Ice axe review. Review: Petzl Summit Evo: out of 5.

Ice axe review If you will be using your ice axe to climb up instead of across, or if the slope of the mountain is greater than 60 degrees, you will want a smaller climbing axe that features a curved shaft. C. Within the world of hybrid tools, I notice three types of design combinations: 1) extremely light, primarily aluminum tools with mountaineering picks (less sharp and more flat) made for ski and non-technical mountaineering such as the Camp Corsa (50-70cm Nov 15, 2024 · The Hydra also comes with three pick options: ice, mixed, and dry. It won't knock your socks off, but does provide respectable all-around performance and is ideal for simple to moderate glacier routes or basic snow climbs. Ice axes can be used in a cane-like fashion to traverse epic, snowy alpine summits, or paired with crampons to meticulously climb up frozen waterfalls. Read about CAMP’s Corsa Ice Axe. At 7. Petzl Quark Ice Axe. Its closest competition is the Grivel Air Tech Racing SA, which weighs in at 14. The Venom is a hybrid axe: it sits nicely in the gap between mountaineering axe and ice tool. Review: Petzl Summit Evo: out of 5. 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. 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. 5mm pick tip sinks like a hot knife into butter on steep, technical ice. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. 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. Amazon price $77. I wanted the new ice axe to be a multipurpose ice axe that I could use it for general mountaineering, but also on more technical terrains, such as on couloirs and more mix climbing activities. Though designed primarily for technical mountaineering, it also shines in hiking and glacial travel. system, superior shaft geometry, adjustable grip, and durable picks make it a standout in the world of ice 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. Easily held at the handle for strength or just under the pick for control, the Evo’s pick is made thicker in the middle for soft snow and sharp toothed at the tip for thick ice. It is also the lightest ice axe we reviewed that our review staff would take on fairly complex glacier routes. It comes with a built-in (and removable) leash and offers a competitive price. We felt it was even comparable to many general mountaineering models. To learn how to use an ice axe, see Episode 16 – Crossing Snow – Ice Axe – Self Arrest of our Essential Trail Skills Video Mar 21, 2019 · The Summit checks in at 12. Mar 19, 2024 · The CAMP-USA Corsa Ice Axe is quite possibly the lightest weight ice ax in the world, weighing just 8. The stainless steel pick and adze look the part, but I would say that the pick on the Raven is the least aggressive of the tools I tested, with a subtle curve Jan 31, 2022 · Testing the Grivel G1 Plus in a snow-filled gully on the Fiacaill Ridge, Cairngorms – a classic “one axe” grade I:II winter climb (Image credit: Matthew Jones). 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. Overview. The first Ice Axe I have used was an ice axe from the Austrian company, Stubai. This review is part of our ice axes gear guide, and was first published in the February 2018 issue of The Great Outdoors. 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. 7 to 31. A strong and stable ice Featured review by Ilia Slobodov This is all the ice axe you need for any mountaineering objective that doesn't require a technical ice tool. Credit: Ian Nicholson The problem with a model that works better in flatter or lower angle terrain is it is too long in steeper terrain as it raises the climber's center of balance and makes it less useful for increasing stability. This is a B-rated/Type 1 axe that would make a great first ice axe for someone venturing into their first winter adventures. 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. I tested the CAMP Corsa Nanotech Ice Axe while on a ski mountaineering objective in the Wasatch Range in Utah. It boasts a surprisingly capable pick and adze, a comfortable and streamlined head shape and a Feb 2, 2022 · So much poor advice about axes! “Should end at your ankle” is a misconception – which actually started out as “should reach no further than your ankle”. 8 oz (250 grams) in a size 60 cm length. 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. Selection Process. The head has two main components: the pick and adze. Mar 19, 2019 · The CAMP Neve is a solid general mountaineering ice axe for a great price. So, X-Light is a short iceaxe, adapted for use on the complex ice and mixed technical pitches of the alpine and iceclimbing routes. The very light Raven Pro is a good hillwalking axe. Tailored to meet the demands of climbers and skiers navigating va. Aug 19, 2024 · Ad&sons Axe, Viking Axe, Custom Gifts, Handmade Carbon Steel Camping Axe, Ashwood Handle Bearded Axe Camping Hatchet with Sheath, 19 Inches - Ax 5. 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. 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. But actually, its versatile design has earned it a reputation as one of the best all-round hillwalking and mountaineering ice axes on the market today. 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. The Pro is part of a new Kobah line of alpine and mountaineering axes introduced by SMC last summer (2018) that includes the Kobah Speed Ice Axe (small & light option), the Kobah Ice Axe (traditional mountaineering axe) and of course the Kobah Pro which we’re reviewing. My previous ice axe had been an older DMM Cirque 59 centimeter. 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. 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 The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. Oct 1, 2021 · A note about ice tools. Nowadays, I use the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe. For walkers I think axes that reach the ankle bone when held at the side are best as these can be used for support on gentle slopes without having to stoop, and are easier to thrust into the snow below you during descents. Oct 1, 2018 · In all my retail experience selling ice axes, I generally tell people not too worry to much. 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. Oct 21, 2024 · This is a gear review of the Best Ice Axes for Hiking, Mountaineering, Backpacking, and Thru-Hiking. 6 ounces, which is one of the lighter general mountaineering axes in the review. Not only do you have to be fit and healthy to summit, you need to be prepared. Countless revisions over the past 200 years have taken it from being a straight Nov 15, 2017 · Once of the main tools for winter mountaineering activities is the Ice Axe. Jan 22, 2025 · Think of an ice axe as T-shaped, the axe head is the horizontal top of the ‘T’. Ordinarily, heads have cold-rolled or hot-forged steel, though lightweight axes use aluminium, which isn’t as strong and blunts quicker. Oct 30, 2020 · BEST FOR: CLASSIC MOUNTAINEERING. Mar 5, 2015 · The second of our series of reviews on CAMP’s Nanotech models, by Jonathon Spitzer, American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide. The Sum’tec comes from the manufacturer with the most competent pick for technical ice of all the axes in the review. 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. Stubai Ice Axe. We carefully considered every model in this review after considering every possible option available in North America. The standard Ghost has been joined by a hammer version as well as an improved 'evo' version with a more functional spike addressing one of the few criticisms I had of the… Feb 14, 2015 · The lightest ice axe in the world. If I was mounting one of these axes on a wall this would Nov 21, 2022 · Petzl opened the floodgates for this category with the Gully Ice Axe. 0 out of 5 stars 7 2 offers from $7999 $ 79 99 Apr 7, 2021 · Mike Lewis carries the Blue Ice Akila ice axes into the Colorado Backcountry for a day of alpine ice climbing. 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. Mar 6, 2025 · We evaluated these axes based on how well they suit Scottish winter climbing, where mixed terrain, including ice on rock, turfy ledges, and torquing in cracks, is common. Differences in ice axes are pretty minor, and they are going to accomplish the same tasks. The Raven Pro, along with the rest of the Raven family, are among the most comfortable ice axes to carry. Traveling on ice requires specialized skills, and therefore, specialized tools, which you need to be ready to use at any moment should things start to go wrong. I acquired my Quarks (oddly, before that, I didn’t own ice axes, like many Indian climbers still don’t) almost 10 years ago. Nov 2, 2023 · Swing Light: Salamandra Kevlar-Carbon Ice Axe Review. Feb 14, 2015 · A lightweight ice axe with a sleek design. Climbers usually prefer shorter axes. Jan 3, 2019 · The correct length for an ice axe is debatable. This article focuses on ice axes, which are used when hiking. 5 Dec 8, 2022 · Grivel G-Zero ice axe review: a dependable hillwalking axe that’s kind on the hands 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 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! Mar 22, 2019 · The Raven Pro has all the same features but is two ounces lighter and a bit more expensive. 54; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. Feb 12, 2024 · An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool that is comprised of a head (with a pick and adze) and a shaft (with a spike). 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. As with most tools we test, we opted for the ice pick in all but the scrappiest of drytooling scenarios, since the 2. The tapered titanium pick sticks nicely in moderate ice or neve; otherwise, it is compact and functional in steep snow. Dec 11, 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: Petzl Gully: Petzl Summit Mar 21, 2024 · The Edelrid Rage ice axe got a much-awaited makeover after more than a decade on European shelves. S. In the Adze version, the Venom looks and feels a lot like a general axe. The profiled pick and perfect head weight make it the best tool for thin ice where it penetrates aggressively with minimal impact on the ice. Due to its simplicity, it climbs all angles of ice with much more fluidity and consistency than other modern tools. E. Dec 4, 2015 · It is ‘simply’ a perfectly-balanced, fine-tuned, high-quality ice climbing machine. Ice axe review Nov 10, 2021 · 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. And well prepared. We thought the G1 featured a well-designed pick that helped facilitate the axe to be driven into the snow for self-anchoring or as a backup while belaying on snow. For more ice axes tested by the experts, see our guide to the best ice axes for mountaineering. An Ice Axe provides both safety and security when climbing, hiking, and mountaineering in icy conditions. Jan 16, 2022 · Most notably, it now has a slightly bent shaft and a lighter overall weight – all designed to make for a more capable and ergonomic ice axe that occupies a spot in the Black Diamond line-up just below the T-rated Swift and just above the standard Raven, which is geared towards winter hillwalking and glacier hiking. Traveling on ice requires specialized skills, hence you will need specialized equipment. The Raven Pro's only real downsides are its adze performance and sub-standard steep snow and ice climbing ability. We highly recommend it for thru-hikers, or anyone covering serious mileage in the mountains. Our entire review team was impressed at how well this model's more aggressive, positive curve pick bit into firm snow and ice. Feb 9, 2024 · Wanted: Grivel Rambo Ice Axes. Aug 19, 2020 · Available in 55cm only (470g), this is a relative heavyweight, but with this weight comes some serious performance. see review of the Salewa Tec X Ice Axe here. Our focus was on their general feel and swing, weight and balance, handle and shaft design, picks and feature set, and overall value for money. Despite its lightweight, it is a fully functional UIAA-certified B ice ax capable of being used for self-rescue, glissading, and strong enough to be used as a belay anchor. We climbed a 3,000’ alpine ridge route on the South Ridge of Mount Superior. The Valley of Stubai is known not only for its tourism and hospitality. 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. This review first appeared in the December 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. FS: Ice Axes - Antique ! My Favourite Route: Inigo Atkin Eurostar - Ice axe (help!) Wanted: Technical ice axes REVIEW: Head to Head: DMM Cortex Found - Ice Axe - Yr Wyddfa gully Ice Axe - Advice and logic List more discussions Jan 3, 2018 · A technical ice axe designed for mountaineering. It really is beautiful. Hanna Lindon 10 November 2021 / 20:02 GMT 17 October 2023 / 09:31 BST. Nov 10, 2021 · Home / Reviews / Ice axes / Review: Petzl Summit Evo. There is simply no reason to own or consider using a more traditional / heavier ice axe, even for trips that involve mostly glacier walking. Here the Corsa is used on the Haute route, a 7-day ski traverse across the heart of the Alps. With that said, I did have a few little things in mind when I was purchasing my axe. Dec 8, 2022 · As its name suggests, the Petzl Glacier is an axe primarily designed for glacier travel. 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. Its innovative I. This is the ice axe for when you don’t need an ice axe! Or at least for when you are unlikely to need an ice axe. Despite an impressively light weight, Elite Climb's carbon and kevlar Salamandra ice axes proved durable and strong in our rigorous testing. The Summit Evo is the most technical and aesthetically the most attractive ice axe reviewed. 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. , on a recent trip to Alaska Dec 11, 2019 · Short ice axes are also nice for alpine rock climbs where you have to carry your ice axe on your pack. Jun 3, 2020 · Which is why I decided, for my first review, I’d review a piece of gear that I absolutely love, and is available here – The Petzl Quark. With a fixed, recurved pick, a hammer or adze option, and an included pommel, these tools were a massive leap forward in the technical capabilities of a super light ski mountaineering ice axe. Mid calf is usually more accurate, but ice axes are not walking poles they are to arrest falls and cut steps! Hold the axe across your body in the arrest position. We have also provided technical briefings on popular ice tools from the brands listed 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 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. The pick is the least aggressive of the axes on test and the adze is fairly narrow, with rounded shoulders. [Photo] Yaroslav Lototskyy. Its design makes it one of the lightest in our review and one of the lightest weight CEN-B rated axes on the market. The ice axes I was looking for where the following ones: Petzl Quark; Petzl Gully Feb 17, 2025 · Weights stated are as measured on Alex’s digital scale; note that the same length was not available from every brand, so the length of the axe tested is also stated. Oct 2, 2020 · You know that summiting mountains in the dead of winter, or even high icy peaks in the summer, is no small task. 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. Feb 28, 2024 · In this article, we’re going to review and compare three awesome ice axes, specifically the X-Light Ice Axe with an Adze, the Trango Altum Ice Axe in Green, and the Salewa North-X Hammer Ice Axe in Night/Black. May 18, 2015 · 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. Dec 11, 2019 · The Ride features a steel pick and adze and is the lightest such model in our review. FS: Petzl Charlet Ice Axes with Ice axes for Alps Anyone used the Edelrid, HMPE REVIEW: Edelrid Siskin Eco Dry REVIEW: Edelrid Pinch - Better Edelrid Apex 4b ladies climbing Edelrid on Lead Rope Solo List more discussions Jun 14, 2019 · SMC Kobah Pro: The newest axe in this review and likely one of the least well known is SMC’s Kobah Pro. 3 ounces, and performs pretty similarly overall. The length of the axe is 500 mm which makes it not very effective when working on snow slopes and when moving along the terrain of low and medium angle slope, where a classic ice axe with a long handle is required. It has a distinctive narrow pick that’s quite curved and which penetrates hard snow well. The lightweight Summit Evo Ice axe is a versatile, strong tool that can dig into the roughest of surfaces. I was keen to try the new version, which is available in the U. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. So, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of ice axes! Mar 21, 2019 · The CAMP Corsa Nanotech is a unique ice axe unlike almost any other on the market. 3 days ago · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. Dec 31, 2018 · For the new ice axe, I had specific needs and wishes. Mar 10, 2022 · Ice axes for Alps. Mar 21, 2019 · Low weight is certainly why you buy this ice axe. The Corsa isn’t as burly or aggressive as some traditional ice axes, but it has an ideal balance of weight and strength. aup zkarjz mjjynr vwttl orwgmm kgnilami znkw oyr dzqw cqf