The Akila axe with the hammer weighs 12.2oz (345g), the adze version is 11.6oz (330g), and both are 49cm long, so significantly lighter and shorter than these other common axes and tools. Curved-shafted ice tools with aggressively angled picks specific for ice and mixed climbing weigh around 20oz (570g) and have a standard length of around 55cm. A standard straight-shafted mountaineering ice axe used for walking up snowy and glaciated terrain such as the volcanoes of the Cascade Range, are typically 55 to 75cm in length and have an average weight somewhere around 17oz (486g). Being hybrid axes, they bridge general mountaineering with technical ice climbing. The Blue Ice Akila ice axes are rated Type 1 (Basic) and certified with the CE stamp of approval.
The author has moved the pinky rest up the shaft and rest steps up snow to approach the next pitch of ice. This information can also be found on the little paper packet that comes with the Akilas. Looking online, there are a variety of definitions that distinguish these two types of axes, but the current primary distinction seems to be that the Type 2 tools are strong enough and can withstand the torque incurred when using ice tools on rock, i.e. Generally speaking, mountaineering axes fall into the Basic category and ice tools in the Technical. The UIAA has two types of ice axe classifications: Type 1 or Basic, and Type 2 or Technical.
The UIAA does many things, but important to our discussion here, they create the quality standards for climbing equipment. Now, axes are designed for every particular type of climbing in order to maximize the quality of experience by lightening the load and specializing the usage.įirst off, axes versus tools: basically, ice axes are for mountaineering and ice tools are for ice climbing, both of which have different strength and use classifications given by the UIAA ( Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme). There was a time where the ice axe options were twofold-either a long-shafted heavy mountaineering ice axe, or a shorter straight-shafted technical ice tool. Ski mountaineering today? Long, moderate, alpine ice tomorrow? A steep snow route the next? The Blue Ice Akila ice axe, available in a hammer or adze version, is an excellent choice for these adventures.
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