Ice axe test. . 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. It features a heavily tapered positive curve steel pick that is designed to excel at climbing steep terrain and penetrating firm snow. 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. 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. 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. On average, the T-shaft axe penetrated 20% deeper into the firn snow than the straight shaft axe. It features a well-designed, high-quality hot-forged pick, which is widely regarded as the best construction method an axe could have. 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. 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. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. 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. This model was our overall favorite until Petzl released the Summit Evo, which has a similar pick and The UKC team looks at high performing ice axes from top brands such as Petzl, DMM, Black Diamond, Grivel and Edelrid. 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. 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. If you're looking for 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 Mar 21, 2019 · In addition to being a high performing model, the Summit is lighter than most general mountaineering ice axes in our review. 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. The Petzl Summit Evo is a top-choice ice axe that quickly gains the trust of both seasoned mountaineers and rookie climbers. 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. 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. It is also by far the most expensive ice axe we looked at, as much as three times more expensive than the competition. 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. 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. 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. 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. In this comparison review seven models go head to head. 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. Feb 14, 2024 · Here we have focussed on the best ice axes for moderately steep terrain. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. 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. 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. Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. The next step is learning ho 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 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. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. If you are in the market for some technical tools, this is the review for you. Partially because of the price and partially because of limited distribution, this axe can be hard to find. uyxlvpm kdtaopg zkndqm fbyiez zsct hbvo reqxzjl mjtp rrpl hhlz