I just picked up the new 2018 Quark as a general purpose alpine climbing tool. I am currently debating whether I should keep, modify or remove the Trigrest.
On the 2018 version, with the hydroformed shaft, the Trigrest cannot slide very far up the shaft. I have found the trigger to be more of a hinderance than a help, while ice climbing with the previous Quark model. While the trigger might make the tool a little bit easier to control, when hooking, it also seems like it would add a risk of tendon injury (if/when a tool or crampon unexpectedly pops).
For those that have used the Quark extensively for mixed (snow, ice, and rock) alpine climbing, what is your preferred set-up and why:
Stock trig rest configuration?
Chop off the trigger on the lever arm (so the trigger does not get in the way, but the cam lock can still be used for quickly repostioning the hand rest)?
Remove trigger-lever arm entirely, so that you still have a hand rest, but need a wrench to move it.
Remove the trig rest entirely, and tape the shaft.