At only $100 per tool, this thing ROCKS. I've been looking for a 50cm mountaineering axe ever since the locals in the Alps laughed at my 72cm New England classic long axe, and the Stubai Hornet is exactly the type of tool the old pros were using on the Matterhorn. Sure, there are way more expensive and technical tools out there, but if you want a piolet that can be driven into the snow for impromptu belays, and still climb rock and ice beautifully, it doesn't get any simpler than this. One day I'll upgrade to modular higher-end tools, but I intend to see my hornet beautifully trashed and worn before that. I even climb vertical ice with this guy. Don't overpay, this is a true workhorse of mountaineering.