Author Topic: Climbing Axes ????  (Read 445 times)

Cadairmanuk

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Climbing Axes ????
« on: 11:29:11, 24/12/10 »
I didn't want to take over Old Climbers post regarding axes so I thought I would start my own.  I have been looking to buy a pair of climbing axes after begging and borrowing this season and last.  I'm new to ice climbing so looking for starter axes really.  What would you recommend , will be up in Scotland in March then Alps in the summer O0   What do you think of these?


http://www.v12outdoor.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=272_230_32&products_id=788&oscsid=51d75da12bd739c5f45cb236d481e6ec


Ben
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Ian s

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Re: Climbing Axes ????
« Reply #1 on: 11:41:58, 24/12/10 »
was just going to post this link in the other thread:

http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Winter-Climbing-Equipment/Ice-Axes/Scottish-Mixed-Axes/Fly-DMM-FLY

I have mates with quarks and raptors but they all try to borrow my Flys. The only 2 downsides are the 1 piece head, so if you break a pick you have to replace the lot, and the fact that you need to mod them slightly to fit a clipper leash. you can buy the wires to fit a clipper leash ready made. Upside to that is they will then take any clipper leash!

plus side they are light. really light. and the shaft is not so fancy that you can't drive it into the snow easily if you need to, a big plus for more general mountaineering type stuff

very highly recommended

www.mountainfreedom.co.uk - Guided walking, scrambling and mountain skills throughout Scotland and further afield

Cadairmanuk

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Re: Climbing Axes ????
« Reply #2 on: 11:59:54, 24/12/10 »
They would suit me really as I'm not doing silly grades!  How often do the picks wear out?? do they break ? and what's the difference between a clipper leash and a the choke hold?? I may have a drive up to Llanberis and have a look later , about an hrs drive for me.


Ben
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Ian s

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Re: Climbing Axes ????
« Reply #3 on: 12:11:36, 24/12/10 »
They would suit me really as I'm not doing silly grades!  How often do the picks wear out?? do they break ? and what's the difference between a clipper leash and a the choke hold?? I may have a drive up to Llanberis and have a look later , about an hrs drive for me.


Ben

I've cracked and replaced 1 pick in about 10 years so they're pretty robust!  they do wear out if you do lots of mixed but if you keep them sharp and place them mainly in ice and snow then they will last years. replacements are not really that much more than picks on their own for other models, and the attachment is much simpler/ neater/ less prone to damage because it's a 1 part thing if that makes sense.

Leashes - choke leashes are fine but clipper leashes allow you to place the tool, for instance as part of a belay, and clip/unclip from it at will, or clip into it with cow's tails from your harness instead of wrist loops. great for belaying, general faffing and also gives you the option to just plant the tool and use your hand for a move on mixed ground.

they also allow you to eat a sarnie without stabbing yourself in the nether regions ;)

you almost always need 2 hands to exit a choke leash. you can easily unclip from the tool with 1 hand. that's a big big plus.
www.mountainfreedom.co.uk - Guided walking, scrambling and mountain skills throughout Scotland and further afield

 

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