Simond ice axe review. Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe.
Simond ice axe review Feb 2, 2022 · So much poor advice about axes! “Should end at your ankle” is a misconception – which actually started out as “should reach no further than your ankle”. You get to see how it fits, how it works, the danger of using a harness-attached ice axe leas Whether you need help, maintain or repair your ice ax and crampons, SIMOND is with you at home and in store. 95 at OMCgear; Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe With $119. It’s a lot of glacier with the ability to climb fairly steep slopes without smashing your hands. system, superior shaft geometry, adjustable grip, and durable picks make it a standout in the world of ice Dec 11, 2019 · This burly ice axe is everything you could want for challenging glacier routes and steep snow climbs: If we could only own one ice axe, this would be it: Built with versatility and steep alpine routes in mind, this model has the shaft of an ice axe with the head of an ice tool: A surprisingly versatile axe considering its impressively low weight Nov 21, 2022 · Petzl opened the floodgates for this category with the Gully Ice Axe. The ice axe, or “ice tool” as it’s more commonly called, has come a long way since the alpenstock hit the market in the mid-1800s. The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. Most routes involve a lot more trekking where ski poles are handy and you only need an ice axe when the terrain gets steeper. Shop crampons, ice axes, ice screws, pick axes & more ice tools today. Technical Axes/Tools As we move into the vertical frozen world the shape of our tools becomes more critical to our security and ease of movement the shape will allow us to climb some incredible features that were not imaginable when I Dec 10, 2024 · 3. Gear Review. Black Diamond Raven Ultra. com; ads by Avantlink Nov 10, 2021 · The Black Diamond Raven with Grip is a handsome-looking ice axe with a straight shaft and elegantly shaped and comfortable head, thanks to the cutaway sections for the fingers and thumb. Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe. It is the best swinging of the three lighter axes in this review by far, and perfectly bridges the real estate between minimalist axes and alpine climbing tools. Jan 10, 2019 · Various mountaineering axes from lightweight to heavy duty. With that said, I did have a few little things in mind when I was purchasing my axe. Mar 2, 2019 · Black Diamond Reactor review? Then this is the right climbing gear review video! I will ask the question, whether the Black Diamond Reactor (2019) the best i Mar 21, 2019 · The Petzl Glacier is a fantastic ice axe for an excellent price and was nearly the winner of our OutdoorGearLab Best Buy award. . Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 10+ ice tools. With its sturdy yet lightweight build, the Raven Pro by Black Diamond has been my go-to ice axe for years. steel pick and spike; general mountaineering; 50, 55, 60cm sizes; 12. 95; The Raven Ultra, whilst still shiny and new An ice axe for those Apr 22, 2022 · I review the Black Diamond Slinger Ice Axe leash in this video. Th The Hydra ice tool is a modular ice axe that is as versatile as the mountains themselves. 96 at OMCgear; Black Diamond Venom Adze Ice Axe $199. → ALL NOTICES CLIMBING & ALPINISM. Explore Black Diamond's ice & alpine climbing equipment for your next mountain adventure. As such, don’t fall into the trap of getting a “cane”. This is important because an ice axe is there for protection, to save your life, so you don’t want it to fail. Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. com; Black Diamond Venom Hammer Ice Axe $199. How customer reviews and ratings work Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them. com Anyone tried the Simond (decathalon) MAMBA ice axe? It doesn’t seem like they have been very popular as there is very little about them online. Colder temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daylight hours make factors like kit Oct 21, 2024 · Ideally, you want an ice axe, that is comfortable to handle but durable to do its job in whatever terrain that you find yourself in. Its light weight of 545 g makes it one of the lightest ice axes on the market. On heads “SIMONDS PIRANHA” and logo of a bird carrying an axe on top of a mountain peak. In fact, compared to the Raven, the Glacier is lighter, self-arrests smoother, and climbs steep snow better, while the Raven offers a better price tag. The very light Raven Pro is a good hillwalking axe. Legal notice. Having a reliable ice axe is mandatory for technical mountaineering routes. With a fixed, recurved pick, a hammer or adze option, and an included pommel, these tools were a massive leap forward in the technical capabilities of a super light ski mountaineering ice axe. What we produce varies from 'first looks' like this, which is exactly what we've been producing at trade shows for years, whereby we take an initial glance at the product. Aug 19, 2020 · With a reverse curved head, low volume tip for ice penetration and a short lightweight shaft, the Petzl Gully packs technical prowess in a very minimal 280g package. There have been a few seasons of change in ice axe development, starting in the mid 1800s with the traditional Alpenstock (a long pole with a metal spike on the end that has been in use since the 1750s) being adapted to feature a forward facing pick. Dynamic Ropes 304918, 304924, 3 Rappel 8. I ce axes are not a new tool, in fact they have been around for hundreds of years. Differences in ice axes are pretty minor, and they are going to accomplish the same tasks. The type of axe that you want for ski mountaineering, approaching alpine rock routes, etc. Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa Dec 21, 2022 · Your assesment is bob on. Feb 23, 2021 · Design. One thing to keep in mind is that your ice axe will most likely be on your backpack more than your hand. Sep 12, 2018 · The Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe was able to hold me securely on the slope (145 lbs) when glissading the Ice Axe was wide enough to slow me down when needed, a good sign of an Ice Axe!!! Solid craftsmanship, Stainless-steel head and spike/aluminium shaft are whats found on the Black Diamond Raven Axe. 9 ounces ‘Know Thyself’ is a great motto when it comes to choosing between aluminum and steel ice axes. Mid calf is usually more accurate, but ice axes are not walking poles they are to arrest falls and cut steps! Hold the axe across your body in the arrest position. Combining advanced materials, innovative design, and superior performance, this ice axe is the ultimate choice for fast-and-light alpine pursuits. 60 cm, 68 cm : Head Details Head Details. The hammer feature adds versatility, allowing you to tackle a wider range of tasks in outdoor settings. com; Black Diamond Ice Axe Protector $14. 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. There is simply no reason to own or consider using a more traditional / heavier ice axe, even for trips that involve mostly glacier walking. Simond's newest ice axe, the MAMBA, is the perfect tool for ice climbing or taking on technical routes in winter. From waterfall ice to technical mixed climbing, the Black Diamond Hydra Ice tool can be customized to match your mission, thanks to its Integrated Component Exchange (I. Independent ice tool reviews by real outdoors people. The line-up includes: Corsa Nanotech Oct 16, 2024 · In reply to. The Raven Pro, along with the rest of the Raven family, are among the most comfortable ice axes to carry. This comparison review will focus on lightweight mountaineering axes. The stainless steel pick and adze look the part, but I would say that the pick on the Raven is the least aggressive of the tools I tested, with a subtle curve Sep 13, 2024 · The new Black Diamond Hydra has hit the shelves and it’s one of the best ice and mixed climbing axes that we’ve ever used. We charge for most of the video content we produce, because there's a cost to the time it takes for us to film/edit. My Ice Axe in the video: http://amzn. Aaron’s favorite hybrid ice axe is the Black Diamond Venom. Aug 23, 2024 · Stubai Ice Axe Review; Petzl ALTITUDE Harness Unboxing Preview; Salewa Ice Axe Tec X Hammer – Review; Garmin Dakota 20 GPS Review; Black Diamond Transfer 3 Shovel Review; Olympus Outdoor Gear – Snow/Sand Pegs review; Simond 2-in-1 Mountaineering Gloves Review; Apparel Reviews; About & Contact Oct 27, 2016 · There are two main reasons we love it so much: Firstly, it is light at 528g, but also incredibly tough. ) system. Black Diamond. TheGeneralist:. All axes were weighed on David’s digital scales. Sep 15, 2017 · Black Diamond Raven Ultra Ice Axe Features: Climbs moderate alpine ice and snow; Investment-cast stainless steel head with an aggressive pick and large hole for a carabiner; Unique, angled spike penetrates hard snow; CEN-B certified; Weight: 348 grams without leash; MSRP: $114. This review is part of our ice axes gear guide, and was first published in the February 2018 issue of The Great Outdoors. Browse Black Diamond's top-rated ice and snow gear Sep 8, 2016 · alpine climbing approach shoes Arc'teryx Belay jackets Black Diamond bouldering clothing climbing gear review Climbing harnesses Climbing packs Climbing shoes edelrid gear news Haglöfs ice climbing Ice climbing clothing Men's climbing clothing Patagonia Petzl Rab rock climbing clothing Scarpa Softshell clothing The North Face Trail Running This is a B-rated/Type 1 axe that would make a great first ice axe for someone venturing into their first winter adventures. It is a lightweight, minimalist axe designed for easy climbs, ski mountaineering and short sections of approach and descent where using an axe may not form the main part of the day. C. For ice axes, adze's are (by far) the most common. Simonds Piranha Ice Axe and Hammer with serrated drooped picks, rubber covered metal shafts, serrated ferrules, bent shafts and two holes in the head. E. It has a distinctive narrow pick that’s quite curved and which penetrates hard snow well. 5", typical wear condition. As with most tools we test, we opted for the ice pick in all but the scrappiest of drytooling scenarios, since the 2. Find the best ice/snow climbing device for your next outdoor adventure using our independent reviews and ratings. 1 Simond SAS FRA 18-4923 Active View Dynamic Ropes 1349367,1349366, RAPPEL 8. 10 years after the COYOTTE, Simond is back with the MAMBA! Made in France, this is a technical ice axe, designed for ice climbing and gullying in the mountains. Not the type for alpine ice or mixed routes that require a much sturdier tool. Mar 12, 2009 · In the '80s and '90s, Simond axes (I'm thinking of the Barracuda, Chacal, Piranha, etc) were the must-have ice-tools for many a UK climber, but they seem to have dropped off the radar here over the past decade or so. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Cover the sharp points of your ice tools for safe transport with the Black Diamond Ice Axe Protector. Ice axes are meant to be used on the uphill side, which is already much higher. With the separately sold I. All Ice and Snow Gear. Vint Simond ice axe/tool in good condition and working order, measures right at 33. Get an ice axe that goes to around the bottom of your Oct 1, 2018 · In all my retail experience selling ice axes, I generally tell people not too worry to much. Jun 14, 2019 · SMC Kobah Pro: The newest axe in this review and likely one of the least well known is SMC’s Kobah Pro. “SIMOND” on wrist leash. . Its curved shaft and 60° pick angle give it excellent penetration on vertical ice. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. Nov 2, 2023 · A versatile mountaineering collection, Black Diamond's Venom LT converts from all-mountain ice axe to piolet and shovel for ski mountaineers and adventurers. One of the lightest ice axes on the market in its category. If we could only own one ice axe, this would be it: Built with versatility and steep alpine routes in mind, this model has the shaft of an ice axe with the head of an ice tool: A surprisingly versatile axe considering its impressively low weight: A solid general mountaineering axe for a great price: Rating Categories: Black Diamond Venom: Petzl Mar 22, 2019 · The Raven Pro has all the same features but is two ounces lighter and a bit more expensive. I had a look at them in a Decathlon store, but haven’t climbed with them. On moderate pure ice they felt v similar at the grades I climb (WI4/5) but Reactors do get better reviews from the pros so if you climb steep WI6 you may prefer the Reactors. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for even the most experienced hill walker or mountaineer. Its innovative I. Feb 12, 2022 · You can view Winter and Alpine Hardware Review – Part 1: Classic Ice Axes and Crampons by clicking here. Ice axes aren’t just for ice climbers – anyone venturing into high alpine environments in winter will benefit from having one of these and knowing how to use it. accessories, this ice axe can be configured to perfectly match our needs. to/2xjXQVjLearn How to Climb Mount Rainier without a guide on my website: http://www. “There are many types of ice axe, from aggressively twisted ice climbing axes, to straight winter walking axes. Jan 17, 2024 · When venturing into the backcountry in winter and even into the shoulder seasons of late fall and early spring, an ice axe is a vital tool for navigating steep snow fields, ice, and scrambles Nov 15, 2024 · The Hydra also comes with three pick options: ice, mixed, and dry. 1lifeonearth. Trailspace's community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top mountaineering axes/piolets. 8 59 Reviews View the 59 reviews with an average rating of . Whether you’re ski touring, mountaineering, or even just hiking on a glacier, you’ll appreciate the extra stability and security that carrying an axe can give you, and knowing the proper technique for an ice axe arrest is an Sep 5, 2024 · The Hydra Ice Tool by Black Diamond is more than just another ice tool—it’s a versatile, highly customizable piece of climbing equipment that can be tailored to meet the demands of any winter climbing objective. Jan 29, 2024 · Camp X-Light Ice Axe – Hammer. 6 Simond SAS FRA 11-2672 Active View Dynamic Ropes 116344 Rock 10 mm Simond SAS 10 mm FRA 15-3890 Active View Dynamic Ropes 124209 ROCK+ Simond SAS FRA 17-4470 Active View Jan 16, 2022 · Most notably, it now has a slightly bent shaft and a lighter overall weight – all designed to make for a more capable and ergonomic ice axe that occupies a spot in the Black Diamond line-up just below the T-rated Swift and just above the standard Raven, which is geared towards winter hillwalking and glacier hiking. Black Diamond Raven Ultra Ice Axe $129. If you're going to be flirting with rock or ice (as opposed to snow), Black Diamond's lightweight Raven Ultra makes a strong case Oct 9, 2014 · Whilst the Raven Ultra has some failings you have to remember the context of the review and the purpose that the ice axe is designed for. Alex Roddie 16 March 2025 / 10:04 GMT 17 March 2025 / 17:10 GMT CAMP Corsa Nanotech: This Ice Axe is a cutting-edge, ultralight ice axe designed for ski mountaineering, high-altitude climbing, and glacier travel, where weight savings and packability are paramount. 5mm pick tip sinks like a hot knife into butter on steep, technical ice. Countless revisions over the past 200 years have taken it from being a straight Mar 16, 2025 · Alex Roddie reviews the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains, with additional testing from David Lintern and Lucy Wallace. Compared to a straight shaft I find this gives the axe a slightly more precise feel in the hand when used spike down in piolet canne (walking stick) mode, with the angle between the head and the spike feeling just right when you're plunging the point into snow. He was often in the Cairngorms with two (or more!) of the review samples to allow comparison of weight, balance and performance, side by side. The Pro is part of a new Kobah line of alpine and mountaineering axes introduced by SMC last summer (2018) that includes the Kobah Speed Ice Axe (small & light option), the Kobah Ice Axe (traditional mountaineering axe) and of course the Kobah Pro which we’re reviewing. Jun 24, 2014 · The Best Mountaineering Axes/Piolets. com/mount-rainier/My Made for technical mountaineering, the Black Diamond Raven Pro ice axe is now lighter and features a slightly angled, ergonomic trapezoidal shaft for better grip and more aggressive climbing. Our review of the Camp X-Light Ice Axe with a hammer revealed that it is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile tool for ice climbing and mountaineering. Featured review by Ilia Slobodov This is all the ice axe you need for any mountaineering objective that doesn't require a technical ice tool. Please review all the photos, and we'll ship quickly. Photos show and are the condition The redesigned Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool offers durability, ease of use, and top performance for ice and alpine climbing. LEGAL. REI Accessibility Statement Oct 17, 2023 · He tested these axes while hillwalking and on easier graded mountaineering routes during the winter of 2022/3, from Ben Wyvis to Creag Meagaidh. I’d be interested in trying a pair, but don’t love the idea that the picks might be difficult to get hold of. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle with a clean design to provide maximum sensitivity. 95 at REI. The Raven Pro's only real downsides are its adze performance and sub-standard steep snow and ice climbing ability. Ice Climbing In this special edition, I review the Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe and take it to the cliffs near my side to see how well it fairs in sandy coastal bluffs. This refers to the back of the ice axe head (opposite the pick). The shaft and head are T-rated for the most demanding use, and the hand guard with a rubber grip ensures powerful penetration and a solid grip all day Feb 14, 2024 · The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. 4. Reactor is slightly more agro and the bigger handle gives more options for matching/adjusting while tooling or on super steep terrain. The most notable difference between the Raven Pro and its souped-down stablemate the Raven is the former's kinked shaft. My previous ice axe had been an older DMM Cirque 59 centimeter. It's the brainchild of the late Uli Steck (with influence from Kilian Journet and Colin Haley, and others) who wanted a lighter less technical ice tool that could perform the basic functionalities of an ice axe, without giving up a pick that offers a high level of technical performance. Feb 14, 2015 · A lightweight ice axe with a sleek design. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. acro hqt gbjmw pdvlcc cibd vajesbs fro frzan svfuyy byuuq