Grivel Airtech Evolution T
Simple and robust bent type.
An ice ax that maintains its light weight while achieving the robustness of blades and shafts. Since it is a bend type, it will be extremely easy to use on a technical course with a steep slope.
It is an ice ax that suits situations such as when stepping up from a beginner or when trying to run vertically.
There is a cover as an accessory, but it does not come with a leash. By the time you buy this, you will probably have your favorite leash, so it’s a good idea to replace it. You will surely feel the difference from the ice ax so far.
Weight: 480g (53cm standard)
Length: 48, 53, 58, 63cm
No attached leash
“It is an ice ax with a tough T standard shaft among the reliable Grivel.”
“The exquisite curve style and bright yellow coloring stand out, and the blades and spitze are also high-strength and sharp.”
CT-climbing technology Alpine tour
Reasonable bent type.
Vent type senior model are mixed, is really tend to price rises in order to be asked to durability. However, this Alpine Tour has achieved high durability while being about the same price as the straight type.
In addition, it is in the low weight category among the technical types. Therefore, if you are thinking of stepping up from a beginner, but you are not confident, you can use it with the same feeling as the ice ax you have been using.
Although there are few enthusiasts in Japan, it is characterized by high evaluation by overseas users. As a result, domestic arrivals are low and inventory shortages and extended delivery times are likely to occur, so if you are thinking of purchasing, please do so as soon as possible.
Weight: 475g (60cm standard)
Length: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70cm
With attached leash
“The length of the pick, the width of the blade, and the curve of the shaft were as expected, and the attached hand leash was of reasonable quality and exceeded expectations.”
“An emergency declaration has been issued and it has not been used in the mountains yet, but I think there is no problem.”
“At this price, I feel that T standard conformity is a “bargain”.”
Expert of Japan Violet Asuka P2
Convenient type with adjustable length.
An ice ax with an adjustable shaft length. This is a great advantage for ice ax, where the selection criteria change depending on the situation. By making the shaft made of aluminum, we have achieved weight reduction despite the maximum length of 84 cm.
If you can’t check the length directly with your hands, it’s unlikely that you bought this ice ax and the length didn’t fit. The adjustable length is also very attractive when it comes to sharing with someone.
However, being able to adjust the length means that the number of moving parts is increasing. Therefore, pay more attention to daily maintenance than other ice axes.
Adjustable with weight 444g and length 59cm-84cm
No attached leash
“Recommended for beginners of ice ax. You can easily adjust the length to your own convenience.
It’s short and lightweight, so it’s easy to store and carry.”
Oxtos Original ice ax
Reasonable, yet international standard product.
Light, cheap and safe ice ax. That is the original ice ax released by oxtos. As it is a product that has passed the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountain Federation) standard, high quality is guaranteed, and it is not only reasonably priced.
Considering the size development every 5 cm, it is a perfect pickaxe to get for the first time.
Weight: 420g (length 60cm)
Length: 50, 55, 60, 65, 70cm
No attached leash
“It has enough bite and strength to the ice. The design is very simple, but when fixed to a backpack, I emphasized the appearance that sometimes “doesn’t clutter”. The cover must be purchased separately at the mountain store as a general-purpose product.”
Black Diamond Raven Pro
Anyway, a light and simple design.
The compact head and spikes make it lighter. Since the shaft is a straight type and there are abundant length variations, it may be the optimum solution for the ice ax debut.
The weight of 300g will greatly reduce the burden of each step of a long mountain climbing. Because it is so simple, it is easy to feel the goodness of mountaineering goods other than ice ax.
Compared to the original pickaxe made by oxtos, which has a similar direction, the emphasis on lightness raises the bar.
Weight: 362g (Shaft 50cm standard)
Length: 50, 55, 60, 65, 75cm
No attached leash
“The scoop is made of stainless steel, but I like it because it has a gloss like plating.”
“It’s an impulse purchase, but it’s in a very light and easy-to-use category.”
Petzl (PETZL) Glacier
Both lightweight and sturdy.
An ice ax that is both light and sturdy by devising the shape of the head. Some of the heads are made of plastic and the others are made of stainless steel. Considering it as a wand that is the basic use of ice ax, it is very attractive because it is a straight type and lightweight.
It has attractive hue variations such as sky blue as well as metal color. There are many high-end models of Petzl, but since they use the same stainless steel, they have the potential to never fit in the frame for beginners.
Weight: 370g (Shaft 68cm standard)
Length: 60, 68, 75cm
No attached leash
“I used it at Phoenix Sanzan and Mt. Senjogatake.”
“As it is positioned as a walking model on the factory’s page, this model is suitable for mountain trips such as walking on snowy ridges, which is not very technical.”
“I am satisfied with this quality for just $100. It comes with a hand leash, but it does not come with a cover, so you need to purchase it separately if necessary.”
Grivel G zero
Abundant accessories and low price.
An ice ax with a wide variety of colors (Pink, Black, Blue, Yellow). Since the head protector is attached, it has the effect of suppressing the coldness of the hands. Since the protector can be attached and detached, it is also attractive to be able to respond depending on the time and altitude.
Compared to the 1st and 2nd place, the size may be limited because it is a predecessor. In terms of cost and color variations, this is the place to go, but we decided to rank this because we couldn’t find a combination of color and size that we liked.
There is a leash as an accessory, but the color of this is fixed. If you want to enjoy the colors including the leash, try combining it with the leash sold separately.
Weight: 480g (66cm standard)
Length: 58, 66, 74cm
With attached leash
“I bought an ice ax with a shaft length of 58 cm for a bride with a height of 158 cm. Even if I use it with a height of 172 cm, it is easy to handle and I have no complaints.”
“The pick is not polished so please sharpen it before use. The degree of sticking is directly linked to life.”
“In addition, the shaft felt a little slippery even with non-slip gloves, so I wrapped it with “self-bonding tape” to gain a sense of grip.”
“If it comes with a head cover and a simple leash and costs less than $100, you should buy it.”
Black Diamond Raven with grip
Pursuing ease of grip.
An ice ax that uses a dual density grip and focuses on ease of grip. Among the Raven series developed by Black Diamond, With Grip focuses on ease of grip (easy to hold) by adding a grip to the shaft and setting a leash.
The straight type and sharp stab make it easy to use as a cane. Since the product is developed every 5 cm, it is also attractive that it is easy to fit the optimum value derived from the height.
Due to these advantages, it plays a great role as a long-term wand.
Weight: 505g (55cm standard)
Length: 55, 60, 65, 70cm
With attached leash
“Easy to grip and swing.”
“Recommended for those who purchase ice ax for the first time.”
“I purchase and use it for children with a height of 160 cm.”
Grivel Monte Rosa Plus
Achieve a compact head.
This is also a release product from the industry leader Grivel. It is a completely straight type and can be used as a beginner’s wand.
Since the head is compact, it is easy to grip while keeping the weight down. The area around the stone tip is a rubber grip, and when combined with the commitment of the head part, the concept of a fashionable design that suits everyone is conveyed.
It is also highly evaluated that the leash is an accessory.
Weight: 520g (66cm standard)
Length: 58, 66, 70cm
With attached leash
“I bought it at Shugakuso.”
“The price is reasonable and easy to use, and if you do not neglect the maintenance, it will last for about 5 to 6 years.”
Grivel Nepal SA
For a long time from beginners.
It is a reliable ice ax without any mistakes. Although it is an almost straight shaft, it has a gentle curve, so it can be used on flat roads, gentle slopes, and steep slopes, so it can be used in any situation. Therefore, it is an ice ax that can be used habitually for a very long time.
It is also an advantage to stand out in the forest or snow due to the prominent shades.
Comes with a cover and Risha. Of course, you can also enjoy it in combination with an optional leash. It is also a proof of trust that it is released by the industry leader Grivel.
Weight: 545g (58cm standard)
Length: 53,58,66cm
With attached leash
“Of course, I used it as a cane, but I also tried to use this pick and crampon’s front claws on a snow wall with a temperature of 45 degrees or more to traverse the crabs sideways, and to imitate the practice of stopping slipping, but all are safe. I can handle it. It was a very different ice ax with and without it in the snowy mountains.”
How to choose an ice ax
From here, I will explain how to choose an ice ax. If you have multiple choices and you don’t know which one to use as a criterion, you can simply decide on one of the best choices based on your situation and use that as a criterion.
Choose by height
You can get a rough idea of
Pickaxe with a length of 110 cm minus height
Generally, choose an ice ax with a length obtained by subtracting 110 cm from the height of the user. However, since each factory develops sizes at intervals of 5 to 9 cm, the one that is perfect is rare.
In addition, there is a difference between the straight type and the bent type, so even if the length is the same, it will be different for each type.
For the time being, it’s a good idea to choose the size closest to your height minus 110 cm and combine it with the selection method described below.
Ice ax with tip located at ankle height
When selecting an ice ax, in an environment where you can pick it up directly, it is best to stand upright and have a tip at the height of the fist that brings the ice ax. However, this is only for climbing on a course for beginners with few steep slopes.
Choose by shaft shape
The shape of the shaft can be divided into straight type and bent type according to the application. Let’s grasp from the image and description.
Standard “straight type”
The straight type is ideal as a cane. Therefore, the straight type is safe if most of the mountain climbing is on a gentle slope or if you are trying a course for beginners.
The development of ice axes for mountaineering by each factory is also centered on the straight type, which is the volume zone at the time of selection. Since there are many types, it is attractive that it is easy to reflect your taste.
“Bent type” that is active on steep slopes and snow fields
The bent type has the advantage of being easy to use on steep slopes and easily sticking to the snow surface. It is a good choice when the challenge of a route with a mixture of snowy mountains and rocky ridges comes into view.
There is also a complete advanced version, such as for a very crooked ice climb. There is a description for ice climbing in the item description.
Choose by ease of grip (easy to hold)
As a general premise, since the ice ax is used by hand, it is very important for me to be easy to hold and hold.
Head shape
The upper part of the ice ax, the so-called grip part, is called the head. The ease of gripping the head is important. Ideally, the shape should be easy to grip, as your hands are mostly on the ice ax head while climbing. This part may also come with a cover for protection against the cold.
Take it directly in your hand and see if it’s easy to grip or not too heavy.
If you cannot pick it up directly, we will judge it by the weight described later. The weight is listed in the 10 most popular ice axes, so please refer to it.
“Weight” and “Material”
The lighter it is, the easier it is to carry around and you can save your physical strength. If you despise the difference by only a few grams, you may regret it on a long climb (especially on the way back, such as downhill). The presence or absence of physical strength is directly linked to the survival rate after a distress.
The heavier the weight, the higher the safety when sliding down. It also needs weight to pierce the ice ax on a snowy slope.
It can be judged that carbon / aluminum is light, and chrome molybdenum steel / steel (stainless steel) is heavy. Since many materials have been developed that can achieve the same strength as iron-based materials even if they are made of carbon or aluminum, they are shifting to these.
Choose on a mountaineering course
Both ice cream and forest bathing are mountaineering companions. Understanding what the mountaineering course looks like can also be a hint for choosing an ice ax.
“Short ice ax” for steep slopes and snowfields
When you hear the word “mountain climbing”, you might imagine aiming for the summit or some station, and then descending when you reach that point. However, continuing from the summit to the summit is also mountain climbing, and this is called vertical running. The length of the ice ax is slightly shorter when doing this vertical run.
In vertical running, climbing and descending are repeated, and the footing is relatively poor, so the footsteps and climate change during walking will be greater than in simple mountain climbing. In order to deal with this, we will take measures such as shortening the length of the ice ax and using a bent type.
Even if you are a beginner, if you want to challenge the vertical running, there is a merit to purchase a slightly shorter one. This is because if you have only a straight type ice ax, you can buy a new one when you run vertically.
“Long ice ax” on gentle slopes
Beginners do not suddenly run vertically (because it is dangerous) First of all, it is good to choose an orthodox straight type long ice ax. This is also the case for relatively flat walking courses such as forest bathing.
Choose by standard
CEN (European Committee for Standardization) classifies ice axes into two types according to their strength. Major ice axes are engraved with the “T” or “B” described below on the sides of the shaft and head.
Technical (T) type
The technical type is about 1.5 times stronger than the basic type. It can also be used as a fulcrum for deploying ropes when climbing. Also, it tends to be heavier than the basic type.
The technical type has the letter “T” engraved on the ice ax.
Due to its high strength, the price range is higher than the basic type described later.
Basic (B) type
The basic type is strong enough for general vertical climbing and mountain climbing without using ropes. When used by beginners, it is basically a basic type.
The basic type has the letter “B” engraved on the ice ax.
It does not mean that the basic type is inferior to the technical type. Choose the type that best suits your needs, your level, and your budget.
There are many ways to choose an ice ax
How was it. There are various criteria for choosing an ice ax. First-time users may be confused by the jargon. After all, some people may not know what to prioritize and what to use as a basis for judgment.
In such a case, please pay attention to only three points: weight, length, and straight type. Other than that, you can grasp your own way of walking, the weight of your luggage, the challenge of vertical running, etc. as your level goes up.
Weight and length are 10 items, and straight type can be judged by 10 images and sentences. Let’s move on to the 10 ice axes.
A wide variety of ice axes
An ice ax that is indispensable for mountaineering. The ice ax can be your wand, your claw, and sometimes a very reliable companion to scrape mountains. It’s an item that will save your life in case of emergency, so I want to choose the one that has no mistakes. So this time, I tried to rank the ice ax recommendations.
A wide variety of ice axes
Ice ax is a basic tool for mountaineering and a must-have item, but it has been released by many factories such as Petzl, Montbell, and Black Diamond, so it is difficult to know what to choose based on.
The ice ax you choose will change depending on your climbing goals, seasons, and your body shape. Since models for amateurs and advanced users are mixed, individual differences are likely to occur in the selection method. That is the mountaineering companion ice ax.
Therefore, this time, we will introduce the ice ax in a ranking format according to the points to be selected. The point was to focus on ease of use and long-term use for each situation, and created a ranking based on them. How about using it as a reference for an ice ax that suits you?
Ice ax part
I will list the names of each part of the ice ax that appeared in the article.
Head
This is the T-shaped horizontal bar. When used as a wand, most hold this part. It is important that the shape here fits your hand. If possible, try picking it up directly.
There are picks and blades on the front and back, which will be described later, so it is recommended to attach a safety cover when not in use.
Some ice axes come with a cover for cold weather.
Pick
One side of the head. You can support your body by sticking it on the snow surface. I remember it as the side with the knurled blade. For safety reasons, it is recommended to hide it with a head cover when not in use.
Blade
One side of the head. It is in the opposite position to the pick. It can be used for digging snow and shaving ice.
Shaft
It is a long handle part. It occupies most of the total length. Ice axes are often sized every 5-9 cm, which is just the difference in shaft length.
In most cases, the length of the spike side changes in the size development of the bent type with the tip of the shaft bent.
Spike
This is the part that comes into contact with the ground when used as a wand. It is the tip of the shaft and is also called a stab.
This is the part that wears first because it comes into contact with the ground most often. Since it is a part related to durability, the durability performance here will be helpful when considering whether it meets the standard and what kind of mountain climbing ice ax it is for.
Leash
It looks like a belt or strap. It is passed through the hole in the head, and by passing your arm through it, you can rest assured that the ice ax will slip off your hand. By connecting it to the belt on your shoulder, you can free both hands, which is recommended for beginners.
It may come as an accessory when you purchase the ice ax. For those who care about fashion, adding their own leash can be fun.
Summary
This time, I made 10 recommended rankings for ice ax. Climbing may have started from the selection of an ice ax to share the pain with.
The ice ax that I have climbed many times will be attached to me, and if I can select it according to the situation, it will be even more fun to climb. Please try to find your own companion.
Click to have more Shieldon EDC knives and tools fun.
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