Black Diamond Raven Ultra Ice Axe

This is a great ice axe. It is lightweight and great for ski-mo. It is very sturdy and durable after hacking out spots of really hard snow/ice for some tent stakes and not having any issues.



I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a lightweight ice axe. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about this axe or anything mountaineering. I'm always happy to help out. tbivins@backcountry.com or (801)204-4657.

This is my go to ice axe for ski touring and glacading. It is very light weight and durable.

I had a particular intimate session with this axe during a day of guiding in the Argentine Andes outside of Bariloche. We were exiting the Valle Van Titter after a night's stay at Refugio Frey. The melt-freeze conditions we experienced over the last few days made the steep exit a bit tricky, but I felt confident pulling this piece out of my pack. I'm 5'5" and the 50cm worked perfect for me. I plunged this axe into the frozen surface hundreds of times on our 1,500 vertical foot ascent to the ridge. It's featherweight and bomber construction kept my arms fresh and my mind at ease. Now, I never leave on a big alpine ski tour without it. Especially in spring conditions!

The raven is a nice starter axe, but for anything alpine, rather than slog, the ultra is the ticket in a 50, 55, or 60 (the longest you'd want). Remarkable swing for how light it is, and the angled tip goes in better on steep stuff than a more traditional point. Slightly larger holes on the head would be good for rescue, but they still fit webbing and a smaller biner so work in a pinch. Combined with a lighter ice tool you have a perfect combo for short vertical ice bits.

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.

held up very well after numerous snow climbs - incredibly sturdy for such a light weight - cant imagine needing anything heavier/stronger than this for any snow climb. Realistically not for ice; pick designed for self arrest/upward progress in snow, not sharp/aggressive enough for steeper ice.

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



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

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

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

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.

Super light, Super simple design. No frills, no extras. Great tool.

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.

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!

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.