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climbncookie
Nov 23, 2009, 9:12 PM
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I'm heading to Mount Washington for my introduction to alpine and ice. I currently have a BD Raven Ultra as my mountaineering axe but I'd like to get another or pair to give my hand at ice climbing. Has anyone used Petzl's Summit or Sum'Tech ice tool? I'm look for something capable on almost all alpine routes. I'm not planning on getting into waterfall ice. The only information I can seem to find is the manufacturer description. I like the more technical pick on the sum'tec but I'm not sure if the summit is equally as capable for less $$$. What's the word on the street about either of these axes? Thanks
The Summit
The Sum'tec
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scotty1974
Nov 24, 2009, 3:43 PM
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BD Venoms...similar mixed alpine shape, but with removable / interchangeable picks.
Plus it's cheaper even at retail...do a search and I'm sure you can find those holiday discount coupons.
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climbncookie
Nov 24, 2009, 6:09 PM
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I have looked at the venoms but Ontario has a shortage of gear shops, we have MEC and that's about it.
The Venom's are listed on BD site for $142, so $150CAD and since I'm Canadian I get screwed on the free shipping from any websites so I'll be paying the same as if I walked into MEC and bought either of these tools. I'm bitter about never getting the free shipping and having to pay duty when it crosses the border.
I don't want to get there, purchase tools, and start climbing. I'd rather give then a trial a little closer to home.
Will the adze with the classic pick climb ice well?
Any tips on how to get cheap gear in Ontario would be very much appreciated
(This post was edited by climbncookie on Nov 24, 2009, 6:11 PM)
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Ry_
Nov 24, 2009, 6:49 PM
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Registered: Aug 17, 2009
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You can try
http://www.monodsports.com
Free shipping over $125 within Canada
Better rates than MEC, usually
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scotty1974
Nov 24, 2009, 8:11 PM
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That's a tough one. I'd suggest finding a sale like the ones below and calling the shop to see what they can offer. Or if you have a friend stateside that could buy them for you, I bet they could get cheaper shipping through the USPS.
Both picks will be fine for alpine climbing. I carry both a hammer and adze, and left the pick stock on the adze to use as a self arresting tool. If you find after your first climb you'd like recurve better, bamo! You can swap it out, unlike the Petzls. I think overall the pic should be find for the intermittent ice you'll find.
If you're looking for a great overall alpine tool that can plunge as well check out the Petzl Aztar. You can pretty much tackle anything froma gully climb to WI4 with them. I would recommend changing over to the clipper leashes though..
http://www.bentgate.com/veaxebybldi.html
http://www.prolitegear.com/cgi-bin/prolitegear/black_diamond_venom_adze
http://www.spadout.com/c/ice-axes/
(This post was edited by scotty1974 on Nov 24, 2009, 8:15 PM)
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climbncookie
Nov 24, 2009, 8:32 PM
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Thank's I'll check those out. I don't know anyone stateside. Did I have been looking at the Aztarex but I can't find a Canadian distributer. My man concern was whether the sum'tec could get solid purchase on ice, and if the summit compared to it. Venom's seem to be a great alternative. Maybe I'll just get stuck buying a pair when I visit.
Also it seems to be a common error but the pick on the sum'tec is swappable, to be replaced when it starts getting stubby. Although there is no classic pick which can be swapped it.
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robpatterson5
Nov 25, 2009, 7:29 AM
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Try Wicked Gravity in Calgary, broably the best gear shop in the west for knollage - they will set you straight with what works (and may give you a good deal) - some awesome discounts on their website now.
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hosh
Nov 25, 2009, 7:49 AM
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I've got a set of these:
And they're pretty nice. They work fine as a Mountaineering axe and they still climb well. Don't know about price or availability though...
hosh.
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climbncookie
Nov 25, 2009, 6:17 PM
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Interesting, I hadn't considered the matrix light. I can only get the hammer, but they are the cheapest so far. I've give them a look over.
(This post was edited by climbncookie on Nov 25, 2009, 6:17 PM)
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