Reviews You Can Rely On

Comparing Ice Axes

Showing 17 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award  Top Pick Award   
Price $159.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$210 List
$197.99 at Amazon
$177.03 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$149.96 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
84
83
81
81
79
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Hot-forged pick penetrates snow and ice extremely well, no-teeth on gripping area of pick, curved shaft and teardrop/oval shaped shaft excel in steeper terrain, exceptional self-arrest performance, one of the best overall adze designsBest steep snow climbing performance, durable, penetrates hard ice well, excellent self-arrest and steep snow climbing performanceClimbs steep ice extremely well, sweet slider pommel, one of the best performing adzes in the review, chops ice like a championCEN-T rating, rad FlickLock style slider pommel, curved shaft keeps hands warmer and drier during steep snow climbs, heavy tapered pick provides great support/purchase during normal conditions, huge spikeHot-forged pick, excellent self-arrest performance, fantastic adze design, below average weight particularly for an all-mountain option, solid steep snow climbing ability
Cons A little on the heavier sideExpensive, slightly on the heavier side, like its slider pummel but wished it could be placed in more positions along the shaftSelf-arrest performance is good but not great, heavy for basic mountaineering, expensiveHeavy, expensive, wide pick is strong but doesn't penetrate ice as well as someSlightly more expensive side, not the best ice performance
Bottom Line While other models might perform specific tasks better, there is no better do-everything modelAcross-the-board high performance helps this axe excel at almost any application; from general glacier travel to steep snow routes to alpine rock climbs, this model is among the bestA true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and ice toolIt lacks overall versatility and is geared for challenging glacier routes and steep snow climbsOne of the most versatile models, the Summit excels in a wide-range of activities, from steep snow routes to alpine rock climbs
Rating Categories Petzl Summit Evo Grivel Air Tech Evo... Petzl Sum'Tec Black Diamond Swift Petzl Summit
Self-Arresting (15%)
9.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
9.0
Digging & Step Chopping (15%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Use as Improvised Anchor (15%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Steep Ice & Snow (25%)
9.0
9.0
10.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort to Carry (5%)
9.0
7.0
6.0
10.0
8.0
Weight (25%)
7.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
Specs Petzl Summit Evo Grivel Air Tech Evo... Petzl Sum'Tec Black Diamond Swift Petzl Summit
Measured Weight 14.1 oz/400 g 15.2 oz/430 g 17.1 oz/485 g 17 oz/487 g 12.6 oz/360 g
Category General General Modular General/Technical General
Rating CEN-B CEN-B CEN-T CEN-T CEN-B
Pick Shape, Material, and Construction Hot-forged steel, Classic Positive curve Hot-forged chromoly steel, classic positive curve Modular head, compatible with all Petzl ice picks Hot-forged stainless steel, classic positive curve Hot-forged steel, Classic Positive curve
Lengths Available 52, 59, 66 cm 48, 53, 58, 66 cm 55 cm 50, 57, 64 cm 52, 59, 66 cm
Included Pommel or Leash? Lower Rubber Grip Pommel and leash Pommel Pommel No
Hammer Option No Yes Yes No No
Shaft Design Bent Bent Bent Bent Bent