{"id":40819,"date":"2023-01-20T09:50:22","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T08:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-01.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/getting-to-grips-with-ice-tools-buying-tips\/"},"modified":"2023-01-20T10:06:18","modified_gmt":"2023-01-20T09:06:18","slug":"getting-to-grips-with-ice-tools-buying-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/blog\/getting-to-grips-with-ice-tools-buying-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"GETTING TO GRIPS WITH ICE TOOLS &#8211; BUYING TIPS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/ice-axes\/\">Ice axes<\/a> have been around since the beginning of modern mountaineering. Over the decades, however, much has changed. Even though ice axes in their current form are considered technically mature ice tools, there are still a range of <strong>technical innovations<\/strong>. This can be very confusing when you\u2019re looking to buy one, and the question quickly arises, \u201cWhich is the correct ice tool for me?\u201d Unfortunately, there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all solution in this field, so the perfect tool depends on your <strong>personal needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ice-axes\">Ice axes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The original ice tool is the <strong>ice axe<\/strong>. Conventional ice axes fall mostly into <strong>Category B<\/strong> of the <strong>European Standard<\/strong>. These basic units are designed for <strong>universal use<\/strong> in <strong>light to medium terrain<\/strong>. They can be used as a pole replacement when walking, as a tool to create steps, as an additional support when climbing smaller ice and snow flanks and as an anchor and rescue device.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kandersteg-2013_DSC_Z_0105.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Kandersteg-2013_DSC_Z_0105.jpg\" alt=\"Die Bergfreunde beim Eisklettern am Kandersteg\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Die Bergfreunde beim Eisklettern am Kandersteg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/grivel-monte-bianco-eispickel.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/grivel-monte-bianco-eispickel-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Grivel - Monte Bianco - Eispickel\" class=\"wp-image-24779\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grivel &#8211; Monte Bianco &#8211; ice axe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aluminium or wooden shafts?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern ice axes generally have <strong>aluminium shafts<\/strong>, currently only <strong>Grivel<\/strong> produce a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/grivel-monte-bianco-ice-axe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">model with a wooden shaft<\/a>. However, this is not a relic from the distant past, but a modern and innovative product that gives mountaineering back a little of its former charm. The <strong>picks<\/strong> are mainly <strong>straight to slightly rounded<\/strong> and the <strong>serrations<\/strong> are <strong>not sharp<\/strong>. A <strong>leash prevents you from losing the pick<\/strong> and the <strong>tip<\/strong> provides support<strong> on the glacier<\/strong>. Depending on the terrain, <strong>hybrid picks<\/strong> with <strong>a slightly curved shaft<\/strong> and <strong>aggressive picks<\/strong> have been used more frequently in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Customers who find what they are looking for in this product segment tend to fit the image of the &#8220;classic mountain climber&#8221;. Their terrain is <strong>glacier touring<\/strong> and <strong>alpine peaks<\/strong>, which can usually be reached without major ice scrambling. Classic ice axes or hybrid ice axes are also generally used on <strong>alpine ski tours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When buying an ice axe, you should also pay attention to the optimal <strong>shaft length<\/strong> as well as <strong>the suitable model<\/strong>. To determine the correct length, the following principle applies: On your <strong>hanging arm<\/strong>, the <strong>axe held by the head should reach to just above the ground<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/cassin-x-dry-alpine-kit-eisgeraet.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/cassin-x-dry-alpine-kit-eisgeraet-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Cassin - X-Dry + Alpine Kit - Eisger\u00e4t mit alpiner Zusatzausr\u00fcstung\" class=\"wp-image-24790\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cassin &#8211; X-Dry + Alpine Kit &#8211; ice tool with additional alpine equipment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ice-tools\">Ice tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <strong>European certification<\/strong>, ice tools fall into <strong>Category T<\/strong> (technical equipment). Products in this classification range from relatively moderate <strong>hybrid picks<\/strong> to <strong>ice axes<\/strong> for use in extreme terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Curved shafts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In contrast to classic ice axes, the <strong>shafts of these ice tools<\/strong> are <strong>curved<\/strong>, not straight. This means they are more <strong>energy-efficient<\/strong> and protect the fingers, especially when the ice is irregular. Generally speaking, <strong>the more extreme the terrain, the more angled the shaft<\/strong>. The <strong>picks<\/strong> of ice tools are considerably <strong>more curved<\/strong> than ice axes. The strongly <strong>downward-curved shape<\/strong> and the <strong>aggressive serrations <\/strong>and<strong> tips<\/strong> ensure that a <strong>good grip<\/strong> is achieved even in <strong>overhanging passages<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hand straps: yes or no?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the use, ice tools can also be equipped with <strong>hand straps<\/strong>. For <strong>extreme climbing<\/strong>, these are <strong>foregone<\/strong> in favour of loops. In this case, ice tools with special, <strong>graduated grip zones<\/strong> are used. These are usually <strong>adjustable<\/strong>, so they can be adapted to fit your <strong>hand size<\/strong> and <strong>individual needs<\/strong>. Most ice tools also have a <strong>tip beneath the handle<\/strong>. This is designed in such a way that the climber can attach a <strong>carabiner<\/strong>. This means that the ice tool can also be used as a <strong>temporary intermediate protection point<\/strong>, for example when setting ice screws. <strong>Ice tools<\/strong> are generally slightly <strong>heavier than ice axes<\/strong>. This is because of the <strong>higher impact force<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-alpine-ice-climbing\">Alpine ice climbing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ice climbers who enjoy rambling around <strong>large ice walls<\/strong> and <strong>firn flanks<\/strong> are <strong>alpinists<\/strong> in their heart and mind rather than athletes. As a result, this is also the area where the most comprehensive ice tools are used. Classically, one ice tool has a <strong>hammer<\/strong> and the other has a <strong>shovel<\/strong>. This allows <strong>loose <\/strong>and<strong> crumbling ice to be removed quickly <\/strong>and<strong> effortlessly<\/strong>, whilst <strong>ice nails<\/strong> and <strong>bolts<\/strong> can be hammered in with the other hand. Tools in this segment usually also have <strong>hand straps<\/strong>. These relieve the hands during long tours and prevent you from losing the ice tool. These kinds of tools can also be useful for ascents and descends.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1-Ph.-arch.-Mario-Sertori.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/1-Ph.-arch.-Mario-Sertori.jpg\" alt=\"Kletterer mit Eispickel am Eisfels unterwegs\" width=\"338\" height=\"450\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Classic ice climbing involves the use of very technical equipment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-classic-ice-climbing\">Classic ice climbing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Classic ice climbing is a steep ascent. Vertical and overhanging ice walls are common. This type of ice climbing requires very technical equipment. The <strong>picks<\/strong> and <strong>shafts<\/strong> are <strong>strongly curved<\/strong> for good grip in the ice. The <strong>serrations<\/strong> and the <strong>tip<\/strong> are generally <strong>razor-sharp<\/strong> and the pick bites into ice as if it were pudding. Leashes are not usually used as they would hinder the grip and general freedom of movement too much. A hammer and shovel are also usually done without in favour of performance and reduced risk of injury. However, they have an<strong> adjustable grip area<\/strong> and <strong>finger protection<\/strong> for better grip. Due to their strong curvature and the construction optimised for steep ice, ice tools of this type are not really suitable as walking aids for ascending and descending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dry-tooling\">Dry tooling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dry tooling<\/strong> and <strong>mixed tours<\/strong> are probably the most extreme forms of ice climbing. Tours of this type are comparatively short but sometimes extremely challenging, as you climb not just on <strong>ice<\/strong> but also on <strong>rock<\/strong>. Similar to classic ice climbing, <strong>strongly curved ice tools without leashes<\/strong>, <strong>hammers<\/strong> and <strong>shovels<\/strong> are used. Due to the extremely strong curvature they offer maximum performance even in overhanging passages and on thin ice. The <strong>serrations<\/strong> and the <strong>tip<\/strong> are generally <strong>less sharp<\/strong> than tools used in classic ice climbing. This is because of the increased rock contact. This makes the metal blunt more quickly, and also means that there is extreme force on the pick. The <strong>head<\/strong> of this tool is also <strong>serrated<\/strong>, which enables it to be <strong>wedged into the rock<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/DSC_0068.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/DSC_0068.jpg\" alt=\"Kletterer mit Eispickel am Felsen unterwegs\" width=\"301\" height=\"450\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dry tooling and mixed tours involve climbing on ice as well as on rock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-tip\">Practical tip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>pick<\/strong> is the <strong>most stressed component<\/strong> in ice tools. This is also where most damage occurs. When used regularly in mixed terrain, the pick is subject to heavy wear and tear and may break. This can lead to serious problems, especially on long and technically challenging routes. For <strong>classic<\/strong> and <strong>alpine ice climbing<\/strong>, it is therefore recommended to use ice tools with <strong>changeable picks<\/strong> and to always carry a <strong>spare pick<\/strong> and <strong>tools<\/strong> in your <strong>rucksack<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-to-the-point\">To the point<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The success of a tour depends not only on physical condition and ability, but also to a large extent on your equipment. Therefore you should also adapt your ice tools and picks to the route you are taking. A vertical ice tool is just as inappropriate when crossing a glacier as a classic ice axe when dry tooling. Therefore, the old principle should be taken to heart: <strong>the more extreme the terrain, the more extreme the equipment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><a class=\"a-button a-button--green block\" title=\"Eisger\u00e4t &amp; Eisaxt kaufen\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alpinetrek.co.uk\/s\/grivel--monte--\/2\/\">Find ice tools here &gt;&gt; <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ice axes have been around since the beginning of modern mountaineering. Over the decades, however, much has changed. Even though ice axes in their current form are considered technically mature ice tools, there are still a range of technical innovations. This can be very confusing when you\u2019re looking to buy one, and the question quickly [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":81470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[203],"tags":[27,183],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-40819","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buyers-guide","tag-hiking-trekking","tag-winter-sports"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>GETTING TO GRIPS WITH ICE TOOLS - BUYING TIPS | Alpinetrek.co.uk<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ice axes have been around since the beginning of modern mountaineering. Over the decades, however, much has changed. 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