Which Ice Axe and where to buy?

My winter walking outing with Nathan made me realise how fundamental the ice axe is, always had this idea that it would be crampons first but think I'll go for this first and foremost.

Anyway, where is good to buy them? Have done some reading on the differences, long or shorter shafts, angle of the pick etc. Mine would be needed for very general use in this country, no technical feats on the sides of Alps. Was thinking online or in January sales, but presume a shop where you can get a feel for it is best? Any good brands? Don't want to throw too much at something that will only get a few outings a year, guess somewhere between 50 and 70 would be fine or is that too low?

Mickeroo

www.barrabes.com have crampons and an axe for 100 euro. Probably not top of the line but I reckon would be fine for Ireland. Thinkin of gettin some myself but not sure what to go for either, these are the most affordable I've seen anyway.

http://www.barrabes.com/shop/mountaineering-gear/p-19163-d-1250-v-73837/camp/neve.html
http://www.barrabes.com/shop/mountaineering-gear/p-28229-d-1254-v-109939/climbing-technology/ice-classic-antibott--funda.html

Can't find the offer now but it was that axe and those crampons, still cheap if you buy seperate.

Evil Phil

Yeah get both. I've got Grivel G12 crampons although mine are an older model than I've linked to. Used them for snow and glacial walking plus ice climbing.

I've only got technical axes at the moment (not that I get a chance to use them!), but Great Outdoors have a good selection. I guess Nathan will be able to advise you on that, I've put grip tape around mine to give extra, well, grip I suppose. Saves on weight.

Mickeroo

Phil, are those ones I linked to on Barrabes much cop?? Or just as well to shell out for grivel crampons?

Yeah, was wondering what would be the difference between the two. The Grivel ones look a bit sleeker, the other look a bit clunkier (maybe its cos the plates on the heel and sole are bigger). And would not be doing much technical stuff, if any. On the other hand, don't want to go for cheaper and then just throw them aside to gather dust cos they're too fussy or hard to get on and off or heavy.

Evil Phil

They seem to have good reviews on barrabes, but I don't know. You could ask on UKC or something before buying. The grivels are good though.

SomeFool

Another vote for the G12's here. Current axe is a DMM Cirque but have used a few different ones and don't really notice the difference like you might with the crampons, unless it's a technical axe. E-bay can be good actually, try to get a T rated axe too.

Mitch Buchannon

Anorther vote for the G12'S. Another good option would be the Grivel G10's. Their a good crampon for general use. Actually you could look at the Grivel Monta Rosa which is the G10 without all the fancy colours.

As for the Axe, I have a 55cm DMM cirque and cant fault it. I purchased mine last year in Jackson Sports in Belfast. They even do free delivery if your not heading to Belfast.

SomeFool

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

Actually you could look at the Grivel Monta Rosa which is the G10 without all the fancy colours.

Heresy!!

Sev

The debate rages on about how long your ice axe should be and there are plenty of rules of thumb. The main benefit you gain from having a longer shaft is being able to plunge easier on shallower angled snow slopes. But as the angle of the slope increases, you'll want a shorter ice axe shaft.

What makes a walking axe different from a technical axe, is typically the less aggressivley shaped pick, which is more appropriate to performing a self-arrest, but less appropriate for steep ice climbing.

If I was buying my first ice axe again, I would probably get something like the DMM Cirque or Black Diamond Venom. I would also get a small size (like 50-55cm), so that as I progressed, and bought an ice tool, I could pair it up with an ice tool to tackle more difficult alpine routes that would require two axes.

But I guess your decision will depend on what you expect to be doing with your ice axe, now and in the future.

As for the crampons, if you're just going to be using them for walking in Ireland, I would consider getting a lightweight pair of aluminium crampons. They're less robust, and not the ideal choice for climbing on rock, but the combined weight of a technical mountain boot and a steel crampon like the G12 can be significant, and tiring to trudge in.

Sev

Oh, and back in the day they didn't have crampons, and cut steps with the ice axe. So in that respect, the ice axe is the more important tool.

SomeFool

Saw this ad on climbing.ie, might be of interest to you op. (not my ad btw)

adagio

Hey Op...
Answer to your question = ice axe.
Crampons:
if you're not interesting in climbing then buy a G12, but if you want to do some walking (Eire/Scotland/Alps) then buy the G10's now and then the G14's later.
Axe size (two methods):
Hold the axe by the head and let it hang by your side, the correct axe will stop @ your ankle.
Or, Hold the axe in the arrest position across your chest and have the spike @ hip. If the axe is too long it may rip from your hands when arresting if the spike gets caught or worst case it may impale you!
Some people like their axe as a walking tool and decide on the extra length (as on the continent), but I prefere to have a short axe as an arrest/climbing tool and use one walking pole instead.
It's all about personal preference.
A.

thepassanger

http://www.rawoutdoors.co.uk/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=313 i find this site brilliant.

Getting a Jackson Sports voucher so will get the DMM Cirque Alpine there for £70. Will prob go for 55cm shaft.

Thanks for all tips and info.

Crampons is next issue. They stock Grivel which seem to get a thumbs up here, though still a bit lost to know whether to go for air tech, g10 or g12 and what the practical difference might be. Looking at prices too, they bet £110 and £135 and thinking about the cost benefit analysis, might try eBay and seek your advice on any finds.

Mitch Buchannon

For other crampons worth looking at, check this thread out.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056126473

SomeFool

Deleted User wrote: »

Getting a Jackson Sports voucher so will get the DMM Cirque Alpine there for £70. Will prob go for 55cm shaft.

Thanks for all tips and info.

Crampons is next issue. They stock Grivel which seem to get a thumbs up here, though still a bit lost to know whether to go for air tech, g10 or g12 and what the practical difference might be. Looking at prices too, they bet £110 and £135 and thinking about the cost benefit analysis, might try eBay and seek your advice on any finds.

10% off in Jacksons if you spend £200 before 31st of Dec in the latest Mountain Log, E-voucher code MLOG2010

Might be useful to you if you decide to buy both.