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tanner
Dec 28, 2004, 4:23 AM
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Registered: Apr 28, 2002
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Hey, guys and gals
What size alpine axe do you use and how tall are you? Would you go shorter or longer than you currenty use? I'm 6' tall and have a 170cm axe and I think its a little long.
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atg200
Dec 28, 2004, 4:28 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Registered: Jul 27, 2001
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i'm 6'1". i retired my 75 because it is too heavy. now i go for the lightest axe i can carry, so i use a 65 or whippets.
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timd
Dec 29, 2004, 7:18 AM
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Registered: Dec 21, 2003
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a good rule of thumb is to stand with your arms straight at your sides, while holding the axe by the haed the shaft should just touch the ground.
However if using it on steep snow slopes you may want it shorter so that it is easier to use. Hope that helps
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sandbag
Dec 29, 2004, 7:20 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Registered: Jan 12, 2003
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In reply to: Hey, guys and gals What size alpine axe do you use and how tall are you? Would you go shorter or longer than you currenty use? I'm 6' tall and have a 170cm axe and I think its a little long.
i think you mean 70cm
170cm would be about 5'6" and thats way to big......unless youre a friggin giant...then its perfect
:shock:
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anykineclimb
Dec 29, 2004, 9:44 AM
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Registered: Mar 30, 2003
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Maybe he's got an Alpenstock?
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tuna
Dec 29, 2004, 3:05 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Registered: Mar 28, 2004
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I am 5' 11" and use a 66cm Air Tech. Works great for the steeper sections. I also carry one Leki 3pce pole for the flats and use it as a makeshift probe.
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adamtd
Jan 1, 2005, 4:29 AM
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Registered: Nov 11, 2002
Posts: 187
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I'm 5'11". When it's not constantly steep, say 30 degrees with only a few steep sections, I carry a 70cm REI Mountain Axe or a 65cm BD Raven Pro (depends on how fast I want too move and if I'll be doing any boot axe belays). Ifthe majority of the route is between 50-60 degrees I carry a 55cm BD Raven Pro. I'll also use my axe in place of a tool whenever I can if there are sections of vertical or near vertical ice.
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timstich
Jan 1, 2005, 5:05 AM
Post #8 of 9
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Registered: Feb 3, 2003
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You can chose an axe length that is more towards the walking cane function or one that is shorter for weight savings and ease of use for self arrest basically. So in the end it's not critical what the length is, as both sides of the spectrum have their benefits and detriments. You might try both and then go with what works for you. Some who chose the shorter axe will bring trekking poles to keep stable on the approach and switch to the axe when it gets steep. I went with the longer axe and am happy with that so far. When I can afford it I'll get some trekking poles and a short axe, too.
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