Ice axe vs ice pick. A pick built for glacier travel won't swing into ice as easily as a pick built for ice climbing. DMM make a separate "mixed" pick for the Apex. Thin enough to stick well in ice without but still thick enough to take a beating. Forget that you’d benefit exponentially more from snowshoes, trekking poles, a softshell, goggles, a pair of mittens or myriad other essentials – it’s time to get sexy with it. Conclusion. The top end of the ice axe has a head with a toothed and curved pick. Its PUR’ICE pick allows efficient placement in a variety of types of ice. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. These sturdy axes feature sharp, curved picks made of durable steel that bite into the ice, giving you the traction and stability needed to tackle challenging terrain. 3mm at the tip. Ice tools are designed specifically for vertical waterfall ice, glacier ice, or mixed rock and ice climbing. The Black Diamond Raven is a simple design with a long pick that bites into snow and ice as well as a wide grip area, making it comfortable to carry and more secure in the The NOMIC ice axe sets the standard for ice climbing. e. And a classic straight ice axe will always be better for glacier travel and self arrest. An ice pick is a vital tool that combines functionality with versatility, making it a must-have for both everyday and specialized tasks. Perfectly balanced and equipped with weights, it provides an exceptional swing. Feb 12, 2024 · This traditional ice axe has amazing quality for its great price, which is a good $30 lower than the average ice axe and the reason we have ranked it the best budget ice axe. An ice tool is typically shorter and more curved as compared to an ice axe. Jan 17, 2024 · This refers to the shape of the pick on an ice axe. Nov 5, 2017 · The axes I've looked at (DMM Apex, Petzl Quark, Singing Rock Bandit) all come with "ice" picks. Try to lift your head and shoulders off the snow. 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 22, 2025 · Store Safely: Keep the ice pick in a protective sheath or case when not in use. 73 $181. ice climbing or mixed climbing) conditions. 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. Dec 11, 2019 · Do You Need an Ice Axe How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski mountaineering, one with a modular head for steeper snow routes and complex glacier climbs, or a solid all-arounder to handle the full gambit of routes and conditions, we highlight some key factors to consider below. You will need to use your core muscle here. Whether you’re a professional bartender, an outdoor adventurer, or a homeowner, there is an ice pick tailored to Sep 29, 2013 · Simple: the pick of the axe is almost as good, if not superior, for chopping into ice. 73 /100 cm) FREE delivery Tue, Jul 1 Hold the ice axe the same way as you would during a normal self-arrest — one hand on the head, one hand on the spike end of the shaft. The distinction between ice axes and ice tools lies in their size. An ice tool is a specialized elaboration of the modern ice axe, and often described broadly as an ice axe or technical axe, used in modern ice climbing and mixed climbing. Technical Ice Tools. 95 $ 99 . 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. Apr 11, 2024 · This season, I secured a Blue Ice Hummingbird, which at 200g is both the lightest axe in my quiver and still quite functional. 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. An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow or ice covered (e. Feb 14, 2024 · The head of an ice axe consists of a curved, toothed pick on one side and a short adze on the other. Dec 25, 2024 · Parts of an ice axe. Ice axe 1 – pick 2 – head 3 – adze 4 – leash 5 – leash stop 6 – shaft with rubber grip 7 – spike. Preparing for a climb? Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. The majority of mountaineering ice axes have what’s called a positive curve where the pick arcs downward from the head of the shaft slightly Jun 14, 2019 · The Sum’tec comes with Petzl’s ICE pick, a very versatile T-rated pick that tapers from 4mm to 3. There is some overlap between technical axes (like the north machine or quark for example) and ice climbing, but if you'll still end up with something not good most of the time, having the right tool for the job makes a huge difference. There may be snow conditions where the longer ice axe pick can penetrate deeper, providing more friction during the arrest. A classic curved pick works best for self-arrest and snow climbing, while a sharp, recurved pick works best for steep ice and névé climbing but is less predictable in a self-arrest situation. There is a much wider range of technical axes than basic ice axes to help climber’s pick the best ice axe for the terrain they plan on climbing. dry-tooling) for the Quark/Bandit respectively. g. Of course you call always swap out the pick for the thinner Pur’Ice or thicker Pur’Dry picks. Ice axes are essential tools for mountaineers, ice climbers, and winter hikers. 95 ( $181. All the picks are T-rated, regardless of ice/mixed/dry. The hand grip and spike are at the lower end of the aluminium shaft. Although numerous people use the phrase "ice axe" freely to describe both mountaineering and vertical ice/mixed climbing tools, technically they have distinct names; ice tools, not ice axes, are used for technical ice climbing. There are two main pick shapes available for ski axes. These ratings apply separately to the shaft and pick of the axe, and whilst this is generally relevant to axes intended for technical climbing, eg. . They provide a secure grip on icy and snowy surfaces, allowing for safe ascents and descents. Petzl and Singing Rock both make separate "dry" picks (i. The tapered titanium pick sticks nicely in moderate ice or neve; otherwise, it is compact and functional in steep snow. While the primary use of a basic ice axe is for self-arrest and walking up a snowy slope, a technical axe is primary built for climbing. Very good penetration in ice: - pick tapers to 3 mm at the tip - reduced pick height - weights may be used to optimize the balance of the ice axe; Easy removal: - special profile of the pick - tapered upper edge for better ice cutting - beveled lower teeth; Serrated on the top for efficient use when the ice axe is turned upside-down: This is a B-rated/Type 1 axe that would make a great first ice axe for someone venturing into their first winter adventures. Jun 21, 2024 · Technical ice axes are used for steep snow and ice climbing. What you want to do here is the drag the pick of the ice axe into the snow at your hip level. They'll serve you better and you'll enjoy the sport more. My advice would be to borrow, rent, or purchase a set of ice tools. The shape and double handle offer multiple grip modes, as well as stable hand switching. Pick angle or pick geometry varies depending on the technical capabilities of the axe – generally, those intended for steeper terrain have a more aggressively down-turned pick and a greater number of sharper, more serrated teeth. True. Sep 26, 2023 · Ice axe anatomy Pick: The “blade” of the axe, used to swing into ice or during a self-arrest maneuver. Because we often want to chop and scrape hard snow and ice, the axe head will also have a sharp adze. The spike of the axe can also be used to dig in the right sort of snow. pure water ice vs. Depending on the terrains and routes you will encounter on your climb, it is typically unlikely that you can use an ice axe and an ice tool interchangeably. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] Modern ice climbers usually use them in pairs when ascending an ice climbing route , and thus in some circumstances such as top-rope - anchored climbs, a Type 2: Technical tools with a higher strength pick and shaft, important for technical ice and mixed climbing involving torqueing picks. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. Feb 11, 2015 · Buyer’s Guide: Ice Axes and Ice Tools So, you’ve decided to get into winter mountaineering. Hybrids between an axe and tool do exist. I'm wondering is there a shift in thinking going on, and more are starting to use tools for general mountaineering? I can think of some benefits: * if it gets unexpectedly icy Sep 13, 2023 · Discover the key differences between ice axes and ice tools in this informative article. While sliding, the additional leverage from a longer shaft can help control pressing the pick into harder surfaces. Petzl’s Ice pick comes stock pick on the Sum It's much harder with a straight tool, but it's very possible. An ice tool is a specialized form of ice axe that’s used for vertical ice climbing. But, you say, it would be terrible to dig a dead man with a pick. The bigger deciding factor is the type of pick you have. mixed alpine climbing, it's worth checking Mar 21, 2024 · The new Edelrid Rage ice axe was a highly effective tool for taking down big routes in Alaska's backcountry this winter. Gain insights into their design, purpose, components, and usage in ice climbing. An ice axe has a long, straight shaft and curved pick. 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. Ice axes are a mountaineering tool used for ascending snow slopes. Jan 29, 2015 · It seems like I'm noticing more people using ice tools for general mountaineering as opposed to the traditional ice axe. But the Rage ice pick penetrated the diamond-like ice cleanly and Trango Altum Ice Ax - Lightweight Ice Axe for Mountaineering, Ice Climbing, and Glacier Travel, Green, 55 cm Price, product page $99. An ice tool is shorter, and has a curved shaft and a reverse curved pick. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along 6 days ago · Mountaineering Ice Axes vs. nreua cafm sxov bvt cuss mspi gduz glvc xxak tex