Why We Like The Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool
The long-anticipated wait is over; the Black Diamond Hydra is here. The Hydra ice tool is a modular ice axe that is as versatile as the mountains themselves. With the separately sold I.C.E. accessories, this ice axe can be configured to perfectly match our needs. The shaft and head are T-rated for the most demanding use, and the hand guard with a rubber grip ensures powerful penetration and a solid grip all day long. The Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool includes theI.C.E. Pick, a light and heavy head-weight set, 4mm and 5mm wrenches, and grip spacers for customization right out of the box.
Details
- Modular ice axe for demanding climbs
- I.C.E. modular accessories can be bought separately to customize our axe to our needs
- Includes head weight and grip spacers to get a better fit
- Aluminum shaft and steel pick are T-rated for demanding use
- Item #BLDZ9X2
- Material
- [shaft] aluminum, [head] aluminum, [pick] steel, [hammer] steel, [spike] steel
- Length
- 50cm
- Rating
- T-rated
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 5.5oz (610g)
- Activity
- ice climbing
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 2 years
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 10 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageMarch 4, 2025
Solid all around tools. They
Solid all around tools. They have a great swing, good balance and fits my hand well.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
March 2, 2025
Super!
I am surprised at how well these stick. They are pure fun to swing and nicely balanced. Could not be more happy with them. Regarding the omics vs Hydra question, very similar; the hydra seemed a little more snappy.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
February 22, 2025
happy with the hydra’s
as a newbie to this ice climbing world i am not sure im the best person to be reviewing tools:) is all I can say is that i spent a few days climbing in ouray with a wide assortment of tools and these stood out to me as my favorites:)
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
February 20, 2025
Great value and customizability
I've been struggling with finding the right handle to fit my smaller hands, and after experimenting with the other options on the market, I landed on the Hydras and these tools have exceeded my expectations. The first tools I owned were Nomics, and I swapped for the X-Dreams. I loved them for years but was always getting pumped - the handle being too big for my hands forced my hand into the middle instead of resting at the bottom of the handle, which meant I had to squeeze to hang on. After trying some DIY mods, I finally succumbed to looking for a new tool. I took the Hydras out for a demo day and then committed to the purchase. After a few more days on ice, I can say that I love the Hydras! The customizable handle size has made a huge difference for me and my forearms are much happier. The swing feels great with the heavy pick weights, and the picks are great on ice and haven't been dulling on mixed climbs. I was working harder than I needed to on the swing and then had a hard time getting the Hydras out of the ice. Now that I've adjusted my swing a bit, I'm pretty excited about how much I like these. Thanks BD - many years of product design and field testing have paid off. I highly recommend the Hydras!
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
November 19, 2024
A modular tool on a proven design
The Hydra climbs steep ice and mixed/dry terrain equally well. The factory ice pick is well designed and I will see how well it holds up. The headweights are nice , nestled in the actual head of the tool. Optional parts are nice to have to mix things up depending on terrain. My only concern is the lack of a rivet in both the head and handle connections to the shaft as a backup to the epoxy connection. I solo alot of ice and should that glue fail with no simple 'pin' backup, it could be a catastrophic failure. I have personally experienced glue failures on another top brand tool with this exact design, with the rivet preventing total separation.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
November 8, 2024
Almost a copy of Nomics at a more reasonnable price.
Modular tool is great. Comes with 2 sets of different pick weights which is great. Has a small hammer which is better than no hammer. Lacks a place to clip a carabiner into the tool (that's even a safety issue).
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
November 4, 2024
Great feel and balance
Handle feels more substantial compared to Nomic. Also, appreciate the ability to adjust the grip size. Excited to try them out this winter.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
October 15, 2024
Initial review
The initial feel and weight is awesome! Can’t weight to use them this winter.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 20, 2024
Awesome looking tool!
Feels good, looks good, dry climbs great, looking forward to swinging it in ice. Only complaint is the lack of choice when it comes to the pick it ships with.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 6, 2024
Got a chance to use the prototypes twice and they are amazing
Went climbing with Will Gadd last year and he let me and swing these a few time and they felt amazing. Then a couple months later went to the world championships of ice climbing in Edmonton to watch and the next day did a course on the homemade ice wall there and the guy running it (I can’t remember his name but he was great and a black diamond athlete from Calgary) let us use his well climbing and we got to compare them directly to the nomics and they penetrate and held onto the ice more easily and more efficiently. They are a great tool and can’t wait to use them this winter on some water fall ice.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
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