I need an ice axe

[Chip]

I got the $50 one from Campmor, which seems fine for standard use.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=27291685

And, by the way, carrying an ice axe DOES improve your looks...

 

[giggy]

cherlet petzl ones are good - depends what your going to do with it - or plan to do - it will last you a while. if your going to head up hiking trails with and use it only for the self belay, etc.. - go with raven etc..

if you plan to do some more tech crap (not vertcal ice, but gullies, etc..) - where you might need to swing it into ice, I would go with a charlet petzl with more curved pick.

you can go cheap - but you want it to work - my first axe was a EMS (low end grivel) one - it was a hunk of *****.

I already said - I don't like those light ones - but other loves them - its all presonal.


can I climb with that person chip? even tho that harness is a bit questionable - thats Ok with me!

 

[Chip]

you can go cheap - but you want it to work - my first axe was a EMS (low end grivel) one - it was a hunk of *****.

I agree, I would not use mine for much more than a walking stick.

can I climb with that person chip? even tho that harness is a bit questionable - thats Ok with me!

I had just bought the axe when we did Washington, so the full effects of my transformation were not yet apparent.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

And, by the way, carrying an ice axe DOES improve your looks...

Too bad they didn't size it correctly ...

 

[Clown]

I see that a few people recommended equipment from Campmor. I'm assuming that this is a reputable online store? Has anyone had any problems ordering things from them? ie: getting the wrong item or being charged for the wrong amount ect.? Thanks in advance

 

[David Metsky]

I see that a few people recommended equipment from Campmor. I'm assuming that this is a reputable online store? Has anyone had any problems ordering things from them? ie: getting the wrong item or being charged for the wrong amount ect.? Thanks in advance

Campmor is one of the big names in online gear. They'll treat you right.

-dave-

 

[sapblatt]

Campmor is the best - they have never made a mistake with me, and I have heard from others that they are great to deal with when anything goes wrong...
They also have flat rate shipping which is great when you order a lot...i think it is $5-7 shipping no matter how much you order.
Prices are great!

 

[DougPaul]

And, by the way, carrying an ice axe DOES improve your looks...

Too bad they didn't size it correctly ...

Its a semi-technical length--around 60-65cm.
Besides, the model has a carabiner hanging from her belt...

Doug


(for the humor challenged: )

 

[alistair]

Until 2 months ago I passed Campmor every day on my way home from work. I stopped at least twice a week. I may take a trip there this afternoon, my office is closing due to the 1/2" of snow in Rockland County, NY.

 

[hikerfast]

my ice axe showed up at my place. didnt realize how big 90cm was. the thing is like a walking stick. I LIKE it!!

 

[giggy]

my ice axe showed up at my place. didnt realize how big 90cm was. the thing is like a walking stick. I LIKE it!!

jesuzz - didn't think they made them that big - dude - not sure how tall you are - but you may want to think about sending sucker back where it came from - would be tough to self arrest with
I am 5'11 and I use a 70cm one and I wish I had a 65cm to be honest.

 

[Kevin Rooney]

my ice axe showed up at my place. didnt realize how big 90cm was. the thing is like a walking stick. I LIKE it!!

If you like a long axe for a walking stick, you might end up with two axes. The first time I did Rainier my "walking axe" was way too long - it made it difficult to act as a probe on steep slopes. The long length made me reach nearly over my head on every step to plunge it down checking for cravasses/voids. I found that what makes a good "walking axe" in the Whites doesn't always make a good alpine axe in the Cascades.

Kevin

 

[hikerfast]

I was wondering about what it would be like on the steeps. time will tell.

 

[DougPaul]

my ice axe showed up at my place. didnt realize how big 90cm was. the thing is like a walking stick. I LIKE it!!

Wow! Yours is certainly longer than mine!

Seriously, that is too long for most purposes (unless you are 7 or 8 feet tall). I just wrote some comments on axe length over in the parallel thread "ice axe help". http://www.vftt.org/forums/showpost.php?p=129646&postcount=4

I was wondering about what it would be like on the steeps. time will tell.

You will spend a lot of time reaching waaaaay up the hill to place the axe. (The snow on the uphill side could be knee to waist high.)

I suggest that you exchange it for a 70 cm or so axe.

Doug

 

[alistair]

Does anyone know anything about teh Cassin Ice Axes for sale Siera Trading Post?