Ice axe review. The head has two main components: the pick and adze.
Ice axe review It can perform almost all the functions you need in an ice axe and is well within a reasonable budget. Made from aluminum, the overall weight of the axe is lighter, and it comes in a wide array of sizes that you can purchase in increments of 5 cm. Apr 11, 2024 · This season, I secured a Blue Ice Hummingbird, which at 200g is both the lightest axe in my quiver and still quite functional. Jan 22, 2025 · Think of an ice axe as T-shaped, the axe head is the horizontal top of the ‘T’. Its closest competition is the Grivel Air Tech Racing SA, which weighs in at 14. In our ice axe reviews of different types of ice axes, we look at how each model differs from its competitors in terms of performance, design and price point – all within a framework that seeks to maximize freedom while minimizing risk as much as possible. It's the brainchild of the late Uli Steck (with influence from Kilian Journet and Colin Haley, and others) who wanted a lighter less technical ice tool that could perform the basic functionalities of an ice axe, without giving up a pick that offers a high level of technical performance. At 7. Mar 20, 2019 · The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. 5 Feb 4, 2019 · Searching for the best ice axes? Check out the top-rated of 2024, pros, cons, features, plus all you need to know about the best options available now!. They come in a variety of lengths, usually ranging from 50cm to 75cm / 20 inches to 30 inches, and may be straight or slightly curved. 2 days ago · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. Mar 21, 2019 · The Summit checks in at 12. The 7075-series aluminium also provides durability and dependability. The Evolution is designed down to the finest detail and is 100% manufactured in Courmayeur, Italy in the shadow of Mont Blanc with 100% solar energy. Oct 2, 2020 · The Black Diamond Raven is a very simple, but classic ice axe. 3 ounces, and performs pretty similarly overall. If you have cash to splash, like ice more than mixed and value a unique and interesting tool, then the head-turning orange sexiness of the Grivel Master Alloy will give you Selection Process. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. 4 ounces, it is the lightest CEN-B rated ice axe on the market and excels at applications where every ounce matters and the terrain and conditions you expect to encounter aren't too burly. In fact, compared to the Raven, the Glacier is lighter, self-arrests smoother, and climbs steep snow better, while the Raven offers a better price tag. Ordinarily, heads have cold-rolled or hot-forged steel, though lightweight axes use aluminium, which isn’t as strong and blunts quicker. The head has two main components: the pick and adze. It is also the lightest ice axe we reviewed that our review staff would take on fairly complex glacier routes. Here the Corsa is used on the Haute route, a 7-day ski traverse across the heart of the Alps. Full Specifications Lengths: 58cm, 66cm, 74cm / B-rated / 4 colours: black, pink, blue, green / steel head and aluminium shaft / adjustable leash with a rubber tip / plastic blade cover. Mar 21, 2019 · Low weight is certainly why you buy this ice axe. Feb 14, 2024 · The first ice axes had wooden shafts made from oak, ash or hickory, but today they are normally made of aluminum alloy tube, which is lightweight, strong and durable. The heaviest tool in the review (in many circumstances no bad thing), the Fusion is solid, reliable and utterly bomb-proof, this green goblin feels like the 4x4 of ice axes. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. From more technical models that blur the lines of what could be used for even water ice climbing to Ultralite models for alpine rock, ski-mountaineering, or spring backpacking trips on the PCT. Jan 28, 2022 · Climbs steep ice extremely well, sweet slider pommel, one of the best performing adzes in the review, chops ice like a champion CEN-T rating, rad FlickLock style slider pommel, curved shaft keeps hands warmer and drier during steep snow climbs, heavy tapered pick provides great support/purchase during normal conditions, huge spike Mar 16, 2025 · Lucy Wallace reviewed axes with picks in the ‘Alpine’ style – gently curved and well suited to walking terrain and ice axe arrest. The tapered titanium pick sticks nicely in moderate ice or neve; otherwise, it is compact and functional in steep snow. Jan 28, 2019 · The Grivel Air Tech Evolution (often shortened to Grivel Evo) is a former Editors' Choice winner, and it remains an excellent all-around axe. Dec 11, 2019 · The Ride features a steel pick and adze and is the lightest such model in our review. Mar 21, 2019 · The Petzl Glacier is a fantastic ice axe for an excellent price and was nearly the winner of our OutdoorGearLab Best Buy award. These ice axes were all tested during the winter 2020/21 season during Lucy’s work as a Winter Mountain Leader and play (when she was locked down on Jan 17, 2024 · The Petzl Summit Evo is a versatile mountaineering axe for alpine climbing. 6 ounces, which is one of the lighter general mountaineering axes in the review. We have also provided technical briefings on popular ice tools from the brands listed Mar 21, 2019 · If we could only own one ice axe, this would be it: Built with versatility and steep alpine routes in mind, this model has the shaft of an ice axe with the head of an ice tool: A surprisingly versatile axe considering its impressively low weight: A solid general mountaineering axe for a great price: Rating Categories: Black Diamond Venom: Petzl Feb 12, 2024 · Rumoured to be the lightest ice axe in the world, the CAMP Corsa Ice Axe only weighs 202g at its shortest length – less than half the weight of an average ice axe. It is the full aluminium construction that gives the ice axe its low weight. Amazon price $77. 14; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. This is a B-rated/Type 1 axe that would make a great first ice axe for someone venturing into their first winter adventures. We carefully considered every model in this review after considering every possible option available in North America. Our entire review team was impressed at how well this model's more aggressive, positive curve pick bit into firm snow and ice. 7 to 31. Though designed primarily for technical mountaineering, it also shines in hiking and glacial travel. We felt it was even comparable to many general mountaineering models. aoymwbxozhkpamvvvhhwqsamobpheqbwgmddrtdjvnyxaqbpmjmcqro