Ice axe ratings. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair.
Ice axe ratings It can perform almost all the functions you need in an ice axe and is well within a reasonable budget. Jan 22, 2025 · Think of an ice axe as T-shaped, the axe head is the horizontal top of the ‘T’. 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. Made from aluminum, the overall weight of the axe is lighter, and it comes in a wide array of sizes that you can purchase in increments of 5 cm. Ordinarily, heads have cold-rolled or hot-forged steel, though lightweight axes use aluminium, which isn’t as strong and blunts quicker. 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 · When venturing into the backcountry in winter and even into the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring, an ice axe is a vital tool for navigating steep snow fields, ice, and scrambles Oct 2, 2020 · The Black Diamond Raven is a very simple, but classic ice axe. . 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. 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 are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. This is a B-rated/Type 1 axe that would make a great first ice axe for someone venturing into their first winter adventures. The head has two main components: the pick and adze. 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. 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. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along 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.