However personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length.
Ice axe sizing chart.
Parts of an ice axe.
The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe in your hand alongside your body.
The ice axe for many is a mountaineering symbol that evokes images of rugged glaciated peaks and above the cloud summits it s an essential safety tool for mountaineering adventures whether you use it to maintain balance or to self arrest and stop yourself from a fall.
Ergonomic easy to manipulate ice axes that allow multiple grips and have very high anchoring qualities in ice.
Hybrid ice axes are more aggressive than a traditional mountaineering axe yet less technical than an ice tool.
For steep mountaineering the above is absolutely true.
The biggest difference between the two.
Axes in this category are effective for climbing steeper sections of ice and hard snow while still remaining useful on sections of less technical terrain.
They feature a curved shaft a rubber grip or hand rest and a reverse curve pick.
With the flat of the handle resting against your palm the head of the ice axe should reach the middle of your ankle.
The grivel air tech evolution ice axe is cheaper and lighter comes with a leash and is durable and sturdy for solid anchors on alpine ascents yet performs well on steep climbs.
The biggest reason for the short length is dexterity at steep grades and during a self arrest.
Remember that the ice axe is not a walking stick it is a tool for cutting steps in ice and saving your life during a fall.
While many people use ice axe loosely to describe the tools used for both mountaineering and vertical ice mixed climbing they technically have different names.
Ice axe size by j4ever sun sep 25 2011 8 12 am 13 replies 12947 views last post by lcarreau tue sep 27 2011 8 56 pm size difference between ice axe and hammer.
Technical mountaineering ice axes.
In this method of ice axe sizing you will stand up straight and allow the ice axe to hang from your hand.
The petzl sum tec is a best mountaineering ice axe that is a bit pricey but comes with a slider for a leash a pick that is good for ice climbing and an adze great for chopping.
A longer axe though can be unwieldy to use during self arrest because the spike can catch in the snow and send you and your axe flying.
Long ice axes will get in the way of both of these things.
Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you re tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size.
When you shop for an ice axe you ll need to know its basic components.
Axes used for technical ice climbing are actually called ice tools rather than ice axes.
Performance ice axes with forged head and excellent anchoring qualities adapted to the multitude of configurations of alpine terrain.
