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Ice axe length for ski mountaineering 5 Jan 28, 2022 · 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. I was cheating with a 56 cm Grivel Super Courmayeur with an Evolution pick that could go back and forth between mountaineering and water ice/alpine ice routes, but thinking a lighter axe might be nice. For example, one of our guides is 6’1″ (185cm) and their longest ice axe is 60 cm. I'm currently looking into getting my first ice axe that fits my future endeavours best. I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. Jan 17, 2024 · Best Value Mountaineering Axe: Grivel G1 Ice Axe; Best Size Range in Mountaineering Axes: With a shaft just under 20 inches long, it’s a short ice axe designed with ski mountaineering in What Size Ice Axe Should I Use for Ski Mountaineering? Ice axes come in shapes and sizes. Aug 19, 2020 · Equally at home in the spandex clad ski-mo racing world (the 50cm length fits ISMF regulations) and the summit driven light-is-right ski mountaineering realm, the Blue Ice Hummingbird is a surprisingly competent featherweight. Many ice axes are within the 50 to 75 cm range (1. Amazon price $76. It also has a bottom grip to improve control and precision. Ice axes for ice climbing: These are designed for climbing frozen waterfalls, icefalls or ice-covered slabs of rock. I know there isn't the perfect allround model but i still have to start somewhere. While the design and features of ice axes may vary, one key factor to consider is the length of the axe. Because low weight is the main design priority for ski mountaineering axes, their minimalist shaft is short and usually only ‘B’ rated. Its blade is more curved and aggressive, making it ideal for vertical ice climbing. Jun 9, 2025 · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. When it comes to ski mountaineering, the ideal size depends on your height. If you get into actual alpine ice climbing you're going to use ice tools not axes which are much shorter and are curved so that both ends are in constant contact with the ice and snow for better grip. com Aug 21, 2023 · My current mountaineering axe is 70cm and is heavy. The DMM Spire is a lightweight ice axe that is well suited for winter walking and ski touring, with potential to branch into more demanding winter mountaineering days. The traverse Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. They have various lengths and can either have a straight or curved shaft. A 75 cm axe is quite long, and most people will find that it touches the ground on nearly flat terrain. The top of the axe should reach your ankle or slightly above it. The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe in your hand alongside your body. 99; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. However, it is less effective on softer or snow-covered terrain. . Ice axes for general mountaineering, by contrast, may range from 40 to 90 centimeters in length. His most frequently used ice axe is 56cm, and he even uses a 45cm ice axe for ski objectives. In this article, we're focused on mountaineering axes, but it's helpful to know the differences while you shop: Compared to classic ice axes, ice-climbing axes are shorter, have bent shafts and a head that has a different design See full list on outdoorgearlab. Traverse or Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe. How do I know what size ice axe to buy? The traditional method for sizing an ice axe is to hold it at your side with the spike touching the ground. The length of your mountaineering ice axe plays a significant role in your ability to efficiently and effectively navigate icy terrain. I'm 5'10. Shop for the Hummingbird. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. A slight curve can also be ok, but generally speaking it's for more special use cases. And that’s mainly to do with general-mountaineering axes, as technical ice-climbing axes/ice tools have less variation in this department; most are about 50 centimeters long. Grivel Ghost Nov 29, 2023 · One vital piece of gear that every ice climber must have is a mountaineering ice axe. 5 ft). I typically use it as a more secure way to climb up steep snow/ski routes, along with crampons, and have as a self arrest tool. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. Thinking of the Petzl Summit and wondering about length and whether 52 or 59 cm. However, personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length. They also lack a rubber grip may only have an aluminium spike. So far i did a lot of hiking, ferratas (D) and easy climbing (UIAA 1-2, without rope) around 2500m in the austrian alps. Modern axes are sold in 45 cm to 75 cm lengths. 7 to 31. 6–2. May 15, 2025 · Many hikers carry ice axes for early season trips in alpine regions or when trail conditions may include lingering snow patches. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. The technical or ice climbing ice axe is shorter and lighter than the classic one. We look at both straight and curve shaft options with a wide variety of uses, including technical, vertical ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and glacial travel. It has a straight shaft, made of anodised aluminium tubing, and the slightest of curves in the head. The design of this type of ice axe is mainly for self arrest and basic mountaineering. Dec 25, 2024 · Ski mountaineering axe. According to the old advice, all of his ice axes are at least 10cm too short! Why keep an ice axe short? On steep terrain, a longer ice axe puts the climber’s hand Sep 29, 2013 · Choosing an Ice Axe Length: The length of an axe dictates where it’s useful. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. Longer axes are easier to plunge on flatter terrain, while shorter axes are easier to use in steep terrain. hftev darjjr czelk itcmd quu qzzzuw holly edm subex vwocx |
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