A modern take on the classic piolet, the raven is the perfect tool for anything steeper than flat but not steep enough to get a 5. or WI rating. From snowfields to icy slab the raven can manage most of the terrain you’ll find during the chilly season. The aluminum shaft is somewhow unbreakable (I’ve got two so I have tried), within reasonable limits, and I still cannot comprehend how the head and spike are secured ( can’t seem to break those off either). What I do know is the raven is a budget-friendly option that always does what you need it to when you need it to. However, it should be noted that the aluminum haft does get a bit cold when it’s -50° and windy, furthermore I have acquired a slight preference for a bent shaft in my ice axes, although that could be chalked up to personal taste. If you live with an ice axe in hand you’ll know what you want, if you’re looking to bag a few summits a year, this is the tool to get you there.

Used this on the ascent of the Pfeifferhorn, still half covered in snow as of June 22nd. This is a basic axe and served me well ascending and descending super steep snowy inclines. It is fairly light, very strong and sharp out of the box. The shaft can be a bit slippery depending on your glove situation, so connecting it to your body is a good idea. Would recommend as far as basic mountaineering axes go.

Great axe for trekking and skimo. I just wish it came with a leash

I rented this axe a couple of times before deciding to buy one for myself. Bulletproof and easy to carry, the top of the axe fits my hand well when using it as a walking stick also.

Took these out on a winter trip up San Gorgonio in California. I was not sure what conditions would look like, and some of the slope crossings are fairly steep. In our case we ended up finding mushy snow and plenty of traction with Kahtoolas. Still it was nice to know that we had the tools to self arrest should we have encountered slopes of ice. These tools are light weight, easy to use and basically an industry standard.

This axe has worked great on most mountaineering routes up in the PNW. It's fairly light and does the job use with rescue and self arrest. Buy this if you are touring and don't mind the weight and length, or if you are doing very minimal amounts of high grade climbing or mountaineering. If you are doing higher grades i would look for something with a trigger and grip.

Great for general mountaineering. I brought the 70 cm with me up Mt. Rainier. Was exactly what I needed (I'm 5'11') and I felt confidant that I could use it to arrest should the need arise. Prior to this one I used a much shorter technical axe on Mt. Adams, it was no good for general mountaineering. This one is the right tool.

I just used this thing for the first time today and it was great. It adds so much confidence when traversing snow ridges as well as boot packing up the steeps. It pretty much saved my bacon today. I am 5' 10" and I bought a 70.

This ice axe has everything you need for a steep hike or some basic ice climbing. The quality of it is great with no loose past and the bottom tip has a sharp edge on it.

I couldn't have summited Mt. Yale(Colorado 14er) without it. The only reason that
I am not giving it five stars was that it was at times (in hard snow) a bit hard to remove. My beginners poor technique was likely to blame.

I purchased this axe to use on the Grand Teton and it worked tremendously, while traversing glaciers I felt a lot safer having this in my hand. The reason I chose this particular axe however was the price. I feel that I got all the features I was looking for for way less than other axes.

I recently used this ice axe while climbing in Colorado, and it was a fantastic purchase. I would not have been able to traverse without it -- it also worked really well for glissading!

Made this purchase for bagging some spring summits here in the Wasatch. I got the 75cm ( I'm 5'11")size and found it to be perfect for hiking up and glissading down steep snow fields. Although this axe is heavier than a lot of other comparable axes, I dont think it negatively affected its use. Solid value buy.

This is the staple axe in the industry, probably one of the most popular out there. It is the do it all, whether you're just backpacking the PCT after a huge winter like this year, ski mountaineering, general mountaineering and using it like a cane, or even more technical mountaineering routes. The steel pick and head make for durability you'll have for years to come....They even make for great "lawn darts" when you're sitting at base camp after getting off the head wall!



I am happy to help out with getting the perfect size for your next adventure, or any mountaineering questions at all that you may have so feel free to reach directly out to me!

Not sure I could ask for more in a mountaineering axe. It has done everything I've asked of it, including the ultimate use: self-arrest.



The weight is perfect. I almost went with the lighter weight one, but I think I'd prefer this in every way except the extra ounces when you're not using it.



I am a long and lanky 6'2" and went with the 75cm tool. Surprisingly perfect length.



Can't recommend it more!

I bought the 75cm axe for my mountaineering uncle on his latest summit up Mt Washington, he loved it!

Glacier travel anchor device / self-arresting tool - everyone needs this in their quiver to properly mountaineer! Black Diamond is the pioneer is this niche and they do it best.

Bought this as my first ice axe and it's never failed me. It's lightweight and easy to handle.