I'm trying it for the new isocore reduced shock handle. And that's it. Even though it is an 8 lber, which I am real "meh" about, I need *something* I can swing now and not blow my elbow/wrist/shoulder out. It's just a test. My original supersplit with the skinny wedge head is so far the best I ever used at any weight, most splitting with least fatigue and least amount of perceived shock. I never got an x27..mostly because I just like that original head design better, makes more sense to me. I am hoping the new handle system really works, and if so, and it sells, eventually they will offer a lightweight splitting axe with the same handle system. Or, thinking way ahead, I'll just cut the hammer head part off the back to reduce the weight some for faster swing, I prefer faster over heavier. I don't need a splitting tool to drive wedges, I can use a sledge for that. (and they have isocore sledges, too..we'll see how the maul works first)