Black Diamond Spike Protector

As expected from a Black Diamond product, the spike protector fits well and has a good fastening for attaching to the axe. It was tested out at the weekend and was easy to remove and re-attach.

Got this for use with a DMM raptor; fits well - the plastic is a bit more flexible than some others I've seen (which break after a while as they're too hard and susceptible to cracking) which means it grips well. The short leash sort of works, though it doesn't need to be tight in place for the protector to actually stay on. Main reason for getting it was to protect my pack, though found it's also useful for storing the axe - I tend to keep most equipment in large plastic boxes, so it protects other stuff in there - much more functional than a big ball of bluetack anyway!

In summary - cheap, light, colourful and intuitive. Use it on my Grivel Haute Route ice axe which has a strangely shaped spike, but this fits perfectly well given the ingenious design. I've attached it 'prussik style' to the shaft and it keeps it firmly in place, thus saving my kit from being destroyed. Colour lets me find it easily inside my kit bag and warns me to keep Gore Tex away from it. Also fits my DMM Cirque.

Great protectors. I obviously bought this to protect my kit from damage and keep it sharp, like many others. But after having hit myself, a friend and my car with it, I'm very, very glad I bought it! The fit on DMM Cirque is great, almost too good. You hardly need the cord, but for piece of mind I use it. Thoroughly recommended. It's already paid for itself three times over. Great purchase. (Keeps it safe from the kids too! )

I bought three of the BD Spike Protectors for my BD Raven and two DMM Raptors. The flexible plastic allows it to grip the spike and the elastic shock cord can be securely tightened on the shaft. They fit the Raptors just as well as they do the Raven. Highly recommended if you're in a cable car or even a crowded train, could save you being sued for putting someone's eye out!

Had to consider buying a spike protector earlier. On a day hike on a mountain the spike of the ice axe caused a minor injury to a friend as it was attached on my rucksack. The day after I purchased one. So injury free hikes ever after! Plus you don't have to think of the tapestries etc. before you place it in the trunk of your car. This is the most cool looking in the market-at least in my opinion. It fits my Petzl's ice axe spike perfectly and that's why I never secured it with the leash. Big mistake: I lost two of them trying to pass through dense vegetation, so just remember to use the leash! It comes with instructions with three different ways to secure it.

I think spike protectors do not really have quality differentiating factors. What I can say is that this one works well. It is made of hard-wearing plastic, fits perfectly on my Grivel ice axe. In fact it does pop onto the spike and stands so firmly that the supplied leash is not even necessary.