Comparing Ice Axes
Showing 17 products | Change
Awards | |||||
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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 | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
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 designs | Best steep snow climbing performance, durable, penetrates hard ice well, excellent self-arrest and steep snow climbing performance | Climbs steep ice extremely well, sweet slider pommel, one of the best performing adzes in the review, chops ice like a champion | CEN-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 spike | Hot-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 side | Expensive, slightly on the heavier side, like its slider pummel but wished it could be placed in more positions along the shaft | Self-arrest performance is good but not great, heavy for basic mountaineering, expensive | Heavy, expensive, wide pick is strong but doesn't penetrate ice as well as some | Slightly more expensive side, not the best ice performance |
Bottom Line | While other models might perform specific tasks better, there is no better do-everything model | Across-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 best | A true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and ice tool | It lacks overall versatility and is geared for challenging glacier routes and steep snow climbs | One 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%) | |||||
Digging & Step Chopping (15%) | |||||
Use as Improvised Anchor (15%) | |||||
Steep Ice & Snow (25%) | |||||
Comfort to Carry (5%) | |||||
Weight (25%) | |||||
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 |
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