The world's lightest CE certified ice axe. That about sums it up. It gets it's lightness with an 7075 aluminum alloy construction, including an aluminum head. There is also no spike to speak of, just a diagonally sawed off shaft. To eliminate weak stress points all parts, including the blade, are cut and assembled without the use of welding.
- Lightest Mountaineering Axe in the World
- Constructed from 7075 Aluminum Alloy, head & shaft
- Certified for use as a buried snow anchor or belay
- Hollow shaft can be sawed to save weight
- Used by top Adventure Racing teams
NOTE: Many Internet stores list only 3 lengths for this axe. Unfortunately the 3 lengths they list differ so all observed lengths have been listed above. Just something to be aware of.
Accolades:
- ARGEAR.com (2002): "Team ARGEAR.com members have used this axe in the Eco-Challenge New Zealand race, Olympic Mountains and even to climb Mount Rainier."
- ARGEAR.com Editor Review (2002?): "There is no better axe for Adventure Racing, period."
Similar Products: Grivel Air Tech Racing
Mike in Czech - Nov 4, 2004 2:59 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled ReviewOne drawback is that the shaft fills with snow . . . and adds weight. ;-)
When I know I'll be encountering really steep terrain, I'll take this ice axe plus a second dedicated hard pick ice axe. For a perfect lightweight combo, I've been thinking about the BD Raven Pro + the Cassin Ghost.