Black Diamond Raven Axe

This is a great buy for anyone getting into winter hiking / ski mountaineering. I use this axe primarily while climbing up Tuckerman Ravine in NH. It really gives you great confidence as your clambering up a slope so steep that your knees dig into the snow in front of you. I've seen many people fall the whole way down various aspects of the headwall after loosing their footing and I have to say that the only times I was ever concerned loosing my footing was when I hadn't yet pulled out the ice ax. It really gives you a great deal of extra balance and leverage on steep and slick ascents. You can find this one on sale relatively often as well. I got mine form REI for about 60 bucks and I've seen it at EMS and backcountry.com for similar prices.

I Really got this for a future winter hike on Mt. Borah in Idaho but had to justify getting it right now(my wife doesn't always buy into what I'm trying to get). Well, this guy stays in my car and I've acutally used it more to knock out the ice in my wheel wells more then I've hiked with it. The few times I have used it have been great. I'm 6' tall and I use a size 80 and it does just fine to assist on steep inclines. You will definatley want to get a leash and the Axe Protector.

I bought two of these for gifts for my friends. And today, I am thankful to still have two friends. Why? Because it was an inexpensive way to buy friends while making it look like I spent a lot of money on them, and without having to pay them cash directly for their friendship. Yes, I buy my friends.

As for the axe, I like it better than my Camp axe. Durable, lightweight, and it does the job to bring you home safetly to enjoy a nice cold brew.

This axe is super light but still really durable. The pick is also a little more aggressive than a traditional mountaineering axe so that you can use it almost like a technical tool on alpine climbs that involve snow travel, moderate alpine ice and mixed climbing. I usually use a 70cm axe but for this kind of use I size down to around a 60cm tool. Then you get the best of both worlds.

I've used this outstanding tool for winter and alpine endeavors and it has saved my bacon more than once. It provides a comfortable carry, and is light but not insubstantial (read: makes a decent anchor when necessary.) The classic straight shaft makes chopping steps easy, and the pick angle is nice for all-around use. The Raven would make an excellent entry-level axe with it's perfect combination of great price and durability.

One of the best all-around piolets I've used. It's pretty lightweight (not as much as the pro, though), but still fully functional. The grip at the "T" is very comfortable, even without gloves. The only thing I wish it had was a slightly bent shaft to make it easier for steep ice. But for what it is, it's a great ice axe -- perfect for everyone, beginner and experienced alike.

I have owned a number of axes (chalet moser, simond, petzl) and this is above and beyond the best of the bunch. I have taken this axe on climbs up Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shasta and many eastern sierra routes. It is light, but secure. It doesn't feel chinzy at all. I recenlty bought a second one for my girlfriend, because I trust its funtionality that much.

The Raven may not be the lightest and most advanced ice axe out there, but it will still get the job done. I have used it many a winter and it has yet to fail me in anything. The wrist strap is super helpful, as the handle has no grip to it... Totally worth it for the price, and will last a very, very long time!

I've used this axe several times this winter on Mt. Washington and it's great. The axe is lightweight, yet sturdy enough that it doesn't feel chintzy. I can confidently say this axe is a great buy for the money. Chopping a seat into bulletproof snow in Tuckerman Ravine was easy, and self-arresting a slide on the Lion Head Winter Route worked as advertised.

Solid constructed ice axe that's light enough to be forgotten until you need it. And when you need an ice axe..you really need it. The 55cm is a a solid third tool. For those alpine rock routes where you are only going to need an ice axe for bits of the approach and summit...this is the perfect rig. Simple and effective.