Choosing the best ice axe

If you are used to winter mountaineering activities, the ice axe is sure to be one of your best friends, a must-have in your mountaineering equipment. This article is always a great help for making progress in the snow or on the ice, and for securing one's own life. The great variety of activities that are currently carried out in the high mountains has led to the existence of increasingly technical and specialised ice axes for each activity. That's why it's easy to get confused when it comes to buying one. Ice axes, thanks to advances in materials, are very durable and if you get the right one it will last you a lifetime.. That is why it is necessary not to make the wrong choice, and to spend as much money as you need to. Through this guide we hope you will choose the one that best suits your activities.

Ice axes can be used as poles. on gently sloping hillsides o as tools for self-detention in the event of a fall on snow or ice ramps. However, they can also be used as hammers for ice wall climbing. All this is possible thanks to the different types of ice axes on the market. They vary in size, shape, material and also in price. It is essential that you buy the ice axe that will be useful for the activity you are doing.. We will now take a closer look at each type of ice axe.

Ice axe approvals

Before looking at the different models of ice axes, it is worth looking at the ranges that exist. There are ice axes made of more or less resistant materials.

These differences can be seen in the fact that each ice axe is marked:

• (T) for technician, o 
• (B) basic.

In technical training, the demands on endurance are higher than in basic training. However, this does not mean that a T-marked ice axe is better than the basic ice axe; it depends on the activity to be undertaken.. The blades of technical ice axes are thicker, which makes penetration into the ice more difficult. However, they are ideal for activities that mix snow, ice and rock, as they are more resistant. On the other hand, technical ice axes can have very futuristic shapes that can be very useful for mixed climbing, but they will be of little use if you are going to climb a snow corridor. Basic ice axes are usually cheaper, but less resistant. Once you know this little detail, you can look at the different types of ice axes to choose the ideal one for the activity you are going to do.

The most general classification of ice axes is as follows classic ice axes or technical ice axes. Within them you can find various models for all kinds of activities with different difficulties.

Classic ice axes

There are three types of classic ice axes. Each one is designed for a particular particular activity:

Classic mountaineering ice axe

It is a type of ice axe designed for mountaineers who perform activities of low technical difficulty such as hiking, crossing glaciers or climbing technically easy mountains. Mainly, this type of ice axe is used as an ice axe to be used as a baton on snow slopes of around 45 degrees. The mountaineering ice axe should have a long handle, which, without twisting, reaches to ankle height. It is estimated that for people who are between 1.70 and 1.80 metres tall, the ice axe should measure between 60 and 70 centimetres. These ice axes seek the comfort for grip and lightness in order to transport it. Its only violent use is for self-stopping if we were to take a fall. They therefore carry a blade with little curvature and quite longto be able to stick it in the snow or ice.

As a lightweight, yet ergonomic model, we have the Black Diamond Raven Grip (Get it from 76,67 euros)a good choice as a pole ice axe. Also other brands such as Grivel have their counterparts, such as the  Grivel G Zero. On the other hand, if you are looking for a stylish and modern model, with a curved handle adapted to vertical terrain, the Petzl Summit (Click to view) can be your choice. 

Classic ski ice axe

This type of ice axe is used when you are skiing in the mountains and you have to take off your skis and grab your ice axes to get over a snowy or icy pass that is difficult. Its use is not constant, so it is advisable to use it as an ice axe. light and small. However, when using it in complicated and violent situations like a stake or hoe, it should also be sturdy. As far as its size is concerned, it is recommended that it is small so that it does not get in the way during transport, and does not get caught in any trees while skiing in the forest. 

Classic mountaineering ice axe

These ice axes are designed to withstand the hard knocks of constant driving and are useful as "daggers" for use on steep slopes of snow or hard ice. They are useful for use as "daggers" to stick into steep slopes of snow or hard ice. The handle is usually fully or partially rubberised to improve grip, as well as curved. Thanks to this curvature, you will avoid hitting your hands against the wall.

Technical ice axes

In technical ice axes we can find tools to practice mountaineering of greater mountaineering of greater difficulty, and ice axes for climbing. climbing.

Ice axes for technical mountaineering.

No is not easy to differentiate between classic mountaineering and technical ice axes. technical ice axes. However, there are some differences. A simple way to is that in a technical activity it is necessary to use two ice axes constantly. two ice axes must be used at all times. In addition, technical technical ice axes can be found in both a shovel and a hammer version. However, within the technical mountaineering ice axes, there are three types of ice axes three types of ice axes that are differentiated by their more or less technical use technical:

• With wrist dragonetThe dragonet is a strap with a loop that is used to secure the ice axe to the hand, so that you don't lose it at any time. This type of ice axe is highly recommended for use in snow corridors where you don't want to let go of your tools too much.

• Mobile RestThis type of ice axe does not have a dragonet, which makes it easier to move. However, it has a support on the handle which, depending on whether it is placed at the top or the bottom, allows you to go from a dagger ice axe - to stick it into the slope - to a traction ice axe - which gives you a better grip.

• Rest fixedThe ice axe is an ice axe that can be used for both technical mountaineering and climbing. It is a technical ice axe for use without hand dragonets -something very common nowadays in ice climbing-. If we want to avoid the risk of losing the tools, we will have to go for harness dragonets, the "rubbers".  

Climbing ice axes.

• ErgonomicThe most sporty and lightest type of ice axe: these are the ice axes designed for the most technically difficult activities. It is the sportiest and lightest type of ice axe, ensuring that every strike is accurate. It has a special handle that fits perfectly in the hand.

*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of 16/12/2020.