Rider helmet, but I have also got a new ice axe, the new Petzl Quark. Mountaineering gear can be rather expensive and therefore I do such upgrades gradually.
Every new winter season, I try to upgrade some of my old mountaineering gear and change my old gear to new models.