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Description

Lighten your load.

Black Diamond built the Raven Ultra Ice Axe for fast-and-light alpine routes and technical ski mountaineering. Even though it weighs only 11.9oz in a 50cm length, the Raven Ultra is still completely functional and easily stands up to the abuse alpine tools take on a regular basis. Unlike those other lightweight axes, this one still includes a full steel head and pick, so you're not trying to stop your slide with a soft piece of aluminum.
  • Ultralight design without giving away the steel head and pick
  • Classic shape works well for traditional and ski mountaineering

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Black Diamond Raven Ultra Ice Axe

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Noah Howell

Member since 
Groups:

This is the perfect ski mountaineering Ice Tool. It's light, but not too light and cheap like some of the super lightweight axes. I've knocked the adze off one of the cheap aluminum types while chopping out tent anchors. It's burly enough for anything I'd like to ski, but obviously not most ideal for steep ice. Seems like you could work through small sections with it. Big fan of this crucial piece of equipment.

Raving about the Raven
5 5

dbiglski1469923

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

held up incredibly well after a few climbs - incredibly sturdy for such a light weight - cant imagine needing anything heavier/stronger than this for any snow climb.

5 5

K.P.MacGregor

Member since 
  • Gender: Female

11.5oz of sheer awesome. All my friends want one.

This my weapon of choice for high country of the PCT.

4 5

knut eliassen

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

The Raven Ultra Ice Axe is not the perfect climbing tool - but if you like to go up steep or sketchy side hill spots, while summiting peaks to snowboard/ski down than this is a great tool to have with you. Light weight and reliable

5 5

Seth Morrison

Member since 
Groups:

Perfect tool for the just in case moments. Fits nicely in or on pack. Its a snow tool plain and simple.

5 5

Nick Devore

Member since 
Groups:

The Raven Ultra is the perfect ice tool for lightweight ski mountaineering. For me, every ounce counts when Im trying to shred down a steep committing line and maybe catch some air time. Its nice a small so I dont have to worry about it spearing me in the head when its on my pack.

How doe BD measure the length of these? ...

Matthew Tabrys

Member since 
Posted on

How doe BD measure the length of these? Is it from the top of the axe to the point at the bottom, or is it the length of the handle. Trying to figure out what size mine is, and I don't have any of the paperwork for it.

Phil Maher

Member since 
Responded on

Tip of spike to top of axe head.

Matthew Tabrys

Member since 
Responded on

Spoke to Black Diamond about how they measure the length. They told me it was from the very top of the axe head to the very tip of the bottom. They said it should be 2 cm shorter than the advertised length. So my 55 cm axe should actually measure 53 cm. They said they do this to incorporate an effectual swing weight, so that when you are swinging it and using it, it will feel like you have 55cm there. Similar to running length on skis, where even though it says 185cm its closer to 170cm.

i'm looking for a light weight axe for...

frank

Member since 
Posted on

i'm looking for a light weight axe for general mountaineering, i'm on the fence between this one, and the grivel haute route, which is only 11.2 oz and has a proper steel point at the botom. however the adze seems to be very small so I don't know if it's functional or not. Does anyone know how the two axes compare?

Explorations

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Honestly I would not consider either for general mountaineering. The Grivel has a negative pick angle, which makes it useless if you had to deal with steep ice. The Raven has more general purpose pick and adze but the lack of real spike can be a problem in some situations.

Steve M.

Member since 
Responded on

I've never used it, but it looks like a self-arrest would be difficult without the proper spike.

welliott

Member since 
Responded on

Unsure what's meant by 'proper spike.' To avoid death, keep spike out of snow while self-arresting.

I want to buy an ice axe for my son. He...

ljones001566817

Member since 
Posted on

I want to buy an ice axe for my son. He is 5'9", 150 # and will use it for climbing. How do you decide which length to buy?

Sam

Member since 
Responded on

Is he ice climbing? Because this is more of a mountaineering axe. Its usually used on steep ascents up mountains and such. I would reccomend the 55cm length. In my experience its more of a hassle to have a axe thats too short than too long.

Michael Kisow

Member since 
Responded on

Agreed, perhaps even longer if you can better describe his intent of use. Time of year? Location? Duration? Purpose?

Jeremy Stoshick

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Depends what the use is for - generally, error on the side of shorter. If he is going to use where there is a little climbing involved, go with a slightly more technical tool as the BD Venom. You can always double up for a more technical setup down the road.

Generally, there is not "set" size as body types differ - how you measure is boots on - it should be approximately the length between the tips of your fingers and the floor when standing with your arms at your sides - measured in centimeters. Some people like to test this with a stick cut to length before buying to make sure they are comfy with the length.

Remember too - there are options from Petzl that double as an adjustable "trekking pole" depending on use.

3 5

rob3143551

Member since 

Used this on Mt. Hood last weekend. Light weight and sturdy. The pick and adze worked well and the length was fine. Only thing I didn't like is that it doesn't have a steel spike. The shape of the aluminum spike isn't bad, but it takes extra effort to get a good grip in the snow.

5 5

Chris Davenport

Member since 
Groups:

When it comes to "piolets" the Raven is pretty much perfect. Light, balanced, no-frills. The 50 cm version is perfect for ski mountaineering in the Alps when you need a handy tool on your pack but might not use it all the time. When spring steep skiing season hits don't be left wondering why you didn't invest in a proper tool... get the Raven!

reddirt

Member since 
Responded on

The Raven is an entirely different axe... 4-5 heavier than the Raven Ultra.

5 5

sonofragna760360

Member since 

Noticeably lighter than the other mountaineering axes I've used, though still seems stout enough to take years of abuse. The polished steel head and orange shaft look great, too. Just wish I had it on Saturday for the climb up Superior. If you're looking for a mountaineering axe, I wouldn't hesitate on buying this one.