Best technical ice axes. There are two categories: basic (B) and technical (T).
Best technical ice axes While not the lightest tool out there, it is still a beast on the mountains. I ce axes are not a new tool, in fact they have been around for hundreds of years. The ideal sizing will depend on personal preference and the type of axe you’re using. The Air Tech Racing SA is the same price and also features a hot-forged head (made in Italy). We bounced every possible selection off OutdoorGearLab staff, our friends, and over a dozen guides who specialize in alpine guiding and mountaineering. Occupying a distinct and very useful intermediate niche, this is the lightest Type 2 technical axe that DMM have ever made, their Oct 30, 2020 · BEST FOR: CLASSIC MOUNTAINEERING. A CEN-T ice axe can be used to technical climbing but not a CEN-B ice axe. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along Mar 16, 2025 · Overall, the DMM Spire Tech, despite being one of the best ice axes on test, felt like an ‘in case’ axe to me. Quark is a versatile ice axe designed for technical mountaineering and for ice climbing. The ergonomic design, aggressive pick angles, and specialized features of these tools provide climbers with the security and efficiency needed for challenging ascents. Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. Jul 9, 2024 · Technical Ice Axes/Tools Overview. 4 days ago · Best Technical Ice Axe 9. We have all the brands: Petzl, Grivel, Cassin, CAMP and others. On the other end of the spectrum from our spiky walking sticks are the technical or steep ice climbing tools. Technical and General Ice Axes for Climbing, Mountaineering, Ski touring. The Air Tech Evo excels at nearly every mountaineering activity and will stand up to even the most demanding users. Feb 12, 2024 · This traditional ice axe has amazing quality for its great price, which is a good $30 lower than the average ice axe and the reason we have ranked it the best budget ice axe. £74. Mar 20, 2019 · The Sum'Tec is the best option for folks who want a more technical ice axe or a lighter-weight ice tool for moderate routes. This may be so, but the other main function of the axe is to provide a means of self arresting in the event of a slip or Related Searches. Logic suggests a long shaft is best for this. 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 fact, in the United States and Canada, this is one of only three ice axes that you'll see 90+ percent of mountain guides use. May 26, 2023 · This Weekend EXTRA 10% off all gear on EpicTV! *Petzl products are not included. The Spire is available in a number of lengths: 55cm; 60cm; 65cm; 75cm; I've been using the 55cm version, and while I'm relatively tall at 1. In the second part of this two-part review, we look at equipment suitable for harder winter climbing and Alpine routes. Jan 6, 2025 · Technical Ice Axes. 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. The DMM Spire Tech is made from anodized aluminum, which is both lightweight and reliable. Best Value: DMM Spire Ice Axe. The next step is learning ho What kind of ice axe do I need? For walking. - Weight (ice climbing pick installed Technical Mountaineering Ice Axes. Dec 8, 2022 · Grivel Tech Machine. Making the best gear possible for mountain sports is what gets us up and out of bed in the morning at Petzl. Dec 13, 2020 · The most general classification of ice axes is as follows classic ice axes or technical ice axes. Spire Tech – Custom Text. Heavier axes are better for more vertical, controlled movements. PETZL Gully Ice Ice Axe. M. 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. They come in many shapes and sizes, and they are, for the most part, very specialized tools. From glacier travel to ski mountaineering and climbing technical ice. 7; Weight (ounces): 9. Axes for slopes that have a grade of 60 degrees or higher are called “ice tools,” and have aggressively curved handles and a reverse curve pick. The TRIGREST and GRIPREST handrests make it easy to handle and comfortable in any situation. There are two categories: basic (B) and technical (T). Specifically, the Black Diamond Raven and its adjustable pommel make for a reliable choice, along with its classic curve shaft design, which helps reduce fatigue while making precise placements much easier. ASPEED fits the UIAA Box and can be recommended for official ice-climbing tournaments. ASPEED by default is supplied with a dry-tooling pick. technical Nov 22, 2019 · On today's Gear Show we take a look at the different ice axes available for climbers. May 25, 2022 · Generally, there are three major types of ice axes; Walking/Non-technical ice axes; Technical ice axes/Ice tools, and; Highly-Specific Specialized ice axes; Walking/Non-Technical Ice Axes. 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. Designed with a classic curve pick for good purchase on your swings, it is also designed with a curved shaft to give you maximum power behind all of your swings. Each one is designed for a particular particular activity: Classic mountaineering ice axe 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. The shape and double handle offer multiple grip modes, as well as stable hand switching. Learn the nuances of gear selection for hiking, mountaineering, and technical climbs, and ensure your safety with our Mountain Logic recommendations. Read more: David Lintern’s full DMM Spire Tech review and Lucy Wallace’s 2021 ‘Best Buy’ verdict. Shop for technical ice axes from leading brands including Black Diamond, Grivel and Petzl from our collection below Oct 26, 2017 · The Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe is probably the best choice overall when it comes to mountaineering through rough terrain and heavy snows. 95 $99. It's designed as an all-round axe similar to the Petzl Summit Evo, but it performs even better when you encounter a steep snow slope thanks to the adjustable pommel and more ergonomic shaft design. 9; Jan 17, 2024 · Best Mountaineering Axe: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe; Best Value Technical Ice Tool: Trango Raptor Ice Axe; Best Value Mountaineering Axe: Grivel G1 Ice Axe; Best Size Range in Mountaineering Axes Oct 2, 2020 · BEST FOR: RESTING. Compared to a CEN-T rated ice axe, a CEN-B rated ice axe is generally: Lighter; Less durable; Less expensive Ice axes are offered in different lengths, weights and configurations, allowing mountaineers to choose the solution best suited to the specific mountaineering situations they will face. classical mountaineering glacier walking. Within them you can find various models for all kinds of activities with different difficulties. More high tech than the usual ice axes and ice picks, this Navigate snow and ice with confidence using our detailed guide to choosing ice axes and crampons. 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. Dec 7, 2022 · 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. Hybrid ice axes are more aggressive than a traditional mountaineering axe, yet less technical than an ice tool. l Jan 12, 2023 · An axe designed for technical climbing is meant for scaling frozen waterfalls, icefalls, and ice-covered rock slabs. Feb 12, 2022 · Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 2: Technical Ice Tools and Crampons. Spire. Winter Grade III tends to be a 2 tool job, but not necessarily super technical axes like those used for dry tooling. ice climbing. this ice tool is a must have. The shaft is also usually shorter than a general purpose ice axe, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Akila is Ultralight yet tough ice axe: Purpose-built for ski mountaineering: A superlight axe made even lighter for racers and gram-counters: Purpose-built for technical mountaineering and steep skiing: Technical performance at a friendly price: One of the lightest ice axes in the world: Light and versatile mountaineering axe: Supreme combo of All ice axes have a Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) certification. Certification: EN-13089. It's a personal preference thing. 89; Best for technical mountaineering and steep skiing; Length (inches): 17. 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. There’s a lot to like here, especially the weight. 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. The heavy head gives it a solid swing and good penetration in hard glacial ice. In this selection of the best ice axes, we only listed lightweight ice axes. 1. Feb 4, 2019 · Here are the ten most unique, and best Ice Axes on the market right now. The DMM Spire Tech ice axe has garnered plenty of praise, including a previous Best Buy from Mountain Leader Lucy Wallace in tests conducted for The Great Outdoors in 2021. ly/3MXBTRjC. Technical Mountaineering Ice Axes. Ergonomic, easy to manipulate ice axes that allow multiple grips and have very high anchoring qualities in ice. For pure WI these are my favorite ice tool to date. Multi-purpose technical ice ax, suitable for the most demanding alpinists. The steel head and banana-shaped pick allows for efficient penetration and easy unhooking. Strangely it only caries a Type 1 or B CE Rating which is generally for less technical axes. Walking Axes: These are used singley and are primarily for support on steeper ground where they can be plunged into the snow. When there’s snow on the hills walkers need an ice axe. Photo: iStock/ djedzura. 99 at Outdoor Gear Exchange Save $25 This technical ice axe is a sturdy, dependable option for backcountry use. Feb 16, 2018 · Ha, Joe, we didn't want to assign as Best in Test for 2 reasons - Pretty much all axes these days are great depending on what you're wanting to use it for. Dec 10, 2024 · Overview of Ice Axes For Backpacking; Best Ice Axes For Backpacking – Reviewed. Feb 2, 2021 · In the market for a new ice axe, or pair of technical tools? Will Harris chooses size models for six different mountain activities – here are his picks… For ski touring… PETZL RIDE £80 The joy of ski touring is in efficiently travelling through the winter environment, reaching a summit or col to then enjoy the descent that follows. If you had to choose just one ice axe to handle a wide array of alpine activities, the Petzl Summit Evo would be the top contender. We look at how the axes fit into different types of climbing and check Technical Climbing Crampons For a technical crampon that is also very good for steeper alpine ice climbing and pure waterfall ice climbing, then look at the Petzl Lynx – this is a modular design so it weighs a bit more, but it has vertically orientated front points and several different options for varying styles of climbing. It features a hot-forged chromoly steel head and a curved shaft, which provide exceptional performance on ice and snow. I personally sometimes like to take my walking axe and then have a shorter technical tool at easy reach for these. unfqgbqubycmgfplwyzacdntwzxfljfaxtblftrobovbhvcqzfguzsrlpcehkuujbcsxtrftjxavakuicoex