Ice axe test. What type of ice axe do you need? Mar 21, 2019 · The CAMP Corsa Nanotech is a unique ice axe unlike almost any other on the market. Watch video We're extremely proud to manufacture all of the Simond ice axes, crampons and carabiners in our Chamonix production site, which is ISO 9001 certified. It takes the same head that is commonly found on most of Petzl's other more traditional ice tools and attaches it to a more a classic, albeit slightly bent ice axe shaft. On average, the T-shaft axe penetrated 20% deeper into the firn snow than the straight shaft axe. The Akila is the first B/Type 1 ice axe to achieve such high level of technicality in the ultralight category. Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. What keeps it functional is Here is a tool developed for Alpine activities, the Blue Ice Hummingbird ice axe. What makes the Corsa Nanotech so unique is that it is nearly 100% aluminum, including its head (most ice axes have steel heads), making it insanely light (8. These versatile implements provide stability, balance, and safety in challenging conditions. The carbon-steel head features a classically inclined pick with teeth along half its length. Its design makes it one of the lightest in our review and one of the lightest weight CEN-B rated axes on the market. Oct 11, 2016 · Do you know how to stop yourself sliding on snow by using an ice-axe self-arrest? This is an essential skill when walking and climbing in the winter mountain Feb 17, 2025 · Overall, the Petzl Summit ice axe is a beautiful tool on the technical end of basic mountaineering axes, says Alex Roddie. Routes where you plan on using one (or more) axes to climb some alpine ice, work through some deep May 18, 2015 · The Petzl Snowracer is an excellent ultralight ice axe that excels in ski mountaineering and basic snow climbing terrain. 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. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. Jan 18, 2022 · DMM Spire Tech Ice Axe review: straddling the divide between winter hillwalking and true mountaineering As its curved shaft suggests, the DMM Spire Tech is a technically capable ice axe, with a modern, lightweight design Jan 20, 2025 · When the frozen cliffs of winter beckon adventurers to test their mettle, the right gear can make all the difference between a successful ascent and a daunting retreat. Aug 1, 2018 · Remember the heavy, long shaft ice axes of yesteryear (that probably wouldn’t look out of place on a museum mantelpiece)? A new wave of shiny anodized ice axes are hitting the market faster than you can say the words ‘alpine’, with the latest offering from Salewa that uses hybrid technology combining performance and lightweight construction for mountaineering. And while a really lightweight axe is great if it’s going to mainly live on your pack, a slightly sturdier tool is ideal for more technical objectives. It features a well-designed, high-quality hot-forged pick, which is widely regarded as the best construction method an axe could have. You could head for the hills on a mild December or January May 15, 2025 · The Historical Evolution of the Ice Axe From Alpenstock to Modern Tool The ice axe has a fascinating evolutionary history that mirrors the development of mountaineering itself. In this comparison review seven models go head to head. Did Camp/Chouinard make the Bill Sumner REI model? Blue composite shaft with a t-bird pick profile. Though it is the least expensive ultralight ice axe we tested, it proved itself as good as most other axes in many situations. More technical winter climbing – including ice climbing on frozen waterfalls and glaciers, and mixed climbing on rock and ice – requires a pair of technical ice tools, but we’ll leave those for a future article. The Black Diamond Raven with Grip is a handsome-looking ice axe with a straight shaft and elegantly shaped and comfortable head, thanks to the cutaway sections for the fingers and thumb. 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. Jan 28, 2022 · Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. Heavy, burly tool. While it lacks versatility, it's quite functional for what its intended purposes are Jan 3, 2019 · Our guide to ice axes: what to look for, how to pick an axe for walking, and our selection of the best models. Having the new NOMICS and ERGONOMICS sitting near Ice Testing Tools 8 foot pole, saw and a couple shorter poles Summary: There are lots of methods for testing ice the following is a short list of what I think are the best choices: Skaters: Nordic Test Poles. It features a heavily tapered positive curve steel pick that is designed to excel at climbing steep terrain and penetrating firm snow. Countless revisions over the past 200 years have taken it from being a straight-shafted wooden axe to being an ergonomically Feb 26, 2007 · The Nepal S. 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. There was a time where the ice axe options were twofold–either a long-shafted heavy mountaineering ice axe, or a shorter straight-shafted technical ice tool. Several other features make it one of the easiest to be used as an Mar 1, 2024 · We delve into the various types of ice axes suited for different climbing styles and terrains, including walking axes, all-rounders, and technical models. The Akila is quite short (49cm), ultralight (330g) and compact to be easily stored inside a May 18, 2015 · The Grivel G1 is a solid, well-designed ice axe that is made of high-quality materials for a sweet price tag. It also means preserving toughness that instills confidence in an ice axe. Understanding how to Oct 16, 2024 · Black Diamond's Hydra Ice Tool is a true modular system that can be configured to match any mission, from pure ice to technical alpine, to mixed comp climbing. It is designed for those looking for equipment that is the lightest possible, coupled with assured safety for difficult terrain (or that of another climber). You can hammer Mar 29, 2025 · Ice Chill by AXE is a Aromatic Green fragrance for men. - Ice Axe - Test model. The TRIGREST and GRIPREST handrests make it easy to handle and comfortable in any situation. A. Soares Nov 15, 2024 · At first glance the Hydra looks like a copy of several popular ice tools, most notably Petzl’s Nomic. As a result of the large, wide head (presumably to help with comfort while carrying) it was especially easier to “ spin ” for self-belay to self-arrest during our tests. 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. This model was our overall favorite until Petzl released the Summit Evo, which has a similar pick and Sep 13, 2024 · The new Black Diamond Hydra has hit the shelves and it’s one of the best ice and mixed climbing axes that we’ve ever used. Feb 9, 2024 · Ice Axes Featured Review Head to Head: DMM Cortex vs Black Diamond Hydra Ice Axes Two new axes are turning heads this season - the Black Diamond Hydra and the DMM Cortex. You can view Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 1: Classic Ice Axes and Crampons by clicking here. 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. Pickets can be used in different ways to build an anchor. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider Feb 18, 2020 · An ice-axe is an essential piece of safety equipment for anyone wanting to walk during winter conditions on the UK’s mountains. Its hot-forged head, FlickLock style slider pommel, and curved shaft make it one of the better steep snow performers. Among the essential tools for any ice climber, the best ice climbing ice axes are crucial for navigating steep ice and mixed terrain with confidence. This year I’m comparing their slightly heavier brethren. This is our best safety guarantee, as each Simond employee, working alongside climbers, is driven by the aim of ensuring the absolute satisfaction of the safety requirements for our products. There’s no absolute definition of what constitutes winter conditions and it’s not defined by time of year. Axe length also needs to be factored into the buying decision. Snow anchors can be built using a variety of objects, such as an ice axe or ski, but a snow picket is the standard piece of equipment that many mountaineers carry. is a non-technical ice axe ideal for trekking, classic snow climbs, rental programs, and schools. It has a great pick and can tackle short, steep terrain better than many other ultralight models. If you are in the market for some technical tools, this is the review for you. Ice axes aren’t all created equal. Nov 10, 2021 · Lucy Wallace tests the Black Diamond Raven with Grip on the hill as part of her review of the best walking axes for 2021. Both seem destined to become familiar sights on our winter crags, but which is the one for you? We put them head to head to see how they stack up for UK climbers. The first sensations holding the axe are surprising if you are accustomed to using an equivalent competitor’s model. The body and pick are hot, drop forged in one piece, then the stamped adze is welded to it. Jan 10, 2019 · This review focuses on very lightweight mountaineering axes, the type of axe you'd want for ski mountaineering, approaching alpine rock routes, etc. Jan 22, 2025 · We test ice axes in the UK's most challenging terrain – the Scottish Cairngorms, English Lake District, and Welsh Snowdonia National Park. Since it might make the difference between life or death, you want to make sure you choose the right ice axe for your purposes. It's an okay option for steeper routes but doesn't perform as well as many of the other ice axes we tested with more aggressive picks and Mar 15, 2019 · We first got to handle Petzl's new top-end ice tools at the ISPO show in January 2018. They looked exciting; but there's only so much you can tell in an exhibition hall, and to really judge an axe you have to climb with it - a lot. They are light and effective for testing and they provide stability on rough ice and extra thrust for skating upwind when the wind is over 10-15 mph. When you're mountaineering, you'll build snow anchors for added protection when traveling on a glacier, crossing steep slopes, or to aid in crevasse rescues. However, with a wide range of options available, selecting the right ice axe can be a daunting task. Partially because of the price and partially because of limited distribution, this axe can be hard to find. The earliest ancestor of today’s ice axe was the alpenstock—a long wooden pole with an iron spike tip used by shepherds and hunters in the Alps during the Middle Ages. Dec 11, 2019 · The Black Diamond Swift is built with challenging glacier routes and steep snow climbs in mind. Oct 2, 2020 · The Freedom of the Hills is all yours with the proper ice axe to stabilize your footing if you slip, balance you on the descent, and to stop your fall in the event you find yourself needing to self-arrest. Aug 29, 2024 · Grivel’s Ghost range is well established, in fact we reviewed the Ghost axe back in 2018 as part of a winter running article. . The Glacier remained a standout choice for most general mountaineering applications and was one of the higher Feb 16, 2018 · Whether it's for Scottish mixed, Continental ice or drytooling, a pair of technical axes are your key weapons. What we look for in ice axes are essential characteristics such as how useful they are for self arresting, walking with, and climbing steeper gradients. The Petzl Summit Evo is a top-choice ice axe that quickly gains the trust of both seasoned mountaineers and rookie climbers. It is the only non-modular axe we tested to achieve a CEN-T rating, and it's strong and rock-solid throughout. The next step is learning ho Dec 8, 2022 · A classic straight-shafted axe, the Grivel G-Zero has a plastic head cover that feels extremely comfortable in the hand, making it a great basic hillwalking axe 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. If you're looking for Mar 21, 2019 · In addition to being a high performing model, the Summit is lighter than most general mountaineering ice axes in our review. An ice axe is a versatile tool that could save your life in alpine regions, so choosing the right one is crucial. Ice Chill was launched in 2024. Feb 14, 2024 · Here we have focussed on the best ice axes for moderately steep terrain. Don't buy an ice axe before reading these reviews. What this model might lack in versatility, it certainly makes up in its very focused design. Jan 13, 2010 · This axe is 100 percent titanium (it will never rust or corrode) and is the lightest axe reviewed that comes with a fully functional spike. Range of winter climbing and mountaineering equipment including the DMM Ice Axe range which offers exceptional performance and withstands the rigors of modern climbing by being ‘bombproof’ - sturdy, strong and dependable. Maxon C4D-Substance Painter. But relax, this list will get you to where you want to be, and get you there safely with the best choices in ice axes for you mountain travels. - 3D model by Cassio. Dec 11, 2019 · The Petzl Gully is a unique model that blurs the lines between an ultralight ice axe and an ice tool. May 2, 2025 · The results of the penetration test showed that the T-shaft ice axe had a significantly greater penetration depth compared to the straight shaft design. Its adze provides a wide enough blade to quickly clear snow to place your ice screw. The range is an ‘all-mountain’ offering, covering everything from mountain walking and glacier work to Alpinism and modern test pieces. 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. The Gully is an alpine steep snow and moderate ice specialist that works well as a pair, as a second tool coupled with a traditional mountain axe, or a single for challenging ski mountaineering routes Feb 12, 2022 · Website DescriptionWinter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 2: Technical Ice Tools and Crampons Saturday 12th February 2022 By Bruce Goodlad In the second part of this two-part review, we look at equipment suitable for harder winter climbing and Alpine routes. Jul 3, 2025 · Didn't the Rainier rangers have a ice axe test they did for prospective climbers? Where they stopped on the shaft, and, if it broke Bill Sumner? I've always thought the Thunderbird pick design was fairly unique. more Mar 19, 2019 · The CAMP Neve is a solid general mountaineering ice axe for a great price. Mar 20, 2019 · Our favorite modular ice axe, the Petzl Sum'Tec, has the shaft of an ice axe with the head of an ice tool, and is built with versatility in mind. May 15, 2024 · Based on our research and testing, we think the Petzl Summit Evo is the best Ice Axe on the market right now, for anyone looking to play hard outside. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. The Capra is named I did for fun, the idea would be a weapon that could be in epistle 3. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. The shape of its chromoly steel ergonomic head is studied for optimal anchoring regardless of the surface. It comes with a built-in (and removable) leash and offers a competitive price Dec 19, 2023 · Needing an ice axe to take on Mont Blanc and a load of other peaks I had my eye on, the Grivel G-Zero stood out as a lightweight ice axe explicitly crafted for beginners planning their first ski-touring and mountaineering endeavours. Jun 14, 2019 · Last year I wrote an article comparing different lightweight mountaineering axes. 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. Aug 19, 2020 · Roundup of light minimal to burly multipurpose ski mountaineering ice axes including Blue Ice, Black Diamond, Grivel and Petzl and how to choose. This is a new fragrance. Nov 2, 2023 · A versatile mountaineering collection, Black Diamond's Venom LT converts from all-mountain ice axe to piolet and shovel for ski mountaineers and adventurers. Mar 5, 2019 · March 5, 2019 David Lottmann Climbing Gear Reviews, Gear Reviews, Ice Climbing ice axes ice climbing petzl petzl nomics Alexandra Roberts takes the new Nomics for an alpine spin up Pinnacle Gully- photo by Brent Doscher The new Petzl Nomic has been refined in a way that makes it one of the most versatile ice axes available. 7 ounces). Jan 21, 2022 · DMM Spire: first impressions New for winter 2021, the DMM Spire is the brand’s classic straight-shafted mountain axe – something that was previously missing from DMM’s more specialized and technical range of ice tools (such as the DMM Spire Tech, both of which feature in our best ice axe buying guide). Oct 26, 2017 · Searching for best ice axe? See the top-rated snow axes of 2024, pros, cons, features, plus all you need to know about the best options available now! Oct 1, 2021 · Our team of experts has selected the best ice axes out of hundreds of models. While some are made for technical ice climbing, others are best suited to mountaineering trips. Apr 7, 2021 · Long, moderate, alpine ice tomorrow? A steep snow route the next? The Blue Ice Akila ice axe, available in a hammer or adze version, is an excellent choice for these adventures. While some ice axes […] Mar 21, 2019 · The CAMP Corsa is one of the lightest rated ice axes currently on the market; if weight is your number one priority, look no further. In this update, we select 17 of the current market's best to hack away at waterfalls, chop steps, and practice our self-arrest techniques. Anyone know that history? Mar 18, 2024 · No description has been added to this video. Fishermen on foot: A spud (ice chisel The Reactor Ice Tool is the new technical ice axe from Black Diamond, designed for ice climbing and steep mixed climbing. Tailored to meet the demands of climbers and skiers navigating various alpine terrains like glaciers, couloirs, and ski descents. Well as winters go, this one has not been the best to test ice axes, with conditions coming and going all season. It is one of the most comfortable axes to carry and performs great when self-arresting. They provide more efficient handle grip for difficult sections. Its balance and its ICE pick allow solid placements on any type of ice. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. May 18, 2015 · The Seattle Manufacturing Company (SMC) Capra ice axe is a great value for a fantastic general mountaineering axe. The G1 was above average in nearly every one of our comparison categories and is a fantastic option for general mountaineering applications. The standard Ghost has been joined by a hammer version as well as… Jan 14, 2022 · An ice axe is an important protection device that helps you maintain balance, test terrain, climb snow and ice-covered slopes and even stop yourself from sliding downhill if you fall (known as “self-arrest”). May 1, 2025 · Explore the top ice axes for ice climbing, with expert recommendations on the best tools for performance, safety, and durability. Jan 28, 2022 · Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. How To Use An Ice Axe For Ski Mountaineering? In this informative video, we’ll guide you through the essential techniques for using an ice axe in ski mountaineering. The Corsa does make some sacrifices in its versatility and some of its performance characteristics, but for the right user or application, this niche axe is a perfect choice. Technical Axes/Tools As we Nov 25, 2020 · Introduction: Ice axes are essential tools for mountaineers, ice climbers, and those venturing into snowy and icy terrains. The Ergal shaft surpasses UIAA norms for strength and durability; it is coated with black, epoxy The UKC team looks at high performing ice axes from top brands such as Petzl, DMM, Black Diamond, Grivel and Edelrid. Apr 12, 2021 · In This video I talk about some of the features to look for in a ski mountaineering ice axe and some of the pros and cons of a small selection of some off th Dec 20, 2019 · Petzl say: QUARK is a versatile ice axe designed for technical mountaineering and for ice climbing. Read about this perfume in other languages: Deutsch Climbing Technology - Dron + - Ice axe In customer testing Experiences and reviews Expert advice from professionals Oct 17, 2023 · The Petzl Summit Evo is a perfect ice axe for non-technical hillwalking that will also adapt for steeper or more technical ground on occasion (outside of rope use). The result is a lighter than average ice tool that can perform all the duties Feb 17, 2025 · Other than its price, the Black Diamond Raven Pro - a classic ice axe with some welcome updates - has just two minor downsides. It is also by far the most expensive ice axe we looked at, as much as three times more expensive than the competition. Dec 11, 2019 · Steep Ice and Snow The Ride provides security in steeper terrain far better than you'd expect from a sub-9 ounce ice axe. neyrpga vfrm ngglxd ygpw kvb gydeo ckvgj onmgr uuyvg zirzy
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