4.51 of 5 stars
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Grivel - Air Tech Evolution Bergfreunde Edition - Ice axe
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At a glance
Material information & features
- Recommended use:
- alpine touring
- Breaking load:
- 400 kg
- Shaft:
- Technical (T/Type 2)
- Pick:
- chromium molybdenum steel, hot-forged, classic negative tip
- Handle:
- rubberised, with steel spike
- Leash:
- yes
- Weight:
- 475 g
- Misc:
- Bergfreunde Logo
- Item No.:
- 404-0101
Product description
Durable ice axe for mountaineering - in the Bergfreunde Edition
The Air Tech Evolution is not only impressive due to its stylish Bergfreunde design but is also one of Grivel’s most versatile tools! With its lightweight design and firm grip, this ice pick can be used for a wide range of outdoor purposes. The Air Tech Evolution is up for any challenge, from simple mountaineering to technically sophisticated climbs. In order to provide good grip, it comes with the Air Tech Evolution. The slightly bent type 2 shaft (formerly type T) keeps you safe on steep slopes and culminates in a Brenva pick. Moreover, the tip is bent by 45° and improves the grip even further. The shovel on the back of the pick can be used to cut steps into the ice.
The ice axe is available in four sizes. As a special bonus, it also comes in the stylish Bergfreunde design along with the logo and a colour-matching strap. Thus, the ice pick won’t slip through your fingers when you really need it. It goes without saying that also the Limited Edition of the Air Tech Evolution features a rubberized handle at the lower end of the shaft as well as a protective cap for the pick. With all these characteristics, this ice axe is a reliable, stable and lightweight tool for ambitious mountaineers!
The advantages at a glance:
- Rubberised handle lies well and securely in the hand
- Optimal support even in steep ice
- Wrist strap prevents you from losing the ice axe
Ask our experts
Alpinetrek expert Hannes
Reviews overview
Advantages
Disadvantages
What do you think about that?
This is what other customers say:
Hi Graeme, Unfortunately, Grivel do not list individual weights for this axe but it will not weigh much more than the stated 475g.
Hi eCloud,
B and T ratings are now being more commonly referred to as UIAA Type 1 (CEN-B) or Type 2 (CEN-T). While the names are different, these two ratings have more or less the same tests and strength requirements as the CEN-B/T tests.
Certification: CE EN 13089, type 2, UIAA 152
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Advantages
Good grip Well balanced Lightweight Good bite Robust
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Advantages
Good grip Robust Lightweight
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Advantages
Lightweight Well balanced Good grip
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Advantages
Good grip Lightweight Robust Well balanced
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Advantages
Robust Good bite Well balanced Lightweight -
Disadvantages
Leash system not good
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Advantages
Robust Good bite
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Robust -
Disadvantages
Heavy
There are 7 more threads!
Hello Petet, The right length of a mountaineering could spake a bit of a debate but here's my thoughts.....
Have someone help you, so that you can concentrate on standing properly while that person carefully checks the length.
Grasp the head of the axe, with the adze forward and your thumb resting on it.
Stand facing forward in a relaxed yet upright position (your arm holding the axe head should be at your side); let the spike of the axe dangle toward the ground.
On a properly sized axe, the tip of the spike should be even with your ankle, or an inch above it.
Note: If you’re doing this at home (rather than a climbing shop), hold an imaginary ice axe head at your side and have your helper measure the distance from the base of your thumb to your ankle.
Reasons to Choose a Shorter Ice Axe
The main reason most people choose a shorter axe is to save weight. Going shorter (by up to 10cm) is OK if you anticipate a lot of travel on steep terrain, or your route will require minimal ice axe use. Avoid getting an ice axe shorter than 60cm, though, because its spike will be dangerously close to your vital organs during a self-arrest.
Reasons to Choose a Longer Ice Axe
You might consider getting a slightly longer (and heavier) axe if you’ll predominantly use it to build snow anchors, to probe for cornices and crevasses or to travel on low-angle snowfields. 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. Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you’re tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size.
Thanks for your help Adrian