Ice tool vs ice axe It seemed that the last part of the Old Chute route before the summit ridge we could have used a second ice axe or tool in addition to our normal 60cm ice axes. There is some overlap between technical axes (like the north machine or quark for example) and ice climbing, but if you'll still end up with something not good most of the time, having the right tool for the job makes a huge difference. DRY ICE Tools and ICICLES are patented Indoor Ice Axes used by looping stiff rubber straps over the holds used in rock climbing gyms. Before using your ice axe, you'll need to know its basic components: Pick: This is the sharp, pointed bottom end of the ice May 9, 2020 · I will be doing a bit of everything, but specifically a bit of Scotland and ice in Cogne. Mar 21, 2019 · It features a well-designed, high-quality hot-forged pick, which is widely regarded as the best construction method an axe could have. I feel more comfortable descending with the long axe handy. While many manufacturers are refining and fine-tuning existing and often similar ice tool designs, DMM has taken a bold step in a different direction. From glacier travel, to pushing the limits of modern ice and mixed climbing. But actually, its versatile design makes it one of the best all-round hill walking and mountaineering ice axes on the market, thanks to a surprisingly capable pick and adze, a comfortable and streamlined head shape and a lightweight but sturdy build that ensures it is both easy to carry and nice to use. Its balance and ICE pick allow solid placements on a variety of types of ice. Make yourself a pair of these and come climb with us! Mar 16, 2025 · Home / Gear Guides / We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025. Jan 25, 2018 · I'm new to ice and am looking to buy my own tools so I don't have to keep borrowing. g. I think I am going to buy a more technical ice tool in the next year as I start following and ultimately leading WI5. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. Way too many. Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. You can do this with a curved shaft but it's not quite as effective. Pur'Ice pick provides efficient placement in any type of ice; 3mm taper at tip offers optimal penetration in even the hardest ice; Double handle (high and low) offers multiple grip modes and stable hand switching; Balance and shape of ice tool provides exceptional swing for efficient placement; curve under the head offers facilitated hooking Oct 21, 2024 · Ideally, you want an ice axe, that is comfortable to handle but durable to do its job in whatever terrain that you find yourself in. Feb 20, 2023 · Daggering on an ice axe/tool involves choking your grip up on the shaft all the way to just beneath the head of the tool. Apr 11, 2024 · On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. Ice tools and crampons are your connection to the mountain no matter the style of Scottish winter or Alpine pursuit you wish to engage with, you will need an ice axe and a pair of crampons. an ice axe is used more for self-belay than for self-arrest, things are already going badly if you need to self-arrest. Mountaineering ice axes vs ice tool grades I'm looking to get into ice climbing but only have a straight shaft ice axe for mountaineering/ski touring. Jun 14, 2019 · Tool Design & Geometry: The overall design of the Sum’tec is a blend of modern technical ice tool and traditional glacier axe as all good alpine tools are. When the head is resting on the Dec 11, 2019 · An example is a Petzl Sum'Tec, or any ice-tool geared towards winter waterfall ice climbing. FREE SHIPPING over $99. The term 'ice tool' came to refer to axes more specialized to steep ice climbing, with curved and reverse curve picks, adze end variations such as hammers, and modular functionality. In ice climbing, your swing is extremely important. But the main benefit of the shaft is that it has some give to it. 5 days ago · The shape of wooden tools is as close as possible to this of Dry-Ice-axes, and the feeling is almost identical. The tip and head of the ice tool are made of stainless ste. Smaller and more precise. An ice tool is a specialized elaboration of the modern ice axe, and often described broadly as an ice axe or technical axe, used in modern ice climbing and mixed climbing. I am climbing WI3 & WI4 without too much stress, and getting into WI5. Shop the best selection of Ice Axes at Monod Sports. Because of the leverage that they provide, leashed ice climbing tools make getting a good placement with your tool far easier. All of our testers found that the Summit's pick was aggressive enough to consider pairing with an ice tool for moderately steep snow and ice routes but also light enough for basic snow climbs or glacier routes. Jun 21, 2024 · Technical ice axes are used for steep snow and ice climbing. only Aug 1, 2008 · I made my own full-strength tethers which are very versatile - I can plant my axes and be off belay if they are solid, or clip them off my tools and into an anchor, etc. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Modern ice climbers usually use them in pairs when ascending an ice climbing route , and thus in some circumstances such as top-rope - anchored climbs, a Dec 8, 2022 · In the 1940s, legendary Scottish climber Hamish MacInees designed the first all-metal ice axe. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Feb 10, 2019 · As an ice tool it is crazy light and climbs ice better than expected. We thought the G1 featured a well-designed pick An ice axe is an invaluable tool for those haunting the heights. The top end of the ice axe has a head with a toothed and curved pick. From this position you can easily stab the blade in and out of the surface you are on with ease, holding the tools more or less at shoulder height and pushing with body weight to get them into the surface. He writes, "If you already have a set of the last Quarks, maybe you don't need to jump to an upgrade just yet, but if you want a set of axes that handle it all, and are in the market for Oct 31, 2009 · Moved Permanently. Jan 22, 2025 · A great all-rounder of a winter hillwalking ice axe from a reputable brand. Larger and more robust. When secured, the head of the ice axe or tool should be at the bottom of your backpack. Contrary to popular belief, both CEN-B and CEN-T (also know as type-1 and type-2) rated models are okay to use as an improvised anchor for crevasse rescue. If you want to dry tool (hooking roots in the hiking context) then a pick meant for that May 18, 2015 · The G1's pick isn't super aggressive (one reason it self-arrests so well) but was aggressive enough for moderate snow and ice routes. Now, they come in all forms of permutations Different styles of picks have different applications. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they are, for the most part, very specialized tools. Raven Pro Ice Axe $129. An ice tool is shorter, and has a curved shaft and a reverse curved pick. An ice axe has a long, straight shaft and curved pick. MORPHO – technical axe The tool of the future! Weights just 390g ideal for ice, mixt and drytooling. Commonly used in domestic and bartending settings. Axes in this category are effective for climbing steeper sections of ice and hard snow, while still remaining useful on sections of less technical terrain. In the Adze version, the Venom looks and feels a lot like a general axe. dry tooling. Perfectly balanced and equipped with weights, it provides an exceptional swing. I ce axes are not a new tool, in fact they have been around for hundreds of years. Neve $119. The TRIGREST and GRIPREST handrests make it easy to handle and comfortable in many different situations. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. The arm holding the head of the ice axe should be stretched straight out to your side at your shoulder level. Shop for Petzl Ice Axes and Tools at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Every ice axe will be supplied with a free dry tool pick (while stocks last) and pick weights. You can view Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 1: Classic Ice Axes and Crampons by Feb 14, 2024 · As its name suggests, this is an axe primarily intended for glacier travel. An adze is dangerous on ice or mixed routes, where a popped tool’s most likely landing place is your upper lip. I like dual hammers. Shop crampons, ice axes, ice screws, harnesses, carabiners, ropes, and more essential equipment for your next mountain adventure. Ice tools have reverse curve picks, sometimes referred to as negative curves. May 29, 2013 · There are two standard CEN classes of ice axes: B, the lighter weight mountaineering axes, and T, heavier, stronger ice tools. Because we often want to chop and scrape hard snow and ice, the axe head will also have a sharp adze. Sep 26, 2023 · Ice axe anatomy Pick: The “blade” of the axe, used to swing into ice or during a self-arrest maneuver. Occupying a distinct and very useful intermediate niche, this is the lightest Type 2 technical axe that DMM have ever made, their A curved shaft ice axe can make it easier to self arrest (ie petzl summit). - Entirely modular head allows the technical aspects of the ice axe to be adjusted - Interchangeable with ICE, PUR'ICE, DRY, and PUR'DRY picks to adapt to different terrain objectives (snow, ice, or mixed) - Adze and hammer are interchangeable - Possible to add weights to improve anchoring qualities Mar 6, 2025 · It feels purpose-built for the demands of burly Scottish winter climbing. Ice Tools vs. There have been a few seasons of change in ice axe development, starting in the mid 1800s with the traditional Alpenstock (a long pole with a metal spike on the end that has been in use since the 1750s) being adapted to feature a forward facing pick. S. The combination creates a lightweight, fairly technical tool. The ergonomically shaped grip ensures the tool can be firmly held. A classic curved pick works best for self-arrest and snow climbing, while a sharp, recurved pick works best for steep ice and névé climbing but is less predictable in a self-arrest situation. Farr also organizes Vermont’s Annual Ice Climbing Festival, the Smugglers’ Notch Ice Bash. If I were doing Denali's West Buttress or the dog routes on Rainier, I'd take a longer axe, that's how I chill from 93 til on tons of moderate slopes where the main point of the axe is as a tool in crevasse fall situations. The average ice tool is shit for walking on a glacier, self-belaying on steep snow, building anchors, etc. I had the opportunity to use these tools for an entire season of drytooling and ice climbing. For shorter axes I really like the new generation of Blue Ice tools, the quality and handling of my Akila is top notch. Mar 25, 2015 · Way too many benefits to the shorter, lighter, easier to wield ice axe. The long axe is not always used upright like a walking stick. There are two main pick shapes available for ski axes. As competing companies raced to catch up, the best features of the Nomic were combined with innovations of their own, creating even better tools for climbing steep ice. Sort by Black Diamond. My curiosities are for the Petzl Nomic vs Cassin X-dream vs Grivel Tech Machine. The Petzl Quark is a great example of an ice tool. If you do slip and fall, you'll use your ice axe to stop your fall—this is called self-arrest. ice axes. Sep 13, 2024 · The ice axe, or “ice tool” as it’s more commonly called, has come a long way since the alpenstock hit the market in the mid-1800s. Even when the designs of ice axes developed over the years and we saw slightly bent shafts, the leash was key in being able to climb steep ice. 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. Use As Improvised Anchor. Reply reply Top 1% Rank by size Jan 29, 2015 · * an ice tool doesn't seem very suitable for common things such as building a deadman, performing a standing ice axe belay (assuming the head even takes a carabiner), using one of the axe assist techniques when climbing, or descending, as it's even shorter than a shorty ski mountaineering axe I've carried two tools and an axe before as the axe provides a much better self belay than poles. Weighs so little as to replace featherweight tools like the Petzl Ride and Camp Corsa on easier terrain, but climbs so well as to replace heavier technical ice tools on anything shy of vertical waterfall ice and mixed climbing. Types of Ice Axe. His aluminium-alloy-shaft ice tools were manufactured for the public in the 1960’s, after three 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 Nov 19, 2019 · Use high-performance tools for difficult snow, ice, and mixed routes. Switch Ice Tool $299. Dec 14, 2022 · If this is more of a mountaineering tool (vs a light axe for some easy ice/ mix), I personally don't think having a replaceable pick as that big of a deal. While the primary use of a basic ice axe is for self-arrest and walking up a snowy slope, a technical axe is primary built for climbing. It is often used as a snow picket, an anchor, and also for self arrest. Its innovative I. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Oct 25, 2022 · The B rating is given to ice axes designed to perform Basic functions. The distinction between ice axes and ice tools lies in their size. Countless revisions over the past 200 years have taken it from being a straight-shafted wooden axe to being an ergonomically advanced piece of equipment built with complex materials. There’s a large variety of axes out there however most ice axes fall into one of The full range of DMM ice axes. Thanks to its new geometry, the ice pick causes minimal ice shattering. Modern ice axes for ice climbing have little resemblance to what we climbers swung in the past. They feature a curved shaft, a rubber grip or hand rest, and a reverse-curve pick. The G1 is a CEN B rated ice axe, meaning it is suitable to be used as a deadman or in a “T-slot” type situation for moderate loads. I think the interesting thing about this one is the claw-hammer-like adze. Similar to ice axes, ice tools are composed of various components that make them efficient for technical ice climbing. Nothing affects my ice climbing experience more than confidence. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along 1 day ago · Mountaineering Ice Axes vs. Regular price $109. Dec 23, 2015 · The T rating has to do with the CE Safety Certification that all ice tools must pass if a company wants to offer an ice tool for sale. Shafts used to be straight. So like all things in climbing, there is no cut and dry answer to your question on wether a axe is a good anchor or not. Explore Black Diamond's ice & alpine climbing equipment for your next mountain adventure. If in doubt I would recommend looking for an ice axe with both a T rated shaft and pick. The steel spike is designed to be particularly robust and load-bearing (8 kN). One can self-arrest using an ice axe, but it would be difficult with an ice tool. C. In this video I talk through a few different Petzl Ice axes and how to make better choices when buying your first tool or tools. The document has moved here. Jan 17, 2024 · The head of the ice axe or tool is what you’ll want to pay most attention to when making a purchase. Skip to content Free Shipping on Gear Orders Over $50 - Continental U. Feb 10, 2022 · Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 1: Classic Ice Axes and Crampons. ice climbing or mixed climbing) conditions. - Entirely modular head allows the technical aspects of the ice axe to be adjusted - Interchangeable with ICE, PUR'ICE, DRY, and PUR'DRY picks to adapt to different terrain objectives (snow, ice, or mixed) - Adze and hammer are interchangeable - TRIGREST QUARK handrest is height adjustable without tools - GRIPREST QUARK handrest folds in easily May 17, 2010 · Wait, our ice season isn't over in the North Cascades! If I went out and climbed the North Ridge of Mount Baker I could get a ton of ice climbing in during the summer season! It's a good thing our Alpine Ice courses take people to the North side and climb that route. He is an Assistant Rock and Ice Guide and Certified Single Pitch Instructor through the American Mountain Guides Association. The result? A tool so robust and confidence-inspiring that, for many climbers, it could be the only one they ever need. Long axe is 1993 style. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee The NOMIC ice axe sets the standard for ice climbing. These tools are typically what we mean today when we speak of the ice axe. Ice Axes. CE (Comité Européen de Normalisation) is a European group that develops and maintains equipment standards. Accessories. They provide a more effective handle grip for diffic The main thing that has yet to be commented is that during a self-arrest, which is the main reason you should carry an ice axe, those ice tools (the climbing ones) can bury their handles into the snow due to their shape and pop the head out. Dec 8, 2022 · You are all somewhat correct. Nov 2, 2023 · The evolutionary fork came when the ice tool split from the ice axe (aka piolet). classical mountaineering. Apr 18, 2018 · Elite Climb Salamandra Ice Axe Review. Suitable for applications from winter fell running to competition ice climbing. The long-time straight shafts were curved, the wrist leashes were tossed out, and the picks curved more downward May 13, 2013 · "Ice axes" come in a broad range. 95. It's my favorite tool. Each component has a specific function and contributes to the overall performance of the ice axe. And a classic straight ice axe will always be better for glacier travel and self arrest. The climbing motion is exactly the same as when ice or mixed climbing. Read more: Chouinard Equipment Blue Composite Shaft Ice Axe w/Curved Pick reviews (2) Of all the tools a mountaineer carries, the ice axe is perhaps the most iconic. Backpacks typically have straps designed to attach an ice axe or ice tools. If you want a good stick in solid water ice then nothing will beat a modern tool with a curved shaft and heavily drooped pick. Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa An all-round ice tool designed for technical mountaineering and ice-climbing. His early ice axes and ice hammers had a straight, slightly declined pick that were not sufficiently “dropped” for direct aid on vertical ice. Ice Tool Spares. The Petzl Glacier self-arrests capably, has a slightly more aggressive pick than other options (which means it climbs steeper snow slightly better), and has a wide, squared-off adze that clears out snow well. Ideal for breaking or shaping ice. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. 99. Here are the steps to secure the ice axe or ice tools: With the spike facing down, you slide the shaft all the way through the bottom strap or loop. Technical Ice Tools. system, superior shaft geometry, adjustable grip, and durable picks make it a standout in the world of ice Nov 15, 2024 · At first glance the Hydra looks like a copy of several popular ice tools, most notably Petzl’s Nomic. Primarily used in climbing or trekking on icy terrains. Mine is a "medium length" so it could cross over between Alpine Axe and Ice Tool. Moved Permanently. They are shorter than the standard ice axe and are different in other ways. Nov 21, 2022 · The last 4-5 years have seen a boom in lightweight, technically capable ice tools built for ski mountaineering and lightweight alpinism. Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 2: Technical Ice Tools and Crampons. Sep 29, 2013 · An ice tool is a specialized axe that is designed to climb steep to vertical ice and mixed terrain. It will only be used in a few spots along the route; the rest of the time it will be on the pack. Of course that means the inverse is true too. Jan 28, 2025 · Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool ($310) Scarpa Phantom Tech HD ($899) Trango Kestrel Ice Tool ($500) Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants ($279) Petzl Sitta Harness ($175) Blue Ice Harfang Tech Crampons ($230) How to Choose Ice Climbing Gear; How We Test; Meet Our Testers; If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. 95 View. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. I have been using Petzl Quarks (2nd gen) and Cassin X-all mountains. I like both of these ice tools because they fit my hands and my hands are pretty big. Gear up for ice and alpine climbing with Black Diamond. Ergonomic, easy to manipulate ice axes that allow multiple grips and have very high anchoring qualities in ice. Mar 20, 2019 · The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. The ice axe and ice hammer are a definite must to have at hand when faced with the ultimate challenge. Technical crampons have front points that penetrate hard ice with ease and offer incredible stability when climbing mixed routes. I have a pair of nomics that I've used for pure ice for the last few years, but I recently moved to Colorado and I'm interested in doing moderate ice/mixed lines in RMNP (think Martha, Dreamweaver, Notch Couloir etc) as well as occasional trips to the PNW for moderate glaciated routes like the North Ridge of Mt Baker or the Reid Glacier Headwall on Mt. The Venom is a hybrid axe: it sits nicely in the gap between mountaineering axe and ice tool. I think the Grivel Air Tech Evolution performs great as a light ice axe and can still climb some alpine ice. Hybrid ice axes are more aggressive than a traditional mountaineering axe, yet less technical than an ice tool. Ice tools are much shorter and are NOT called ice axes. As a longtime user of the earlier models, he reports that the tools continue to live up to his expectations. Jan 22, 2025 · Comparing Ice Picks vs. Hood. Sum’Tec comes in both a adze and a hammer version, and several different If there is only a moderate amount of steep ice, or if the ice is neve (and not brittle) then I'll use one technical tool and a longer ice axe. most any axe you can buy today will have a pick that will perform equal to or better than the original Chouinard piolet, which pioneers used to push standards to WI6 in the 1970s. May 9, 2020 · I will be doing a bit of everything, but specifically a bit of Scotland and ice in Cogne. Mar 8, 2019 · Hi, so I'm becoming a more experienced ice climber. There is a much wider range of technical axes than basic ice axes to help climber’s pick the best ice axe for the terrain they plan on climbing. X-Dream Ice Tool + Mixte Pick. This means tapping it into ice you don't get the same feedback. Hold the ice axe the same way as you would during a normal self-arrest — one hand on the head, one hand on the spike end of the shaft. My trusty Black Diamond Vipers have been a trusty companion for all my winter adventures throughout the last 5 years or so. For general use you're better off with just a straight shaft. Grippy Grip Tape Yeah, I was thinking that this axe was probably the same era as the X15s. Its 356g intended for the practice of classic alpinism offer very good anchoring qualities. Petzl USA. A conventional ice axe, on the contrary, offers a larger pick and a stronger shaft, which increases the chance of self-arresting. Ice axe 1 – pick 2 – head 3 – adze 4 – leash 5 – leash stop 6 – shaft with rubber grip 7 – spike. Jul 14, 2012 · I have recently returned from climbing Mt Hood in June (7th). Ice Tools. Thursday 10th February 2022; By Bruce Goodlad. You can really get by without an adze easily, using the pick and hammer to clear bad ice for screws. Shop crampons, ice axes, ice screws, pick axes & more ice tools today. Performance models for difficult snow, ice and mixed climbs. Jan 2, 2025 · Ice tools have morphed from shorter versions of glacier travel axes to highly specialized tools for ice and mixed climbing. Nov 18, 2004 · (or anything except skiis for that matter) Most ice tools and some ice axes have less surface area than a picket, therefore less snow holds it in place, hence are weaker as a anchor. 2 ounces with the stock pick. Its PUR’ICE pick allows efficient placement in a variety of types of ice. Aug 26, 2007 · When two axes are needed, as on steep ice, specialized axes are used. Let's talk about actual use of a Dec 25, 2024 · Parts of an ice axe. Shop for Ice Axes and Tools at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. On an ice axe, look for a circular CE stamp It does not offer the holding power (nor the strength or multi-function) of a designated ice axe, but it can be sufficient to hold a small slide and thus prevent a larger fall. Mar 21, 2024 · Ice tools have come a long since I started scaling frozen features in the '80s. I understand that Petzl redesigned the ergo into a steep ice and mixed climbing machine, the ergonomic. Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe Technical Mountaineering Ice Axes. From £29. The hand grip and spike are at the lower end of the aluminium shaft. glacier walking. The shape and double handle offer multiple grip modes, as well as stable hand switching. Petzl opened the floodgates for this category with the Gully Ice Axe. 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: Petzl Gully: Petzl Summit Moved Permanently. Oct 24, 2018 · as others have suggested above, ice up to I-5 or so can be climbed with a short (60cm) "standard" ice axe and an alpine/north wall hammer. I think other companies made axes with a reverse curved pick and a straight shaft before the 90s, but I can’t find any evidence of a CAMP tool like this in the 80s. I am very confident leading WI4 on my 2016 petzl quarks. Dec 19, 2018 · Jeff Shapiro is a man often called to steep, icy walls. Sep 13, 2023 · The main components of an ice axe include the shaft, pick, adze, hammer, and leash. Ice Tools & Axes | Outdoor Gear Exchange Free Standard Shipping For Orders Over $69 May 9, 2023 · The evolution of mountaineering's iconic tool, the ice axe, alongside other spawned tools of ascent such as ice screws and crampons, illustrates a common pattern in innovation: a tool undergoes initial development and refinement, with a number of variants favored or dismissed by proponents. Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. Black Diamond. Nov 4, 2018 · How to choose the right and best ice axe or ice tool for you? That is one question that many ice climbers ask themselves. The Bluebird ice tool is the most versatile and robust in our range, designed for steep snow or ice slopes. Ergonomic, easy to swing ice axes allow you to grab the handle in different ways and set your pick with confidence on vertical terrain. CAMP. These are referred to as ice tools. There was almost more design and technology going into designing the leash as there was in the ice axes themselves! Oct 5, 2016 · Tim Farr is a Rock and Ice Climbing Guide and Instructor for Petra Cliffs Climbing Center based in Burlington, Vermont. Jan 23, 2023 · The only ice tool I’ve used lighter than this is a 100% carbon/Kevlar shafted Trango Kestrel. Specifications: All aluminum construction optimized for snow travel Ten points (with dual front points) assure traction on icy terrain Very lightweight 360 gm/12 ounces for pair CORD-TECH optimizes volume when packed in their included bag Tool free adjustment assures secure fit Binding system suitable for use with hiking and approach shoes, without heel or toe welts Boot sizes 36-46 EU/6-12 US Don't wait until you're standing on an exposed slope to have your axe in hand. No model is as much of a blend between a traditional ice axe and an ice tool than the Petzl Sum'tec, and that's a good thing. Designed by Jedrzej Jabłoński – one of the best drytool and mix climber – to be top of the class with outstanding efficiency, the most ergonomic shape, long reach with precision and high stiffness of shaft. X-All Mountain Ice Axe $259. Feb 21, 2023 · Here's another to add to the collection - and while it's early days, I'm already a big fan. CE certification helps you choose the correct ice axe. We have improved the product and now the pick is covered with a better and sturdier rubber, creating much better grip and protecting the holds in the climbing gym from damage. Nomic Ice Axe/Tool $309. You need to be able to drive the tool into the ice powerfully and in a precise manner. Ice tools are specifically designed to climb ice. The primary reason to consider the Elite Climb Salamandra ice tools is the overall weight. Jun 10, 2019 · Ice tools are even more specialized than hybrid axes: with a more drooped pick, the ability to use a hammer or adze, a bent shaft, and full hand and finger rest. Walkers will carry a single ice axe, but as the ground blurs between mountaineering and technical climbing, a pair of tools comprising an adze and a hammer becomes the norm. On lead, it is scary to aggressively yank it free. an ice tool tends to be too short for self-belay. The value of the energy savings, particularly at high altitudes QUARK is a versatile ice axe designed for technical mountaineering and ice climbing. Feb 11, 2015 · If your technique is off, the tool is likely to get ripped out of your hands and become a flailing projectile hungry for puncture wounds. We love the Nomic for its performance on vertical ice, but our testers found the Hydra to take steep ice climbing to a new level thanks to its incredible modularity, perfect balance, and best-in-class ice penetration. Its aircraft-grade aluminum handle is sanded for better grip. The easiest way to distinguish an ice axe from an ice tool is the shape of the pick. A technical ice tool will have a much more extreme shaft and pick curve which both make self arrest difficult. In this video I talk through a few different Petzl Ice axes and Sep 13, 2023 · The main components of an ice axe include the shaft, pick, adze, hammer, and leash. CAMP X-Dream Ice Tool + Mixte Pick $385. While both tools are designed to handle ice, their purposes and functionalities differ significantly: Ice Picks. Jan 10, 2023 · Viper Ice Tool Hammer was my ice climbing tool of choice for the last 10+ years and very good all-around, but more for ice than rock. It is the ideal tool for climbers/skiers who want to climb faster and lighter with a very technical and robust ice axe. Activity. Would be willing to climb just about anything shy of vertical ice with it, and even short pitches of ice haven't been a problem. Quick Buy. Ice Axes If you come from a mountaineering background, you might be familiar with ice axes: straight-shafted tools with pickaxe-like silhouettes. This fully 'Type 2' (T) tool utilises a modular pick system. When over-driven, like all Petzl tools, it’s a pain to get out. I’ve really used them for everything from Drytooling at White Jul 2, 2003 · Trekking poles are no substitute for an ice axe when an ice axe is called for, which will depend on the steepness of the slope, the nature of the snow, and the consequence of a slip. Choose from an Ice Pick, Ice Tech Pick, or a burly Dry tooling pick depending on the task ahead. DMM. Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe. As mentioned above, I strongly suggest ice tools with hammers. At the same time, you need to minimize the energy that it takes to do so. The pick is angled so as to allow effective self-arrest, you can chop steps, and (at an optional 57cm in length) you can walk comfortably with it. This tool weighed 15. Feb 2, 2021 · When Petzl released the Nomic in the mid-noughties they revolutionised ice climbing, hitting on a geometry of leashless tool that climbed beautifully. Camp X-Dream Ice Tool is what I have been using the last two years and it is better on ice and much better on rock. Technical ice climbers always use wrist loops so they can hang on their tools on vertical ice. Saturday 12th February 2022; By Bruce Goodlad. Sum’Tec is somewhat unique in that it has a B rated pick, and a T rated shaft. How to Hold an Ice Axe Parts of an Ice Axe. Monte Bianco Replica Sale The Raptor Ice Tool penetrates the hardest ice, cleans easily, and comes with removable weights for added versatility. An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow or ice covered (e. Dec 4, 2015 · In particular, one ice tool that has slowly become one of the go-to tools for mountain guides: the Camp Cassin X-All Mountain Ice Tool. X Monster tool Sale price €183,50. Best to Have 2 Ice tools, an axe and one pole if your really moving through a variety of winter terrain. Now if you have the scratch there are trekking pole ice axe hybrids, but it's more for a secure self arrest and they Jan 28, 2022 · The number of different modular-headed ice axes has increased in the past few years, and manufacturers are responding to this rapidly growing hybrid category. E. With a fixed, recurved pick, a hammer or adze option, and an included pommel, these tools were a massive leap forward in the technical Terrain constantly changes. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. The major difference is ice axes compared to ice tools. Ice axes are a mountaineering tool used for ascending snow slopes. It is more difficult to self-arrest with a technical tool. Mountaineers usually carry a single ice axe as a safety precaution on steep snow in case they fall and need to self-arrest. - Mike Powers Dec 28, 2006 · I also feel a little more could be done with the development of the axes picks, perhaps hot forging and a specific mixed pick with more aggressive teeth and a slightly different angle favouring hooking etc. The Outdoor Gear Exchange has a large selection of ice climbing and mountaineering tools from Petzl, Black Diamond, CAMP, and Grivel. Its adze provides a wide enough blade to quickly clear snow to place your ice screw. Great all around ice axe, handles steeper terrain, and is quite comfortable paired with an ice tool when it gets too steep for an axe alone. Aug 22, 2018 · Through the 1980's ice axes became more specialized and diverse. This does mean it's lighter then the Viper (though heavier than the Petzl Quark) making it slightly more practical as a alpine tool. For most NE hiking uses, the "mountaineering axe" is, in fact the right tool. And like all the axes reviewed here, it has a slightly bent shaft to protect the hand when swinging or using the axe in high-dagger position as well as making self-arresting easier. In the second part of this two-part review, we look at equipment suitable for harder winter climbing and Alpine routes. For me, confidence is affected by many facets: experience, conditions, physical and mental health and, for sure, the equipment I’m using. Agree with all the recommendations about browsing resale or at least shopping a sale, an ice axe is an ice axe but the BD Raven Pro or Petzl Summit are the go-to's for me. That said, I sometimes use one pole on my down hill side and an axe on my uphill side. This leaves the High Quality Pretty Blue Chouinard Ice Axe (did it make up for the "smart remark?"). The grip makes plunging hard if not impossible so you lose security in non technical terrain (ie petzl nomic). these are the ice axes that I am thinking of getting: Cassin X-dream alpine vs Petzl nomic vs black diamond fuel vs Grivel north machine carbon vs Cassin X-all mountain vs Black diamond viper vs Petzl Quark. The T rating is given to Technical axes designed for climbing and mountaineering use. Jan 28, 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: Grivel Air Tech Evo Are you climbing Ice or mixed? The Cobra's main perk comes from the carbon fibre shaft. Ice tools are designed specifically for vertical waterfall ice, glacier ice, or mixed rock and ice climbing. The Akila is quite short (49cm), ultralight (330g) and compact to be easily stored inside a backpack. Developments in technology and design allow Petzl to offer tools for all disciplines. Although numerous people use the phrase "ice axe" freely to describe both mountaineering and vertical ice/mixed climbing tools, technically they have distinct names; ice tools, not ice axes, are used for technical ice climbing. That obviously includes hardcore mountaineers and ice climbers, but also backcountry ski tourers, hikers or backpackers hitting mountain trails early or late in the season, and hillwalkers traversing modest but slippery snow- or ice-slathered highlands. Jun 17, 2020 · Alpinist Tad McCrea has been using the latest model of the Petzl Quark ice tools for the past year. However, its light weight makes it tough to judge how much power to put into the swing, and as a result it’s hard to not over-drive the ice axe. At what grade does an ice axe become mandatory, like WI3? Sep 8, 2016 · Completely redesigned for maximum versatility on the myriad demands of winter climbing, the Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool is an easy-swinging, all-around tool. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. 95 The definitive ski mountaineering axe IMO. One tool can accomplish both of these tasks, but in our world of optimization and nuance, we can choose which tools we own or bring on a certain day based on the day’s needs. The head consists of the pick on one side and, depending on the axe or tool, the other end Sep 5, 2024 · The Hydra Ice Tool by Black Diamond is more than just another ice tool—it’s a versatile, highly customizable piece of climbing equipment that can be tailored to meet the demands of any winter climbing objective. The most exciting thing for me is what the development of hot forged ice axes means for the future of ice tools. New to the lineup this season is the Vertex, an axe that fits neatly between the aggressive mid-to-high grade Apex and the toned-down walking-to-mountaineering Spire Tech. Ice Tools and Axes Filter by. Here he shares his experience with his new favorite ice tool, the Cassin X-Dream. Especially if you are a beginner ic Explore Black Diamond's ice & alpine climbing equipment for your next mountain adventure. Hybrids between an axe and tool do exist. It's also the central piece of gear in REI's origin story: Our founders, Lloyd and Mary Anderson, formed the co-op after struggling to find a quality ice axe anywhere in the U. Ice tools can be used in place of ice axes by expert climbers in desperate situations. Whether you need a more technical piece of equipment or something quite basic, Gearshop has a large range of various axes and accessories that will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable climb whatever the conditions. What you want to do here is to drag the pick of the ice axe along the surface of the ice or snow. Adze, hammer or both? An adze is a cutting edge found on the head of the axe, positioned perpendicular to the handle, and is typically used for digging and cutting steps in The two techniques are completely different and do not even use the same hardware. Pretty much the same axe but some people are specific on brands, I regularly use my raven pro but jealous of my SOs summit cause it's a cool black lol The leash was as important as choosing the best ice axe at the time. The ice axe is used for glacier and snow travel. We get to grips with the best ice axes 2025 Alex Roddie reviews the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains, with additional testing from David Lintern and Lucy Wallace. vgqfwt ywoxegp kntm jwykpu fysybb awhdrcnh khkenua xvawn yqgyegh utx ktvum lohjx efxwiav masowf brg