Let’s Dive into Black Diamond Ice Clipper
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper is a simple, yet crucial piece of gear for any ice climber. Manufactured by Black Diamond, this small device is designed to securely hold ice screws on your harness, making them easily accessible during a climb. It’s an often overlooked piece of kit, but when you’re hanging from your tools placing gear, you’ll quickly appreciate the streamlined efficiency a good ice clipper provides.
I sought out the Black Diamond Ice Clipper because my previous system, a collection of carabiners, was cumbersome and disorganized. I needed a better way to rack my ice screws, something that would allow me to quickly identify and grab the correct length while on lead.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the simplicity and lightweight design. The plastic construction feels durable enough to withstand the rigors of ice climbing, and the textured top shelf is a nice touch. The Black Diamond Ice Clipper weighs in at a mere 1.1 oz, so it adds minimal weight to your harness.
Compared to other racking solutions like screw-bins or even just clipping directly to gear loops, the Black Diamond Ice Clipper stood out for its streamlined design and ease of use. I chose it over other clippers because of Black Diamond‘s reputation for quality and the updated geometry designed for improved racking. My initial impression was positive, eager to see how it would perform on the ice.
Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Ice Clipper to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Black Diamond Ice Clipper on a multi-pitch ice climb in the Canadian Rockies. The conditions were typical for the area – cold, with temperatures hovering around -15°C and the ice was a mix of brittle and chandeliered.
The Ice Clipper performed admirably in these conditions. The integrated clip easily attached to my harness’s clipper slots, eliminating any unwanted rotation. Grabbing screws was much faster and more efficient compared to fumbling with carabiners. It took a few minutes to become fully accustomed to the racking and unclipping motion, but it quickly became second nature. There were no immediate issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Black Diamond Ice Clipper continues to perform well. It has held up remarkably well to the constant abuse of ice climbing, with no signs of cracking or breaking.
Maintenance is simple; a quick rinse with water to remove any ice or dirt is all that’s needed. Compared to my old system of carabiners, the Black Diamond Ice Clipper is a significant improvement in terms of organization, speed, and overall efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Ice Clipper
Specifications
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper is purpose-built for efficient ice screw racking. It is made of durable plastic and weighs only 1.1 oz (30 g).
The design is intended to hold up to six ice screws, providing ample racking capacity for most ice climbs. Its function is as a piece of protection, making your screws more readily accessible while on a climb.
The lightweight design is crucial for minimizing weight on your harness, while the durable plastic ensures it can withstand the harsh conditions of ice climbing. The ability to hold six screws allows for ample racking capacity on long or varied climbs.
Performance & Functionality
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper excels at its primary function: securely holding and organizing ice screws. The updated geometry improves screw racking, preventing them from tangling or falling out.
The clipper easily attaches to harness slots and stays in place, even during strenuous movements. Its primary strengths lie in its simplicity, lightweight design, and ease of use. There is no real weakness with the product since it meets expectations perfectly and is simple in nature.
The Ice Clipper absolutely meets and exceeds my expectations. The secure racking and efficient access to my screws made a noticeable difference in my climbing efficiency and overall experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper boasts a simple, functional design. The plastic construction is lightweight yet durable, and the textured top shelf provides a secure surface for stacking screws.
The Ice Clipper is very user-friendly. The integrated clip makes it easy to attach and remove from your harness, and the screw racking geometry is intuitive.
Durability & Maintenance
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper is constructed from durable plastic, and after months of use, it shows no signs of wear and tear. With just simple cleaning, its durability should be long-lasting.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse with water to remove dirt or ice. The simplicity of the design also means there are no moving parts to break or wear out.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper does not come with any additional accessories. The design is simple and does not offer any customization options.
The Ice Clipper is compatible with most harnesses that feature clipper slots. The focus is on its function, so no added accessories are necessary.
Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Ice Clipper
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design minimizes weight on your harness.
- Securely racks up to six ice screws, keeping them organized and accessible.
- Integrated clip prevents rotation and keeps the clipper securely attached to your harness.
- Durable plastic construction withstands the harsh conditions of ice climbing.
- Textured top shelf provides a secure surface for stacking screws.
Cons
- Plastic construction, while durable, could be susceptible to cracking in extreme cold if heavily abused.
- Limited to harnesses with clipper slots, rendering it unusable for some older models.
Who Should Buy Black Diamond Ice Clipper?
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper is perfect for: Ice climbers of all levels who want a simple, efficient, and lightweight way to rack their ice screws. Climbers looking to upgrade from cumbersome carabiner systems or disorganized racking methods will find this a significant improvement.
Who should skip this product? Climbers who prefer other racking systems like screw-bins or those who don’t use harnesses with clipper slots.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None are truly necessary, though a set of well-maintained ice screws is essential for ice climbing.
Conclusion on Black Diamond Ice Clipper
The Black Diamond Ice Clipper is a simple, yet highly effective piece of gear for ice climbers. It provides a secure, organized, and lightweight way to rack ice screws, making them easily accessible during a climb.
At $13.95, the price is definitely justified. The improved efficiency and organization it provides are well worth the cost.
I would absolutely recommend the Black Diamond Ice Clipper to any ice climber looking for a better way to rack their screws. It’s an essential piece of gear that can make a noticeable difference in your climbing experience. Don’t head up your next ice climb without one – it will become your new best friend on the sharp end.