Sharing the same head design that was developed for the Nomic and that is now used across the range of new tools, the new Quark is a truly modular tool. Not only can you change the picks, as you'd expect, but if deciding to remove the hammer or adze the tool retains it's clean lines with no unused protrusions to get damaged or in your way. For this either use the spacers provided or the original Astro and Cascade picks that came with the arrival of the first Nomic - full thickness at both bolt holes gives a less fiddly option for using these tools in their lightest set up.
At the bottom end there have been two improvements. It is now much easier to clip your spring leash to the tool as the hole in the spike is exposed from the plastic hand rest. Secondly the new Trigrest feature gives a positive hold for your index finger and can be re-positioned anywhere on the shaft. Ridges in the rubber grip secure it's placement when used as a trigger or matching hands.
At face value it appears that the reputation of the Quark as a great steep ice and mountaineering tool shall be maintained by this new model. More adaptable than ever before and light enough for technical routes in the high mountains this tool covers all bases.
