UKC

I'm after some offset handle tools and it's come down to these two. Looks like the Reactor has more curvature and a more offset handle, and is perhaps built in the newer style compared to the old hydroformed shafts of the orange vipers, fusion2 and fuel. Both relatively heavy. Is this just a bit of overlap before the Fuel is phased out, or are they different enough for BD to keep both going? Bit like the Nomic vs the Ergo perhaps?

I'd like to stick with BD as I have a set of Vipers and the original Cobras too and it'd be handy to be able to swap picks between them.  Nomics are great but I'm not convinced about their build quality. BD are a bit hefty but feel indestructable. 

Cheers,

I've got Fuels, and tried Reactors. Your assesment is bob on. Reactor is slightly more agro and the bigger handle gives more options for matching/adjusting while tooling or on super steep terrain. On moderate pure ice they felt v similar at the grades I climb (WI4/5) but Reactors do get better reviews from the pros so if you climb steep WI6 you may prefer the Reactors.

The only regret I have with my Fuels is the lack of hammer. I bought the first gen (so hammer wasn't an option) and I do miss it. Doesn't look like the Reactor has a hammer option so if I was to buy new tools today, I'd go for Fuels with hammers!

Cheers

Can't comment for the Reactor as the handle really doesn't work for me. But the Fuel is essentially an identical axe to the Fusion II - albeit with a modified hammer version (if that's your flavour). In my opinion these are still the nicest made and highest quality mainstream/readily available ice tools out there and I imagine they will be around a little while longer. Tho I expect any update will probably drop the hydroformed shaft and look more akin to a less offset Reactor.

The obvious follow up question is what are you looking at using them for?

The Fusions and Fuels suffer the reputation of being absolute sledgehammers on pure ice (regardless of what pick you use) as the weight distribution is so off due to the burly shaft unlike lighter axes with pick weights. Personally I think anyone genuinely interested in improving their swing for pure ice should start / or have a good go with axes like these as it requires so much technique to get right which makes a world of difference when transitioning to lighter tools. 

BD axes really shine on mixed, here the stock picks are regarded their biggest flaw as they always seem to break at the 3rd tooth, but it's relatively easy to get hold of BD replacements or from specialised brands.

If you're going to be torquing and hooking in winter or yarding long drytool moves then either the Fuel or Reactor is the way to go. Had I found the handles of the Reactor more amenable I would have chosen those over the Ergos. But similar to you with your cobras and vipers, I have other petzl axes and like the compatability here as well. 

I have a pair of fuels. love them. At the time of buying the reactors had only just started appearing in shops they looked a little too much for my modest winter ambitions and I preferred the cleaner look and feel of the fuels. 

Since then I have taken a friends reactors for a spin for a session of drytooling in the works, not a great test but better than nothing. They climbed great and felt a little more neutral balanced than the fuels. but my gut feeling was that against the fuel they would really shine on proper euro ice type climbing where you actually swing the tool all day long.

For bashing and scraping about in scotland I feel like the fuel is right for me, simple and burly. 

Cheers all. Not climbing really hard stuff - V/6ish in Scotland, and maybe some long mixed stuff in the Alps next year. Not likely to be climbing steep euro ice any time soon. Sounds like the Fuels are maybe a better choice and I think they look cooler, which is the main thing of course

If you have Vipers and Cobras already, why do you fancy a new pair? I climb up to V,6 as well and am unconvinced that for the climbing I do, my Switches offer major advantages over my Vipers. And for the non climbing parts of the day the Vipers are better.

I had the original reactors https://lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com/2007/02/black-diamond-reactors-revie... I sold them when I got the Switches to review. In retrospect the original reactors were probably the perfect tools for the type of climbing I do now, since I've gone over to climbing leashless all the time.

I borrowed my mates Nomics for a pitch and really liked the offset handle for less knuckle bashing and easier hanging on steep bits. I'm not under any illusion that new tools will help me climb harder. Indeed there are plenty of people who've climed a lot harder with ancient leashed straight tools. Just doing my bit to keep the gear industry churning I guess?! The Vipers are fine and I'll keep them for more general mountaineering, or spares to lend. The Cobras would need modifiying to make leashless, and I'm never going back to leashes. I really should sell them but the sentimental value is more than the few quid I'd get for them.

I've not used the Fuels but used the Fusion and they sucked hard on water ice so definitely not recommended. The reactors look really good though so would take a punt on them for sure.