The Spectre Ice Piton from Black Diamond Equipment looks like the blade of an ice axe with a short straight blade going at a 90-degree angle to the ice blade and a sling attached to it. The Spectre is machined of chromoly. It weighs 130 grams (4.6 ounces), and is rated to 10 kN (2248 lbf) strength. The Spectre has a hole at the top of the pick blade for convenient attachment to a carabiner to attach to a gear sling. The sewn sling at the bottom of the Spectre provides a quick attachment point for clipping a carabiner to the climbing rope.
Perks
The Spectre, with a blade with teeth that looks exactly like the pick of an ice axe, can quickly be placed in the holes left by your ice tools as a piece of protection. The reverse-curved teeth also give the Spectre some holding power when placed in frozen turf. The Spectre is probably best used as a traditional piton, pounded into ice-choked cracks in the rock next to the ice.
Sacrifices
The Spectre's holding power in the event of a fall is significantly less than a well-placed ice screw. The Spectre is not CEN-rated for falls. When only placed in ice, the Spectre is probably best used as a piece of psychological protection to help the climber reach a stance to place a better piece of gear.
Bottom Line
The Spectre is a useful piece of gear for climbers pursuing technically difficult routes on thin ice or mixed rock and ice. Every ice climber should carry one Spectre on his rack.
About The Author
Candace Horgan grew up in New York and moved to Colorado in 1994. She has worked as a freelance journalist for 12 years, and contributes regularly to the "Denver Post," "Mix," US College Hockey Online, and other publications.
