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Grivel Americana

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Reviews	Views	Date of last review
3	6845	Thu Mar 23, 2006

Recommended By	Average Price	Average Rating
67% of reviewers	None indicated	8.0

Description:

The new ice screw from Grivel

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Turk
green horn

Registered: Sun Nov 21, 2004
Posts: 32

Review Date: Tue Feb 22, 2005

Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9

Pros:	the retractable handle is great
Cons:	awkward to rack with the rest of my BD screws

I've been using the American this season. And it's great. I always thought the 360 was too bulky and awkward to carry around with its big handle.

The American has a retractable handle that's part of the hanger. I find it's almost as fast to put in as the 360. And after some practice taking it out works pretty good also. Had no problems getting it started, and the knob on the handle lets you keep your hand on the screw as you 'ratchet' the screw for the first few turns.

I really like this screw. My only problem has been the un-ease of racking it with the rest of my BD screws as the hangers are facing the opposite directions. This is due to the design of the retractable handle. I think this is a minor issue and I can live with it.

chossmonkey
Beginner

Registered: Thu Feb 2, 2006
Posts: 49

Review Date: Tue Mar 14, 2006

Recommend? no | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 6

Pros:	Fold out handle speeds placement. Inverted Grivel threads.
Cons:	Fold out handle is worthless for removing the screw and often requires clearing of ice.

I breifly used an Americana owned by friend of mine. It wasn't overly impressed.

They do screw in very quickly and easily as long as the hanger doesn't hit on the ice while doing so. Because the crank sticks out so far making placement easier, it also means more potential obsticals that will need clearing to place. The crank handel is pretty easy to hold onto.

When removing them they come out just like any ordinary screw. The crank handle can't be used. Not the end of the world, but just that much longer you spend belaying your second.

If I remember correctly the hanger only accepts one biner.

I'd suggest the Grivel 360 instead.

Mike R
Master Guide

Registered: Tue Dec 14, 2004
Posts: 824

Review Date: Thu Mar 23, 2006

Recommend? yes | Price paid: Not Indicated | Rating: 9

Pros:	starts easily
Cons:	doesn't nest with BDs

These are the only screws I can reliably place left handed. The knob lets my "stupid hand" keep the pressure on during the first few turns. Contrary to the Monkey's comments, the knob CAN be used during removal (just keep a 90 degree bend in it) and there are TWO biner holes. Unfortunately this screw seems to have been discontinued. I'd buy another couple 15's if I could find a deal on them. That would solve the racking problem too, as I'd have a biner of them and no BDs.

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