Reviewed by: fossana(Unregistered User)
,
Mountaineer
, from oakland, ca, usa
Price Paid:
$120.00
at Marmot Mtn Works
Summary: I originally purchased this for the JMT approximately 3-4 years ago as an upgrade to my REI axe. Since then I have used it extensively for mountaineering on both snowfields and glaciers. It is lightweight, yet durable. The only problem I have encountered is that the proximity of the pick teeth to the shaft make it impractical to boot belay (not that I use this technique often) without damaging the rope. This could probably be fixed with a file. I have heard of other complaints due to snow clogging the hollow spike; however, I have yet to encounter this.
Similar Products Used: REI Mountain Axe
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Reviewed by: Ryan(Unregistered User)
,
Mountaineer
, from Santa Cruz, Ca USA
Price Paid:
$120.00
at Westren Mountaineering
Summary: This is the single piece of mountaineering gear that I can honestly say was the best purchase I have ever made. No axe can come close to it's weight (after a day on the Mt you'll notice those extra oz.'s), and built like a tank. What more could you want? Yep it cost more than other axe's, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used: Smiley's Ubangi REI Mountain Axe
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Summary: The Air Tech Racing is simply the best mountaineering axe out there. It is so light you won't believe it until you pick one up. I've had to role over on it more then once in the Whites and it held me like a mother with child! My buddy pulled a cut bike tube over the shaft to add some grip - a nice setup I'm going to impliment this season.
Similar Products Used: None
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Reviewed by: joan collins(Unregistered User)
,
Mountaineer
, from UK
Price Paid:
$65.00
at Snell, Chamonix
Summary: A great lightweight, minimalist non-technical axe. It seems the weight has been lost mainly in the shaft, because there's plenty of heft and good balance for planting the pick. Despite the lack of weight, the shaft is easy to drive in because it's smooth, hollow from the base, and there's no impeding rubber grip. I duct-taped the lower shaft to improve purchase and avoid cold fingers without adding weight. Highly recommended as a walking axe.
Similar Products Used: None
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Reviewed by: Mark(Unregistered User)
,
Mountaineer
, from Belmont,MA,USA
Summary: A great axe for multiday climbs where an axe is carried mainly for insurance. The shaft is UIAA rated and suitable for use an an anchor. It shines though for its weight. The shaft is hollow, the spike is the "tubular" type, and the head is narrow. The weight can be a problem when trying to sink the pick into a hard surface as the low weight tends to cause it to bounce off. The missing ounces though definately pay for themselves.
Similar Products Used: Charlet Moser Goulotte
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