Best ice axe use reddit. Hi Im starting this year in middle om may.

Best ice axe use reddit. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 9/10 for ski objectives one can get a good 2 points of contact without a second tool or turning onto the toes. Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for ice axes for mountaineering. I would say it is more important to have good traction devices. I ask here because I dont dare to bug the facebook group with all my questions <3. , Petzl Ride) are designed to be carried inside most packs. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. When it gets steep, 50 cm is enough -straight shaft, better for caning, which is most ice axe use when touring -very light -aluminum but So I saw someone mention that long axe's like the petzl summit are something newbies use and all experienced mountaineers use something like the petzl ride and trekking poles. Conventional wisdom seems to be for that use case to go short and light. If it works well I may also wrap some of my poles below the foam grips Has anyone tried various options and what do you prefer? I've seen multiple 3M tapes recommended, silicone self bonding tape like Rescue Tape, tennis or squash racket grip wrap, bicycle handlebar wraps, etc etc. 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. For more technical mountaineering something Anyone have any adivce on what's a good length for an ice axe? 45cm, 50cm, 60cm+? I am looking at this one but read that the 45cm length makes a self arrest more difficult? I am looking for a lightwieght small ice axe for climbing in couliors. If you dont break the horn in time, you cant deal elemental damage, so im probably not gonna use the kjarr ice or frostfang barioth switch axe. Next best option is micro spikes and trekking poles. I’m not talking specifically about the DMM Rebel model, but about modern ice axes in general. Jan 17, 2024 · Material Ice axes and ice tools are made of multiple materials but primarily aluminum and steel. A general mountaineering axe will be terrible for ice climbing. My suggestion would be to buy a walking/mountaineering axe to get you started, as these can be had for quite cheap, and then top that up with a pair of tools when you're more certain what you'll use them for. Snow skills - hiking/camping in snow, crampon use, ice axe, etc - what's the best way to safely acquire these skills here in Southern California? I'm tired of being held back from certain hikes because of winter snowfall or even summer hikes in other regions due to need for ice axe or crampons. Typically, aluminum is used for the shaft of the ice axe or tool and steel is used for the head. Dec 11, 2019 · How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski mountaineering, one with a modular head for steeper snow routes and complex glacier climbs, or a solid all-arounder to handle the full gambit of routes and conditions, we highlight some key factors to consider below. 2 hybrid curved shaft axes, such as the petzl sumtecs or bd venoms. How good are ice climbing axes on low angle ice and alpine use? Hi, so I went the first time ice climbing last week and really enjoyed it. while you place pro or do other things and dropping it is more likely. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Apr 28, 2025 · Explore the best mountaineering ice axes for different climbing styles, with tips on selecting the right axe for self-arrest, glacier travel, and technical climbs. I bring my second TOOL for legit water ice climbing, but that's it. Broadly speaking, axe price correlates with the technical level of the [terrain]. steep ice or other more technical terrain. Let me explain. There are others in the same category that are similar, but the features he wants are: -Short, 50 cm. I typically use it as a more secure way to climb up steep snow/ski routes, along with crampons, and have as a self arrest tool. And one can self-arrest, but that takes practice. I have my eyes on the Petzl Ride, Gully For a thru hike an ice axe only has to be light and self arrest so something like the Suluk46 and Camp Corsa nanotech are perfectly fine. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc). Logic being that if it's flat enough that you'd need the extra length from the ice axe, you don't need an ice axe. You might end up getting an ice axe and a Whippet eventually anyway. I’m almost 60 and still using lord alexanders. Hey all. BD's Raven/Raven Pro are classic axes geared towards less technical use, and are very affordable. Are you looking for somewhere to go practice self arresting? There’s not much other “use” to be had, unless you want to go chop steps somewhere. Is it common practice or do you absolutely recommend an ice axe for self arrest purpose? If an Ice Tool is fine, any recommendation on lenght compared to the usual anckle bone measure ? Thanks! 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! I recently played Lara Croft: Shadow of The Tomb Raider. Ice barbed spear is better though but you’d have to train polearms. My buddy has Petzl Quarks and I rented Camp X-Dreams. Maybe use 2 piece velk for crit element or try to get the kjarr ice switch axe? Also consider blight resistance if dragon blight is an issue. The word “necessary” is a weird one, but a decision to go without a basic safety tool is probably not the kind of thing you want to crowdsource. Nunchaku rune piercing capabilities, sup sharp, subject pe/science, viper, envemoned, education, ad looting, combo, fiery edge, unbreaking, ad mending, curse of possession. The ice axe stay on the ice axe loops and clips under the side compression straps of the pack. At higher levels you may want to prioritize defense over offense. Sword > Club ≈ Axe The only reason I consider Axe close to club is that for Cobras club is the only one that can't use BIS. Roped mountaineering, a T rated shaft and slight curve with some grip is ideal - something that you can arrest, rescue and do light climbing with. As for where you are in the game, you can pretty much get away with anything, personally I was using the brachydios axe. Master Rank Progression Guide Pre Safi Builds End Game Builds End-End Game Builds As for me, I'm currently using a Lightbreak Axe with Kaiser and Raging Brachy armor, while starting to grind out augments and decorations. I would also, personally, be afraid to use the CAMP Corsa. You probably want to put in extra effort to get gatorbite axe. Mid-calf is the 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. Ive heard that ice is the best element against alatreon, but i know that its very high risk high reward. It will save you money later on. Only use if prismatic rings are not available. Generally speaking, this is the type of axe most people prefer, when they are only using one axe (no second tool - for slopes of ~50 degrees or less). Ice axes are versatile tools designed for ice climbing, mountaineering, and other alpine activities. 180+ Ectoplasmic Shield: +3 to axe and club with 7% ice protection and a 3% fire weakness. The Dreams really felt a lot better as of WI4 for me and was way more fun with them, but on the other hand I won't be leading WI4 anyway for a few years 1 day ago · Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. I probably forgot something but all spartan weaponry are fairly balanced so use battle axe if you want. Ice axes without a steel spike have a beveled (angled) edge on the bottom of the shaft, generally with a plug to prevent the shaft from filling with snow. Switch axe works better as a raw weapon in this game, so don't worry too much about matching elements. In addition to the locations already answered, you can practice the motions of self arrest on any floor with the plastic guards on your ice axe. Probably looking for something in the 45-50 L ish range. In the market for an ice axe and was hoping to get some thoughts / feedback. All that being said, crampons and microspikes are often confused in terminology, and if there’s a language barrier even more so. And a classic straight ice axe will always be better for glacier travel and self arrest. Obviously not a replacement for actual practice on snow/ice, but a way to get in more repetitions. I would seriously recommend buying a CAMP Corsa instead of Im currently watching the descent and saw they have ice axes. Hi Im starting this year in middle om may. If I am doing an alpine route (steep snow requiring two tools, ice and mixed climbing) I use Petzl If you are travelling on blue-ice, a short ice axe could be fine, but I think it is simply too dangerous to use a short axe on snow. Word of caution: Putting on an apron doesn't automatically make you a chef. Hand to ankle is an absolute maximum, not a rule!! Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is a burden on anything graded. A walking axe and a climbing axe/tool are two very different beasts with different use cases. Best option is carry an ice axe after getting hands on self-arrest training. Similarly, carrying an ice axe doesn't make you an alpine mountaineer. Swaxe progression guide Also you can farm raging brachy for 2 pieces of his armor and 3 piece teostra armor. I'm 5'10" and don't bend over very well, and the ice is at ground level, so that might suggest a long handle. Really hard to have a tool that does everything. They do have slightly different jobs and strengths, but it does fit the bill as primarily a self arrest device for cardio activities better than a standard ice axe. That’s the best if you want to use axes until BRD stuff. For an orc: Whirlwind axe -> gatorbite axe (Maraudon) -> dreadforge retaliator (BRD) -> ice barbed spear (AV win) -> the unstoppable force (AV exalted) -> arcanite reaper (expensive crafted weapon) Ice barbed spear is going to be hard to get for horde right now. Basically, I've got 2-3 inches of ice on my driveway, and I need to bust it up and get it out of there. If I am just mountaineering (glacier travel, steep snow) I use a Petzl Summit. For beginner-oriented adventures, you could go with something like the Petzl Glacier or Summit if you want to spend a bit more. g. I was wondering if you experienced folks ever used an Ice Tool instead of an Ice Axe for mountainering. So, go for a long Raven or snowalker. micro spikes and ice axe. e. Edit: wanted to add that executioners is better than lord Alexander but LA is under 10g. For mountaineering you might want to use it as a tool to get up the mountain at which point you have more requirements. That’s why many more advanced climbers prefer shorter axes - they just don’t need the ax until things are quite steep, they’re fine with ski poles or nothing until then, and on that steep terrain a shorter ax will be better for swinging or dagger position or other things than We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I don’t know what length will fit in your pack, but the 45cm ice axes without steel spikes (i. The PCT has more traffic and might be better defined than the trails I am on. For more sword mode maybe slot in power prolonger 3? Also evade window might be useful. A leashed ice axe can impale you if you take a long fall and lose control of it, so ideally you would never use one and always have control of your axe. Alpine or Vert. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. Has anyone tried various options and what do you prefer? I've seen multiple 3M tapes recommended, silicone self bonding tape like Rescue Tape, tennis or squash racket grip wrap, bicycle handlebar wraps, etc etc. Safi'jiiva Ice Axe but the Blast Switch Axe does more damage anyway. Both of these are better that impaling your lung with your own axe because you didn’t know what you’re doing. I use a curved ice axe as my go-to, the Petzl Summit Evo, and would take it over a straight ice axe every time, it's much more versatile in steep or technical terrain, if you need to use your axe as a handhold in a steep snowfield, or to grab/pull on icy rocks in mixed terrain. I'm looking for something I can take in high slope terrain, rated for self arrest, and about 60 cm. And now I have a question regarding the physical strength and reliability of ice axes. If I've only got the harness on for crevasse falls I don't use a tether. 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. Unfortunately, he had his ice axe and microspikes waiting for him in the post office 10 miles north of Apache Peak in Idyllwild. If you don’t know how to use an ice axe safely, it will cause more harm than good. It's possible to use a quark as a classic axe but it's far from ideal. Should I order the ice axe/spikes for the shoes on the trail and have it sent to me to Meadows? Or am I completly lost now. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. I know that dirt and rocks will probably dull the ice axe. An ice climbing tool won’t be the best for mountaineering. 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. If anyone has a decent PvP heavy ice build they are willing to share I would be most grateful Whilst not specifically ice climbing related, what’s everyone’s top picks for a mixed technical axe that can have picks swapped out to ice? Preferably not insanely expensive, so no more than £400 for a pair. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Looking at buying a ski mountaineering oriented ice axe after lugging my 60cm straight shaft ice axe around. Not looking to do anything technical, just occasional steep snow or crevasse travel. I usually carry a lightweight ice axe in early summer in the Sierra so I can cut steps if needed. What do you mean “use”? A glacier ice axe is carried on a glacier primarily as a safety measure for falls. Just use your imagination and move your body around the axe manually. Learn to use an ice axe properly, then practice using it until its muscle memory. One can use it as a cane. Lighter weight ice axes may not have a steel spike at all. They're a little heavier, but otherwise good products. However, I'm not a thru hiker, I'm an off-trail mountain climber. Other than that, Axe has the most flexible element (Ice) and an almost useless one in Death while Club has Earth which is shaping up to be very good and the second most flexible one (Energy). Save your money and don’t buy EC. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc) Going that long is great for gentle slopes, but you loose a lot of stability on steeper stuff, dexterity when swinging/hooking and its more dangerous is arrest with. Start your journey today! I want to buy my first crampons and ice axe, and obviously I want them to be as versatile as possible. Hockey tape for grip, a bit of foam on the top of the axe covered and compressed by duct tape works well for insulation. I'm interested in learning safety related skills on how to traverse snow-covered mountains with thru-hiker gear, ie. There are a few options if you're looking at doing couloirs or other technical enter objectives. Have a petzl glacier literide and think it’s a good axe for touring. Some really good crossbows but loot is semi-random so you might get screwed. What’s your favourite, or what features do you most appreciate? Thanks! Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A Alpineice23 • If you struggle with the elemental check see were you can increase your elemental damage. Trekking poles are great for providing stability on slippery terrain, they are not a substitute for an ice axe and do not work for self arrest. When you're falling down an icy mountain, the only hope you have of possible arrest is an ice axe. I'm investing in the legiana switch axe right now, but is ice element worth it or not? Seems like a fair share of monsters are immune/resistant to it Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A fredminson • With the switch axes you have listed, I wouldn't of thought that the elemental damage on those weapons would be worth it, even with a element charm. I intend on climbing Whitney this year and I need to pick up an ice axe so I can practice with it before the hike, my eye caught the Venom Ice Axe from Black Diamond, I prefer Black Diamond since I get a discount there, but does anyone have any recommendations? or will the Venom be a good axe for what It’s much more aggressive than a trekking pole tip and is more suitable on snow and ice. Best switch axes for sunbreak I have not gotten to valstrax yet, but what are some of the best switch axes I can currently make in sunbreak? I use seething bazelguese for blast and chaotic gore magala for dragon rn. If you do things right, you would have plenty of other experiences and probably buy a second or even third ice axe by the time you're considering something like Denali. Reply reply More replies Leandros99 • Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. For any tape or insulation I also really like the rubberized waterproof gloves sold at many small hardware stores. However, in the real world, there are situations where the loss of your axe might be catastrophic, so rather than risk losing it into the abyss, you tether it. One can cut steps with an ice axe. That may include things like how to self-arrest with an ice-axe, how to approach varying snow conditions (melting, firm), etc. The other week Ice ax length depends as much on steepness of terrain as on height, the steeper the terrain the shorter the ax. City plows also occasionally deposit a pile of shovel-resistant ice much that blocks a portion of the driveway entrance. I haven't been impressed with the various attachments that hold the ice axe shaft to the pack; it looks like your pack doesn't even have them. I'm from Switzerland and I want to start with easy high mountain tours, such as the Breitenhorn or Sustenhorn via the normal routes. Mar 25, 2025 · We tested the 12 best axes and hatchets from Fiskars, Gerber, Gransfors, and others to help you find the best tool for the job at hand. Low or high snow, hikers starting out from KMS in late May could make good use of an ice axe. But they're caving/ spelunking with no ice in sight. For scrambling, they often come loose when the axe bangs into something like a tree branch. Does anybody here have information about the unfortunately discontinued Ice Rock Idol ice axe? Do you think this one is capable of classic alpinism ascents (not for pure ice climbing)? I see this as a lightweight replacement for a Petzl Gully or Sum'Tec, BlueIce Hummingbird or similar. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. I'm I would be very afraid of using a non-certified ice axe like the Suluk 46 TiCa. The Glacier remained a standout choice for most general mountaineering applications and was one of the higher I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. . With an axe this short you have to be comfortable walking on flattish ground without the 3rd point and learn reactive self-belays (which are stronger imo, drive it in with your bodyweight and works in shallower/firmer snow cause the axe is shorter). All comes down to what you are climbing. IceAxe: Dear Olaf lore experts does he have a true ice axe and is undertow a reference to it? And is he an iceborn? Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A Add a Comment Hyrdal • r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. Hey all, I’m looking to buy my boyfriend a backpack for ice climbing for his birthday. For instance, I would of thought the Glavenus Switch Axe, with its higher elemental and descent raw, would be better as a pair with a crit elem set just because it has a higher fire damage base Learn how we tested the best Ice Axes in our review: The Best Ice Axes. My two cents would be to first decide what type of axe you need. Main use cases I'm looking to use it for, is to self arrest in case of a slip in a steep chute and possibly traversing steep snow fields. The CAMP Corsa is definitely good enough for a thruhiker to complete the PCT, and would probably be the best choice for them. Best weapons are longswords (especially Paladin), axes, katanas, longbows, 2H swords, flails. A steel spike offers the best traction. But if you go for a long Venom it would no long be any better than the conventional ice axes on e. Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is unwieldy on any significant slope. Plus, an ice axe isn’t just used for arresting a fall once you’re sliding; you can use it in a few different ways to prevent a fall in the first place, which is always safer. What resources/ courses would you recommend? I'm usually in the Bay Area (and in Colorado right now), and have found that most Personally I use tethers when I've got a harness on and am placing or following pro. Like the other person mentioned, the Great Jagras weapon will be a good pick to get you through a lot of the story. What are other good switch axes against alatreon that arent ice element? Hello! Wardens Blades are incredible. Now, I want to start mountaineering, and for my beginner tours, I believe I need an ice axe. I'm looking to add some additional grip and a bit of insulation to the shafts of two aluminum ice axe shafts. In that case the tool is often left hanging in the ice or on the other tool, over a shoulder, etc. I'm thinking about finally upgrading my 1980's ice axe (a Cassin Sahara, for the curious - just over 900 grams including leash and steel leash ring). It might be worth starting off with a classic, straight (ish) ice axe which you can buy used for cheap. The original and primary use of an ice axe is for self arrest (stopping a fall). 1 tool or hybrid and one whippet (hiking pole with axe attchment for self arrest on low angle slopes) One standard axe (raven or similar) and a hybrid tool. Mar 16, 2025 · Our expert gear testing team gets to the point reviewing the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains. Choose an axe for your intended level of use [and within your ability] i. Use case is exclusively for skiing, specifically around the Presidentials in NH (Tuckerman, GOS, etc). com In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top ice axes on the market, including their features and benefits, to help you make an informed decision. Bent shafted ice axes are generally nicer for daggering on hard snow / neve, since you can keep your hand at the bend at the shaft which keeps your hand off the snow. May 1, 2025 · Explore the top ice axes for ice climbing, with expert recommendations on the best tools for performance, safety, and durability. I feel like everyone outgrows (technically speaking) there first Ice axe after there first mountaineering experience and wants something slightly more technical . All the best and thank you for all the good threads here. (All of this is my opinion) I manage and instruct on an indoor ice wall in London, and as such have had the opportunity to use the most of the alpine and vert ice axes made by the big four brands (Petzl, BD, DMM and Grivel), personally I own Quarks. Basically as an additional point of contact while booting up the ravines and for self arrest. 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. On this slope you could likely self arrest with your hands and feet easily. Unless you are traveling on steep snowy terrain AND are trained how to use it for self arrest then no, I wouldn't buy one. There's a lot of terrain suitable to learning how to use an ice axe (and get comfortable walking in crampons, which is the actual crux you'll be looking at IMO) in the white and green mountains and you should take the opportunity to do it if you want to have an easier time climbing in the cascades. IMO beginner mountaineers are too eager to get a second axe than use good technique with one. I'm also considering buying a sheet of the thinnest Vibram climbing shoes Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. For Alatreon you can use either frostfangs weapon, safi ice switch axe or kjarr switch axe with critical element included. Compliments axe of Destruction if you want that little extra push of damage. Swaxe has never been an Element focused weapon. I've searched extensively on Reddit and the internet about ice axes and found a variety of opinions. Assuming he’ll have ski poles, he won’t need the axe for lower angle approaches. It’s clean and makes a quiet swinging sound Objectively, studded axe is the best gameplay wise as it has both a near silent swing and hit sound effect Recently started playing deepwoken and I'm planning to do a heavy ice build once I learn how to to1. If you don't want to spend too much money then it's best to get slightly more technical gear than you need (automatic boots, modular, automatic crampons). And in steeper winter mountaineering routes If you use your ice axe in this situation, you are giving up one point of contact with a pole and increasing the likelihood that you fall. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. So i decided to Link the 5 Videos with mathematical Explanations each Here. Winter hiking will need only light and simple. Use or crampons would also come with the need for an ice axe, as well as self arrest skills. but can you use it in situations like this and in summertime with no snow? thanks so much. You can also use Ice Cubes and Ice Club as damage fillers, along with Glacier Arc + Gale Lunge/Ice Lance with Ice Skate for mobility. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a climbing axe for your next adventure, be sure to consult our detailed assessment of the best ice axe. In the game, Lara often: uses ice axes to climb rocky cliffs that have no visible snow or ice on them, uses ice axes as melee weapons in May 15, 2024 · The length of the ice axe should be chosen based on your height and the intended use; shorter axes are perfect for technical climbs, while longer ones are suitable for walking or glacier crossings. It will take a while to make 2 Compilation Videos for PC and NS Players Seperated (Edit: Done at July 10, Video here) . Thoughts? I find ice axes shorter than 50 cm more difficult to self arrest with, so I wouldn’t recommend going shorter than 50 cm for most people. Best endgame is lightbreak or safi's shatteraxe, most rarity 12 axes are viable in endgame but blastblight is just stupid in every monster hunter game. After more than 1 Week of Research and Calculation i am done with my Calculations for the Mathematecally best Elemental Switch Axes. Many people learn how to use an ice axe on the trail. If you've never owned an ice axe before maybe you should look into more conservative climbing goals first. There's no reason to bring 2 sharp things to impale oneself otherwise (again IMO) or the weight. I wouldn't want to fight Alatreon without at least evade window 3. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. For the crampons, I am undecided on these (using petzl but can be similar of another brand) Vasak Sarken Lynx I would use them on easier stuff, but might eventually try steeper terrain - though very unlikely ice climbing for a few years, and if I reach that point, I can buy more technical For versatility I go with the Petzl Summit. oiejoh hrqyfvp ajuxd lflbjkrj fndqg wivtk cmef kczvjq puzem ftx