In reply to abcdef:
> Probably some links to images would clear this right up, but here goes.....
> So the originals are the most reliable ones to have, found by an all black handle?
yes, the originals have the all black handle. If they're the most reliable, don't know. Up to you to decide. I bought a 1st gen pair at -60% after third gen came out. First gen (if you can still find a place/person that sells them) still comes with the older cascade pick, but the newer picks fit.
1st gen
positives:
+ no problem with the pommel breaking
+ comes with cascade pick which is a great pick for water ice but can't be used in combination with hammer & adze (except maybe if you file away quite a bit at the rea of the pick, but you can also fit the newer pick with hammer/adze on the first gen nomic as well)
cons:
- 5g heavier tool, 5g heavier pick (hardly noticeable)
- no serrated spike on pommel -> smooth pommel
- no hole underneath pommel to put a prusik through for lanyard (I fixed this by drilling a hole myself)
> Gen 2 and 3 are the only ones with a serrated pommel?
Yes, but don't get a gen 2, the pommel breaks easily which is the reason third gen exists, they fixed it.
> I have seen orange inset bits in the handle, but also some with an orange finger rest/pommel - how does this fit in with the generations?
if there's orange, it's second or third gen.
> And can a hammer/adze fit on all of them?
Yes, although you will need to change picks on 1st gen.