Ice axe vs ice pick reddit.
I own a whippet and an ice axe.
Ice axe vs ice pick reddit. How to pick ice axe length when you measure between two normal lengths? I went to a shop and got measured for an ice axe. Also with a high level axe and maintenance skill you can just craft stone axes and use that. The reverse curve makes the pick easier to remove from hard ice. You just end up getting farmed for 30 minutes because Horde have shitty queue times. The G1 was above average in nearly every one of our comparison categories and is a fantastic option for general mountaineering applications. Learn how to choose an ice axe! I want to use them both on ice and mixed climbing in lower grades and also as single ice axe for skitouring, i prefer something lighter even at the cost of durability, since i wont be using them that many times in a sesons, alason something less curved and technical than nomics. And yes, it's perfectly fine for glacier travel. g. Whether looking to bring one or An ice axe is a must for mountaineering. Technical ice tools are pretty great for climbing steep technical ice but suck for just about anything else. Unless you are traveling on steep snowy terrain AND are trained how to use it for self arrest then no, I wouldn't buy one. What you see is what you get. I held a 65cm and a 60cm and the employee said my optimal length is smack dab in the middle of the two. The grip makes plunging hard if not impossible so you lose security in non technical terrain (ie petzl nomic). Our expert A curved shaft ice axe can make it easier to self arrest (ie petzl summit). It can be used to self-arrest, which means using the axe to stop oneself from sliding down a steep slope. Jan 28, 2022 · Over the last 10 years, we've tested over 21 of the best ice axes on the market. As with most tools we test, we opted for the ice pick in all but the scrappiest of drytooling scenarios, since the 2. I wonder why there is a notch like that? Maybe for prying out drive in ice Jun 21, 2024 · A full tutorial on ice axes and crampons for mountaineering. The important thing is size. But i'm on the hunt for somebody more hybrid, meaning something that can be used for glacier travel and technical mountaineering in the Alps. The venom is best for routes where Found this comment made by u/Cyrcle As of March 16 (averaged between different type of nodes) Stone Pick Axe: (100 Durability) : 26 seconds per node / 1771 Stone per minute, 767 Metal per minute, 238 Sulfur per minute Pick Axe: (400 Durability) : 32 seconds per node / 1875 Stone per minute, 813 Metal per minute, 250 Sulfur per minute Salvaged Ice Pick: (150 Durability) : 24 seconds per node Yeah, I was thinking that this axe was probably the same era as the X15s. I see a good deal on Petzl Glaciers, however, it seems that curved ice axes are preferred. Suggestions for first ice axes I'm super new to alpining and I need to get some ice axes for my next trip. Ice Axes Larger and more robust. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 10+ ice tools. 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. The axe had a sliding leash on a ring and the hammer had a basic leash. They are incredibly versatile and allow you to perform an array of mountaineering techniques. I’ve also debated getting an old-school heavier axe with a steel head and spike axe again for more security and bomber pick placements when on glare ice. I’ve climbed short sections of 45* ice in the alps with it just fine. Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a climbing axe for your next adventure, be sure to consult our detailed assessment of the best ice axe. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. The Glacier remained a standout choice for most general mountaineering applications and was one of the higher So I found one in a weapons crate on customs and had a damn heart attack when I looked up the price. May 13, 2013 · Many people use ice tools well; many others carry them to "look cool. Ideal for breaking or shaping ice. steep ice or other more technical terrain. The difference is gather rate, the faster being better of course allowing you to farm big areas in short amount of time. Would be willing to climb just about anything shy of vertical ice with it, and even short pitches of ice haven't been a problem. A fireaxe w/ an ice pick is a good combo too but I think the Pickaxe does way more damage - and you need to be able to cut down trees and farm. The Sum’tec comes with Petzl’s ICE pick, a very versatile T-rated pick that tapers from 4mm to 3. My searches have not come up with anything promising, so I'll probably have to homebrew a solution. For more technical mountaineering something If you are travelling on blue-ice, a short ice axe could be fine, but I think it is simply too dangerous to use a short axe on snow. Thanks OP 79K subscribers in the alpinism community. Preparing for a climb? One Ice axe vs. Ultimately, having a quiver of axes for different goals and conditions is nice. It's important to be able to self arrest, dig a trench for a dead man, self Ice axes are not sophisticated tools. I’ve broken two, so I’m also a The box of spike and ice pick protectors weighs about 10. You don't have to get a fancy one, but if conditions call for an axe, absolutely you should get one. Nov 15, 2024 · The Hydra also comes with three pick options: ice, mixed, and dry. The whippet takes the place of the long axe, but is lighter and more useful and comfortable in general. 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. " If you can find a copy, pick up and read Chouinard's "Climbing Ice. A classic curved pick works best for self-arrest and snow climbing So is Pale reach just finding the icebreaker parts, the ice axes and freeing the frozen crewmen? Is that all there is to it? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. And a classic straight ice axe will always be better for glacier travel and self arrest. Ice Axes While both tools are designed to handle ice, their purposes and functionalities differ significantly: Ice Picks Smaller and more precise. The main thing that has yet to be commented is that during a self-arrest, which is the main reason you should carry an ice axe, those ice tools (the climbing ones) can bury their handles into the snow due to their shape and pop the head out. For less steep terrain I like a shorter ice axe with a curved handle. As such, don’t fall into the trap of getting a “cane”. Is there a benifit to doing it that way. A technical ice tool will have a much more extreme shaft and pick curve which both make self arrest difficult. At what grade does an ice axe become mandatory, like WI3? WI4? The easiest way to distinguish an ice axe from an ice tool is the shape of the pick. Nov 5, 2017 · Hi, Looking at picking up my first set of technical axes this year. While it lacks versatility, it's quite functional for what its intended purposes are Broadly speaking, axe price correlates with the technical level of the [terrain]. There may be snow conditions where the longer ice axe pick can penetrate deeper, providing more friction during the arrest. They collect the same resources per node, but the ice pick is faster, you can even shave 1 more swing off it by hitting the node but not the critical on the first swing then hit the critical for the rest. Get it for mountaineering, knowing that it’s more capable than a traditional axe and can also climb gullies, couloirs, and mixed ice and snow better than a basic axe. But if you go for a long Venom it would no long be any better than the conventional ice axes on e. Typically, aluminum is used for the shaft of the ice axe or tool and steel is used for the head. Most people aren’t doing sustained ice climbing on lines that they want to ski down. A conventional ice axe, on the contrary, offers a larger pick and a stronger shaft, which increases the chance of self-arresting. Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. For reference I'm 6' and use a 55cm axe. Petzl got their act together in 2010 or so and are decent but my Nomics blunt far more quickly than my friends Grivel tools. Really you are splitting hairs though and for what you are doing, you can make almost anything work just fine. Most routes involve a lot more trekking where ski poles are handy and you only need an ice axe when the terrain gets steeper. dry Oct 21, 2024 · The best ice axe for winter hiking and backpacking 2025 including Lightweight Hiking Ice Axe from Petzl, Black Diamond, Grivel, and more. If you're tall go for a longer one. Initial use will be Scottish easy ridges/gullies (I-II), with a view to moving up the grades as I gain experience. Roped mountaineering, a T rated shaft and slight curve with some grip is ideal - something that you can arrest, rescue and do light climbing with. But don’t plan on buying a second one in an effort to use it for climbing that would require two tools. Feb 5, 2021 · Looking for advice on how to size an ice axe for walking or mountaineering? Our in-depth guide explains the differences between ice axes and how to select the correct length ice axe for you. The hiker who died this year, Microsoft, died near Apache Peak (just before Mt San Jacinto) in late March or early April (?) after some fresh snow accumulation. I think other companies made axes with a reverse curved pick and a straight shaft before the 90s, but I can’t find any evidence of a CAMP tool like this in the 80s. Sumtec seems completely overkill if you don't want to get 1 hybrid axe now Fully curved climbing axe pair with an adze and hammer, a very robust hybrid with a slightly taller and less piercing point than the sum'tec for hard ice and glaciers, and the camp microtech corsa for those lighter trips. A healthy spread- Left to Right: Blue Ice Hummingbird, Camp Corsa Nanotech, BD Venom LT, Petzl Gully, Blue Ice Akila Ice axe anatomy Pick: The “blade” of the axe, used to swing into ice or during a self-arrest maneuver. Compare Ice AxesCompare Ice Axes Skip to main content Newer player, question about Red Rebel ice pick : r/EscapefromTarkov r/EscapefromTarkov No, as a warr u shouldn’t buy anything while leveling except the mats for ww axe. Some of my most memorable climbs were with my ancient huge piolet and a small Petzle big wall hammer with an ice pick attachment. . So, go for a long Raven or snowalker. Choose an axe for your intended level of use [and within your ability] i. I think the interesting thing about this one is the claw-hammer-like adze. The Corsa does make some sacrifices in its versatility and some of its performance characteristics, but for the right user or application, this niche axe is a perfect choice. One thing to keep in mind is that your ice axe will most likely be on your backpack more than your hand. TIL - It was an ice AXE that was used on Trotsky, not an ice PICK as I’ve thought for all my life. Except the extra rubber at the end. An ice axe is much more versatile. Sure, you can dig both axes in, but you will have less power driving them into the snow than a traditional single axe arrest. Best one-stop Ice Axe for occasional ski mountaineering and everything else ski touring? May 18, 2015 · The Grivel G1 is a solid, well-designed ice axe that is made of high-quality materials for a sweet price tag. Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. Jun 10, 2019 · Hybrid axes also generally feature a more drooped pick angle and shape (to provide a better swing into ice) and the ability to switch the adze for a hammer to fit your needs. I recently just shortened my 60cm ice axe to 45cm by drilling out the rivet that holds the spike, taking the spike out, cutting the shaft to the desired length then glueing the pick back in place. It's cheaper, lighter, and literally the same shaft and pick as the Evo. pure water ice vs. Non sketchy but would like a bit of a nicer hold while climbing - whippet Sketchy to point of needing one tool - ice axe Pretty sketchy with one tool - ice axe and whippet Two tools required - steep to near vertical ice Remember ice axe = boot crampons and a helmet. standard ice tools: Learning to Ice Climb up to WI3-4 for alpine objectives I'll be moving to New York shortly and am planning on taking advantage of the copious amount of ice accessible in the northeast this winter by learning to ice climb. 3 days ago · Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. Plus, the traditional curve of the pick makes it better for self arresting. Mar 16, 2025 · Our expert gear testing team gets to the point reviewing the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains. The axes I've looked at (DMM Apex, Petzl Quark, Singing Rock Bandit) all come with "ice" picks. One of my players is building a Mountain Druid, and was thinking about using TWF to wield a heavy pick and a light pick (off hand), but wants to use them for climbing. Regarding ice axes don't get hung up on the old "it needs to reach your ankles" too much - I personally rather take a slightly more technical (bent & shorter) ice axe, because it will be more versatile in the long run. 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. It's no substitute for an axe when the going gets rough. I’ve always viewed the aluminum heads as something for backpackers where they might use it a couple times in not so demanding circumstances. They're aluminium shafts with sharp bits on the end. Mar 25, 2015 · So, whether that's an axe or a hammer will be personal preference, but, it won't be any tool that I'd currently have for ice climbing. The thing that they do really well is the quality of steel which is superior to anything else. Can a player use the heavy pick or light pick as a climbing tool? Like the axes that Lara Croft uses. Petzl Gullys or SumTecs are really neat in that regard. If you don't plan technical ice climbing, get the regular Summit. Just save every penny because it’s gonna get rough ^ Reply reply steveraptor • For versatility I go with the Petzl Summit. Mar 20, 2019 · The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. How important is it to have curved ice tools? Is it possible to climb with glaciers comfortably? Thanks in advance! Apr 28, 2025 · Explore the best mountaineering ice axes for different climbing styles, with tips on selecting the right axe for self-arrest, glacier travel, and technical climbs. The straight shaft of the ice axe is much better at staying out of the way and burying the pick straight down into the snow/ice during a fall. 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. A whippet is just an extra piece of insurance when skiing down. " It's old, but it's definitive in terms of how to use the mountaineering axe. There are different tools for different jobs. Let's talk about actual use of a Whippet and what situations you are likely to be in. Even in those 22 vs 40 games you'll have like seven of your people afk in the cave and at alliance base so any fight is just a stompfest in horde's favor. " I don't love that idea since you loose a tool and it becomes a deadly projectile for anyone below. May 15, 2024 · The Petzl Glacier ice axe is a great pick for budget-conscious adventurists. I say this because far too many people falsely think an ice axe is only really for self-arresting. Jan 24, 2012 · I think considering an ice axe on its merits as a walking pole is probably the wrong idea. Primarily used in climbing or trekking on icy terrains. I have attached pictures of what the tool protectors look like from REI, and the listing for the crampon protectors from Optics Planet. 3mm at the tip. An ice tool is typically shorter and more curved as compared to an ice axe. Learn all there is to know about these essential mountaineering tools. You may pick up a few pointers that will make the mountaineering axe more of the right tool in some situations. Jun 14, 2019 · Or the hand-rest can be slid to the curve of the axe to provide hand protection and a secure grip for high-dagger or all the way to the bottom giving the axe a feel more akin to a technical ice tool. Let’s start different types of axe, before moving on to what does what. You’ll never get epic mount/lionheart if you buy stuff you don’t really need for 90g. So, I would recommend the Falk or similar for climbs that are ~50 degrees or less and are likely to only require a single axe. However, there is a baffling range of ice axes available to buy, so which axe is best for which job? Read our five minute guide below: Ratings The axe has two main parts; the shaft and the Jul 28, 2023 · 45°-60° low dagger 60°-70° mid dagger >70° ice axe - traction Now this one is a deep rabbit hole when it comes to ascending steeper slopes in a ski/split-mountaineering application; Two axes, one axe and a pole, one axe & a Whippet or two Whippets? I personally like one axe and one whippet but also am a fan of two whippets! See what works Maybe play with a petzl glacier ride a bit. Start your journey today! May 1, 2025 · Explore the top ice axes for ice climbing, with expert recommendations on the best tools for performance, safety, and durability. e. It's an okay option for steeper routes but doesn't perform as well as many of the other ice axes we tested with more aggressive picks and Dec 19, 2021 · So, if you’ve got a shiny new ice axe and want to get started, read this guide carefully and then get practising. My Grivel crampons are very, very good (G20) and seem surprisingly durable even on Jan 17, 2024 · Material Ice axes and ice tools are made of multiple materials but primarily aluminum and steel. In my opinion ain't the axe better? Sure in terms of durability the crowbar is miles better and axes aren't as abundant as crowbars but when using both the axe and the crowbar in terms of combat the axe just feels better. Hi all, what are the best farm spots using an Ice Pick on a 5x Classic Server? Also using what class and build? Thank you! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Curved Ice Axe Hello everyone, this is going to be my first season ice climbing and I am deciding on which ice axes to get. Recommendations on good, lightweight ice axe for alpinism As the title says, I am looking for recommendations on a good lightweight ice axe for more general alpinism. Grivel/BD doesn't matter. There's tons of lists around for beginner gear, but I'd prefer to hear what you all have to say. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. I maybe slow but i see a lot of people using silk touch pick axe as their primary use pickaxe. The Pick axe, Salvaged Axe, and Jackhammer will all give you the same amount of ore if you hit the shiny spot. Does anybody here have information about the unfortunately discontinued Ice Rock Idol ice axe? Do you think this one is capable of classic alpinism ascents (not for pure ice climbing)? I see this as a lightweight replacement for a Petzl Gully or Sum'Tec, BlueIce Hummingbird or similar. I own a whippet and an ice axe. 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. There are two main pick shapes available for ski axes. Winter hiking will need only light and simple. DMM make a separate "mixed" pick for the Apex. two ice axes Hey guys , For me it seems that if you climb with two axes on snowy,rocky sections you get more anchoring/holding opportunities?!especially on rock sections you can build anchors through the Ice axes to get a better hold ?! What do you think about it? A number of years ago I switched from a longer axe (older BD Raven) to a short axe (Petzl Summit Evo) and a BD Whippet (trekking pole with an ice axe head). Pair of Hybrid Axes vs. I used to own a pair of Sum'Tecs and they sort of acted as my "all-round" ice axe pair. Get gatorbite, the axe from emp or ice barbed. Depending on the year (high snow vs low snow), weather (5' new snow vs 5 day heat wave), and timing (early vs late), you may or may not need an ice axe. Idk if it's been mentioned yet, but the cattleprod and stun baton drain battery WAY too fast to be viable, steer clear. Stupid light, steel head. Get an ice axe that goes to around the bottom of your I'm currently looking at getting a new ice axe, right now I have the Petzl Summit. 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. Archived post. But I really hated the fact that they were half a kilo each. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. The original and primary use of an ice axe is for self arrest (stopping a fall). Moderate stuff, you'll be plunging the end 90% of the time, so plain aluminum is actually better. Jan 29, 2015 · It seems like I'm noticing more people using ice tools for general mountaineering as opposed to the traditional ice axe. So, straight shaft and classic pick with negative pick clearance as my primary glacier travel tool. Great all around ice axe, handles steeper terrain, and is quite comfortable paired with an ice tool when it gets too steep for an axe alone. Reverse curve picks are designed for sustained climbing on steep ice. Oct 25, 2022 · Home Blog Choosing an Ice Axe – five minute read Ice axes are one of our favourite items of climbing equipment. Nothing brings out creative route finding like hauling down on the long axe and bolstering it with the little hammer. 9 pounds. Petzl and Singing Rock both make separate "dry" picks (i. The pick angle actually feels fairly open with the Pur’Ice pick, to the point you can scratch holds rather than swinging with very delicate/thin ice. 5mm pick tip sinks like a hot knife into butter on steep, technical ice. Its super quick! But if you can do that it becomes a do-everything axe, until you need a reverse a pick, keeping you safe on gentle ground and far superior to longer axes on graded terrain (esp. They are not necessarily interchangeable. An ice tool is a specialized form of ice axe that’s used for vertical ice climbing. Maybe a +4 circumstance Petzl Glacier vs. A traditional shaped ice axe head might be better for self-arrest. In some situations, the longer length of the ice axe shaft can help with walking, ascending and traversing balance. Most stressful extract of my life. Ice tools have reverse curve picks, sometimes referred to as negative curves. An ice axe can provide extra security and stability when traveling on snow-covered or icy terrain. I personally really like the swing as well, plus the increased durability of the handle without cutouts. They have a pick, an adze and a handle. Mar 21, 2019 · The CAMP Corsa is one of the lightest rated ice axes currently on the market; if weight is your number one priority, look no further. Some people say "drop one axe and self arrest. 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. Falling into the more affordable end of the market doesn't mean this axe compromises on performance or quality. That’s why many more advanced climbers prefer shorter axes - they just don’t need the ax until things are quite steep, they’re fine with ski poles or nothing until then, and on that steep terrain a shorter ax will be better for swinging or dagger position or other things than Jan 22, 2025 · Comparing Ice Picks vs. How to use an ice axe: what does what on your ice tool When learning how to use an ice axe, you need to know what each component does. Grivel tools are good but I find the axes slightly less refined than the equivalent Petzl. If you have a rubber handle) Can pair it with a single climbing axe (like a Quark) on the pitches too. Could well imagine adding a sum'tec, it's very sexy, and perhaps pure ice axes with no hammer or adze. An ice axe is something you're carrying because it could literally save your life. Independent ice tool reviews by real outdoors people. And in steeper winter mountaineering routes Sep 26, 2023 · The author, ice axe testing in Alaska last spring. Commonly used in domestic and bartending settings. For walking and a first ice axe, probably a straight one like petzl glacier, general sizing other people have mentioned the hand to ankle distance while standing. 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. Im hoping to farm better that is why i plan to switch weapons thanks We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Are they capable of climbing that sort of terrain? Yes, but actually tools are better. Not only does it need to be suited for the terrain, but also sized correctly. How to Size a Hybrid Axe For steep terrain, you want your hybrid axe to be sized shorter than a classic axe. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Hello which weapon would be better to use in magma dungeon? Currently I am using the elemental axe but find it difficult to farm. Ice ax length depends as much on steepness of terrain as on height, the steeper the terrain the shorter the ax. mixed alpine climbing, it's worth checking the ratings of both parts. Surely, this has some value, but it doesn't address the question of how long an ice axe should be to serve its intended purpose, and do so as efficiently and as safely as possible We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I intend on climbing Whitney this year and I need to pick up an ice axe so I can practice with it before the hike, my eye caught the Venom Ice Axe from Black Diamond, I prefer Black Diamond since I get a discount there, but does anyone have any recommendations? or will the Venom be a good axe for what 100% agree with this. I'm wondering is there a shift in thinking going on, and more are starting to use tools for general mountaineering? Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for ice axes for mountaineering. Mountaineering ice axes vs ice tool grades I'm looking to get into ice climbing but only have a straight shaft ice axe for mountaineering/ski touring. How do I decide which to pick? With two axes, I feel your ability to self-arrest is hampered. An ice axe should mostly be used similar to a trekking pole when climbing ice/snow, as an extra sturdy point of contact with the mountain. iaxekokbdjzqunujrdfobcembbxeicdvgnejbzqqvpggqnrz