Petzl Aztar Ice Axe - 2007 BCS

I struggled with Black Diamonds on more than one trip and finally borrowed an Aztar and saw my swing come alive. They're more compact than some, lightweight and all around they hit the mark every time for me. Everyone's swing is different but I'd recommend trying these (or the Quarks) out at least once. Only downside is they need some funky modification in order to convert to leash-less (I like using one leashed, one without). Petzl doesn't offer a kit for these. I bought a Grivel Slider and a slightly longer screw than was provided with it and was able to install at the base.

The "go to" for alpine and ski mountaineering. Light but still heavy enough to get good solid placements in hard ice. I use an old Petzl/Charlet slider leash on them and it's super easy to switch hands while climbing with one tool or placing pro. great price. Many of the climbers on K2 were using this tool.

These tools are pretty nice particularly for the price. I particularly like the leash, it tightens itself when you weight it and is very comfortable. The leash also has a thing to keep it from getting too tight. The tools do not have very good protection for your knuckles which sucks. I has several bleeding fingers after climbing with these tools. They have a pretty nice geometry and are nice for climbing pure ice. These would make a very good tools for someone new to the sport. If you want to do more serious climbing I would suggest a higher end tool, you do get what you pay for.