I have the Hammer in 45 cm and the axe in 70 cm and this is one of those Item u inherent to the family one word "burly" and it climb alpine ice like no other But major downfall WEIGHT!!! It is very heavy but if going on long expedition u will appreciate the fact that these tools will never be the cause of problems on your trip ever This is the most technical alpine axes u can find without bringing Ice tools

Customer Service

Only OK it is Petzl Customer Service

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I will be handing this one down to my grandkids, it is so well made and solid that it takes all the s hit i give it, no worries.

A tremendous tool for steep Alpine ice, solid and dependable, replaces the need for 2 ice tools on the really steep stuff. Have used it on all types of Alpine snow and ice (including water ice) for about the last 10 years.

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Alpine Axes: Chouinard/Black Diamond, Grivel,Stubai, SMC, Mountain Technology
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i recently bought the adze version of this ice axe. one word that comes to mind with this ice axe is BOMBER. the pick and adze are make out of a single piece of forged steel. the workmanship is of the highest quality that i have seen on any mountaineering ice axe.

the rubber coating on the shaft seems really durable and doesn't look like it will get scuffed up very easily... especially when knocking snow off of my crampons.

the only drawback is the weight... which is slightly heavier than the super lightweight ice axes. but then again, i expect this ice axe to last a lifetime.

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SMC, REI, Grivel Air Tech Racing, Black Diamond Zero Point

I have the pick version and have never even seen the hammer version for sale anywhere. Its a very high quality classic style axe. The construction is heavy with a solid stainless steel head. The shaft is rubberized with a square-sided spike.

Performance wise it is solid, like swinging a mini-sledge hammer. It sinks into even hard ice with ease, this makes it great for mixed ice/snow climbs (i.e. gullies). Because of its weight I prefer to use it on day climbs and take something lighter for multiday climbs where an axe is mainly for insurance.

Its weight and price keep me from giving it 5 stars but if you don't mind those factors then it a definately worth checking out.

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