In reply to rares:
I've just bought a pair of G14s for ice climbing because I wanted something with vertical front points. I already have a pair of G12s for winter walking/general mountaineering.
Yes, people keep on saying that 'insert name of famous climber that has been climbing ice for decades' has climbed 'insert astronomical climbing grade' wearing blunt crampons from 20 years ago and using alpenstocks for ice tools, but, as a beginner, I have neither their experience or climbing skills, so I want to get every single advantage I can (and a big part of this, I think, is sharp, dedicated ice climbing tools)
I want to focus on the climbing, not have to kick my crampons in unnecessarily, always wondering whether they are in or not.
Post edited at 08:59