a worthwhile upgrade

By Matthew Simerson Ranked #712 - Backcountry Snowboarding July 6, 2009

I replaced my 10 y.o. BD Ultralight (hah) with this axe, mainly to reduce my pack weight. I used it on an all day (16 hour) climb this last weekend.

Because the handle is rounded, this axe does not 'grip' as much in the snow/ice. When climbing up steep slopes, it wants to pop out easier than a square/rectangular handle. It is easy to compensate for this by turning the axe sideways when you plunge it in.

While not nearly as 'burly' as my old BD axe, I have used it to dig a dead man anchor and it is sufficient. I arrested with it once and it did the job. It made for a great rudder during a 3 mile glissade.

View Details: Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes