Best ice axe reddit. Not great for ice-climbing, but good for general alpinism.

Best ice axe reddit. My recommendation would be to get a set of Quarks or X-All Mountains (I think the X all mountains are cheaper) and then buy a cheap ice axe. Eg. Blue Ice Hummingbird Ice Axe: Tried it before, liked it besides the price CAMP Corsa Ice Axe: seems like the light weight axe most people have CAMP Corsa Nanotech: Seems like it's slightly more aggresive and a bit heavier. Exactly, the reason lies behind Velk's SA's stats: The combination of high raw, high element and foremost purple sharpness and its modifier for raw and element (probably 1,125) make it more powerful than the Legiana Switch Axe. 6oz for 50cm length). In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top ice axes on the market, including their features and benefits, to help you make an informed decision. Would be willing to climb just about anything shy of vertical ice with it, and even short pitches of ice haven't been a problem. 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. Im currently MR 51 and defeated everything till Alatreon, but im still struggeling solo a bit with my defense, resistences and all. Apr 28, 2025 · When tackling tough mountain climbs, having the right tools is essential. So far i did a lot of hiking, ferratas (D) and easy climbing (UIAA 1-2, without rope) around 2500m in the austrian alps. It was shocking just how fast the first topple triggered off of this build. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for even the most experienced hill walker or mountaineer. I know there isn't the perfect allround model but i still have to start somewhere. If you have protective polish and speed sharpening you can maintain purple sharpness for most of the fight. "The TiCa Ice Tool is not a replacement for a UIAA-certified ice axe on technical terrain and should not be used where life or safety is at risk. Of course weakness ex, agitator, and crit boost are always good. ~half kilo and pretty reliable. I was using the safi armour, and used the kjarr ice SA with level 7 custom upgrades, most being elemental. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc). Great all around ice axe, handles steeper terrain, and is quite comfortable paired with an ice tool when it gets too steep for an axe alone. its not worth it to sacrifice 3 ATL Levels only for a 5% Elemental Damage increase. Im kinda iverwhelmed by which Build of armor i should go before Alatreon. See full list on outdoorgearlab. if you take a look at the C. More important than the brand name of the axe is buy Yvonn Chouinard's excellent book Climbing Ice. It has a steel pick and spike. Understanding Ice Axes Ice axes are versatile tools designed for ice climbing, mountaineering, and other alpine One thing to keep in mind is that your ice axe will most likely be on your backpack more than your hand. com Apr 24, 2025 · Is there anybody currently selling a lightweight ice ax that folds or can be taken apart and put back together? I want something I can break down so it's short enough to strap sideways on top of my fanny pack. Most people aren’t doing sustained ice climbing on lines that they want to ski down. If you are in an area where an ice axe is useful, you need to take an avalanche and winter safety course. The Camp Corsa Nano Tech ice axe is incredibly light (I measured 246g/8. 1 tool or hybrid and one whippet (hiking pole with axe attchment for self arrest on low angle slopes) One standard axe (raven or similar) and a hybrid tool. So, I would recommend the Falk or similar for climbs that are ~50 degrees or less and are likely to only require a single axe. If the ice is steep/hard enough it's doubtful any axe will save you once you pick up a little speed. I’m typically never winter climbing, and summiting during the March - Sept mountaineering season. Petzl makes real axes that are quite light AND you can trust. Most META Axes are E-Phials, a few Power Phial Axes outdamaging the Elemental Phial ones when it comes to Aerial Playstyle were tRaw scales a lot better. Colder temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daylight hours make factors like kit After years of renting, I’m finally ready to purchase my own ice axe for summits in the area (Adams, Hood, Helens, Rainier). If it's perfect neve you could probably arrest with something ridiculous like a mixed ice tool or a trekking pole. I just wanted to generally ask people their thoughts on general features and designs of axes such as what style blade, handle grip, shaft angle, eyelet, and spike they may prefer Getting a certain axe won't realistically be the difference between life and death. They will teach and let you practice. The only real requirement is that you need an axe with which you can perform self-arrest maneuvers. It's inspirational as well as instructive. Well im rockin the safi SA blast and when it procs its ether 300 or 600 depending on the monster, got it to 1400 attk and all i do is spam zero sum lol its like 1800 a discharge and i can just spam it. Cassin X-light - seems a bit more versatile I’m just gonna describe what I had when testing SA. Not sure what else. If you carry a long walking axe, you may find that you use trekking poles less -- and vice versa with the shirt tech axe. With that combo you can get up anything from snow to WI5. With so many options available, choosing the best ice axe can be overwhelming. I'm currently looking into getting my first ice axe that fits my future endeavours best. I recently just got interested in Ice climbing, and as such I've been kind of curious about designing an ice axe as either a personal or capstone project for school. That combined with full ice attack means the elemental number was around 1500 ice I believe. I prefer crampons to micro spikes (and I plan on starting early), so went with the Kahtoola KTS Crampons (682g/24oz) - with the anti ball plates (which are pretty flimsy looking, so may not last very long). Longer axes will facilitate descending and downclimbing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountaineer, choosing the best ice axe can make a big difference in your performance. The best way to do to1 is to just be patient, learn what moves a monster can do and how to avoid said attack, there’s also a few video tutorials you can watch on how to beat to1 Reply reply Join our community to learn and share how you make your own gear (MYOG). Not great for ice-climbing, but good for general alpinism. Pukei SA/Deep Lagoon (same stats as Legiana SA but Water Element) in comparison to the Namielle SA the difference becomes evident. " If I'm using an ice ax, it's because I'm in terrain where life or safety is at risk, otherwise I'd just be sticking with my poles. Whatever long axe you can afford will serve you well. Feb 14, 2024 · The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is unwieldy on any significant slope. 2 hybrid curved shaft axes, such as the petzl sumtecs or bd venoms. Do not watch youTube videos of arrests. and do it safely. On EVERY Set I am Using the following Comfy Skills**:** Hey, My question is related to the Switch Axe. Petzl Ride: Weird hybrid where I think most people just get the Gully so they can ice climb. The reverse curve makes the pick easier to remove from hard ice. Reverse curve picks are designed for sustained climbing on steep ice. Non sketchy but would like a bit of a nicer hold while climbing - whippet Sketchy to point of needing one tool - ice axe Pretty sketchy with one tool - ice axe and whippet Two tools required - steep to near vertical ice Remember ice axe = boot crampons and a helmet. Get an ice axe that goes to around the bottom of your Either kind of axe is fine -- both types will get you started just as well. frozen servents + wardens blades+ ice cubes= best damage if ur pure ice and ice skates is the best for mobility if u dont have anyother attunment Reply reply   A leashed ice axe can impale you if you take a long fall and lose control of it, so ideally you would never use one and always have control of your axe. Nothing self-arrests on ice! I tried it with a glacier axe once, didn't work! One of the scarier moments of my mountaineering career. 100% agree with this. Most routes involve a lot more trekking where ski poles are handy and you only need an ice axe when the terrain gets steeper. This terrific thread on MP had some great pointers, and so I am debating between the following: Sum'Tec - used to own a pair. This tool helps you navigate icy terrain, providing both support and safety. Michael Covington is on the cover climbing Mt Kilimanjaro I believe. If you are using an ice axe, then other equipment is also necessary usually, and some areas required. But Valstrax has alot of white sharpness so it's comfortable if you don't have protective polish or speed sparpening Plus, even the Sum'Tec was at best a good ice axe and not particularly an ice tool. Beyond that, it's really just individual preference. Tents, tarps, hammocks, stoves, packs and anything else you can think of outdoor gear related. One of the most important is a mountaineering ice axe. Power prolonger is super useful and partbreaker on an amped axe mode is instantly powerful. For Elemental Boosting Skills like Stromsoul etc. avy safety equipment. As such, don’t fall into the trap of getting a “cane”. The final switch axe in the death stench tree can reach purple sharpness while Valstrax's switch axe can't. However, in the real world, there are situations where the loss of your axe might be catastrophic, so rather than risk losing it into the abyss, you tether it. They are great for paths and gentle slopes, but lose a lot of stability on steeper stuff, dexterity when swinging/hooking and are more difficult to arrest with. . For versatility I go with the Petzl Summit. zlfof pkle rqrvt vnxowxb wqf abnlrtad hqe vhkys hpom pkza