A firm local to me currently has ice axes at reduced prices. I’m not connected to the company in anyway except as a satisfied customer, I’ve had quite a few pairs of boots and shoes from them over the past couple of years and my experience has been good.
With winter approaching, I think it’s sensible to start thinking about the necessary equipment for SOTA activations in the colder months. I’ve recently received a new Gore Tex jacket to replace my 2014 version which was showing its age, in readiness for the wetter weather.
Anyway, here’s a link to an axe which I think is a good price…
There’s also the Grivel Helix for a few more quid. I have a Grivel Helix, I quite like it.
Last year I was super fired up for the winter season, I had my new B2 boots just ready for snow and then lockdown happened! I was looking at the mountains in wonderful winter condition and we weren’t allowed up them
I’m hoping to take the labels off my boots this season.
The Nepal 74cm is my favourite tramping (hiking) ice-axe. Light weight, sturdy. Tough enough and long enough for general support as well as less-technical scrambles. Wouldn’t use it for serious climbing - Would want a (two) shorter climbing axes for that. But it’s survived several year’s abuse on scree-slopes, river-travel and snow-tussock as well as ice use. Goes with me on every trip with steep off-track terrain, river travel or deep/fast crossings.
Also handy for eleveting the end of my end-fed-halfwave!
The Grivel is a good conventional axe nearly identical to one I bought nearly fifty years ago. It is suitable for self arrest and old-fashioned step cutting and should not be under-rated as a climbing axe. I used mine for snow and ice climbing up to Scottish grade IV. At the price quoted above I would say it is a dam’ good investment!
74 cm seems so long. Proper sizing for an ice axe is to hold the head in your hand with arm straight down. The spike should be ankle height or above. Shorter is better the steeper the angle of ascent.
It’s a decent offer… Although I think the Grivel Helix (which is also in their sale for about four quid more) is a better choice as it has that plastic palm protector. Better yet, get a T rated axe.
