Hi all,
I had a two-tool question. I've gotten great advice on here before- thank you!- so I thought I'd bring around something I've been trying to sort and see if anyone is interested. I got my toes wet this past winter/spring with some Sierra alpine and am ready to jump in more fully this coming year. I've been using a borrowed SMC Himalayan axe- maybe a 65- which has been great. Heavy, too long most of the time, but a sturdy axe far as I can tell/use. I'm 5'7".
I want to move into steeper terrain- various Sierra couloirs, mixed climbs- and am trying to figure out the best way to proceed with tools/axes. I doubt I'll do waterfalls specifically, I'm more looking for some tools I can grow with and climb Sierra 14ers/ the most varied terrain with.
It seems like most folks have liked tools like the Venoms or Air Tech Evos in the situations I'm describing. I'm wondering: with the new Quarks coming out and being as light as they are, plus having options to strip them down, would I still be better off getting a pair of 50cm Venoms or similar rather than a one axe/ one Quark option? How important do you find it to have a pair of axes/tools vs combining (one quark/ one evo or venom vs two venoms/ two quarks)? Or should I grab a pair of Quarks and switch between them and the SMC depending on need? The SMC is great, but I bet if I had a shorter, usable axe/tool, I'd rarely still use it. Also, at 5'7", is relying on a 50/53cm axe for general use too short? I know this has been done to death elsewhere, but most of the discussions are with people several inches taller than I- wondered if my shorter height makes a difference- and it seems like I use poles for most things less than 35-40 degrees.
In summary: pair of quarks or quark as a second overkill? Venoms all I need? 50cm good choice? One Evo/ one quark perfect?
I know no one can tell me what to do here, but because of limited funds I'd like to get something versatile but also that I can use to push my skills.
Any suggestions or thoughts, including if I'm overthinking this, much appreciated!
Thanks for the time!
Aran