In reply to BlackPowder:
I'm not a particularly good or experienced ice climber (only started this year), but for steep ice I really like the Black Diamond Reactor.
I've also tried/used BD Vipers (last two generations) and BD Fuel (looks a lot like the Fusions to me). Oh, I've also handled/swung the latest Nomics but the handle seemed too thin and insubstantial to me so I didn't actually climb anything with them (they did swing and stick nicely, but I much prefer the Reactors)
Out of all the ones I've tried, the Fuels are definitely the worst for ice (awkward swing and also too light-headed so it takes forever to penetrate hard-ish ice).
The Vipers are very good all-round tools, but I prefer the previous generation (the golden/orange ones)
On steep ice, the Reactors are head and shoulders above the Vipers, but on lower angle/bulgy ice they're a tad more annoying as the offset handle gets in the way. I've never tried the X-Dreams, but they're supposed to be very similar)
I would say that if steep ice is your main goal, then something offset (like the Reactors) are worth it. When I got my first set of tools, I thought I would get something less agressive to begin with (and bought some Vipers) because I felt that offset tools would be 'too much for a beginner like me'. But, the first time I tried some Reactors I just liked them so much that I had to get some. Climbing is just so much easier/less pumpy with them.
Post edited at 19:14