I don't know exactly what to say about this axe that people won't already know. The major benefit to this one is the fact that it is LIGHT!! Granted, not as light as the Nepal but the confidence brought about by the Chromoly head is something that I won't sacrifice just yet. I have played around and climbed vertical ice with this tool and often team it up with a straight shafted shrike for alpine couloirs. This axe really stands out on alpine slogs such as Denali and Rainier.

The one downside I have noticed with this axe came on just one climb. Snow was balling up really bad on a descent and we were having to hit our crampons with the axe shaft every step (I'm sure you all know this drill). After that climb I really noticed the shaft was made of softer metal when I compared it to my partner's Raven. Mine looked really chewed up in comparison but that was 2 years ago and it's still doing great.