Best ice axe use reddit. Swaxe has never been an Element focused weapon.

Best ice axe use reddit. I ask here because I dont dare to bug the facebook group with all my questions <3. In addition to the locations already answered, you can practice the motions of self arrest on any floor with the plastic guards on your ice axe. They do have slightly different jobs and strengths, but it does fit the bill as primarily a self arrest device for cardio activities better than a standard ice axe. There are a few options if you're looking at doing couloirs or other technical enter objectives. So i decided to Link the 5 Videos with mathematical Explanations each Here. What are other good switch axes against alatreon that arent ice element? Hello! Wardens Blades are incredible. Basically as an additional point of contact while booting up the ravines and for self arrest. IMO beginner mountaineers are too eager to get a second axe than use good technique with one. The original and primary use of an ice axe is for self arrest (stopping a fall). And in steeper winter mountaineering routes If you use your ice axe in this situation, you are giving up one point of contact with a pole and increasing the likelihood that you fall. I've searched extensively on Reddit and the internet about ice axes and found a variety of opinions. Maybe use 2 piece velk for crit element or try to get the kjarr ice switch axe? Also consider blight resistance if dragon blight is an issue. I'm looking to add some additional grip and a bit of insulation to the shafts of two aluminum ice axe shafts. Snow skills - hiking/camping in snow, crampon use, ice axe, etc - what's the best way to safely acquire these skills here in Southern California? I'm tired of being held back from certain hikes because of winter snowfall or even summer hikes in other regions due to need for ice axe or crampons. but can you use it in situations like this and in summertime with no snow? thanks so much. Only use if prismatic rings are not available. For an orc: Whirlwind axe -> gatorbite axe (Maraudon) -> dreadforge retaliator (BRD) -> ice barbed spear (AV win) -> the unstoppable force (AV exalted) -> arcanite reaper (expensive crafted weapon) Ice barbed spear is going to be hard to get for horde right now. I'm also considering buying a sheet of the thinnest Vibram climbing shoes Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. If I've only got the harness on for crevasse falls I don't use a tether. Thoughts? I find ice axes shorter than 50 cm more difficult to self arrest with, so I wouldn’t recommend going shorter than 50 cm for most people. I would also, personally, be afraid to use the CAMP Corsa. , Petzl Ride) are designed to be carried inside most packs. My buddy has Petzl Quarks and I rented Camp X-Dreams. A steel spike offers the best traction. Main use cases I'm looking to use it for, is to self arrest in case of a slip in a steep chute and possibly traversing steep snow fields. It’s clean and makes a quiet swinging sound Objectively, studded axe is the best gameplay wise as it has both a near silent swing and hit sound effect Recently started playing deepwoken and I'm planning to do a heavy ice build once I learn how to to1. Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is unwieldy on any significant slope. Are you looking for somewhere to go practice self arresting? There’s not much other “use” to be had, unless you want to go chop steps somewhere. For more sword mode maybe slot in power prolonger 3? Also evade window might be useful. Trekking poles are great for providing stability on slippery terrain, they are not a substitute for an ice axe and do not work for self arrest. Many people learn how to use an ice axe on the trail. What do you mean “use”? A glacier ice axe is carried on a glacier primarily as a safety measure for falls. I typically use it as a more secure way to climb up steep snow/ski routes, along with crampons, and have as a self arrest tool. If you don't want to spend too much money then it's best to get slightly more technical gear than you need (automatic boots, modular, automatic crampons). For Alatreon you can use either frostfangs weapon, safi ice switch axe or kjarr switch axe with critical element included. But they're caving/ spelunking with no ice in sight. A leashed ice axe can impale you if you take a long fall and lose control of it, so ideally you would never use one and always have control of your axe. If it works well I may also wrap some of my poles below the foam grips Has anyone tried various options and what do you prefer? I've seen multiple 3M tapes recommended, silicone self bonding tape like Rescue Tape, tennis or squash racket grip wrap, bicycle handlebar wraps, etc etc. I'm interested in learning safety related skills on how to traverse snow-covered mountains with thru-hiker gear, ie. Safi'jiiva Ice Axe but the Blast Switch Axe does more damage anyway. Hey all. I use a curved ice axe as my go-to, the Petzl Summit Evo, and would take it over a straight ice axe every time, it's much more versatile in steep or technical terrain, if you need to use your axe as a handhold in a steep snowfield, or to grab/pull on icy rocks in mixed terrain. Just use your imagination and move your body around the axe manually. Learn to use an ice axe properly, then practice using it until its muscle memory. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. Switch axe works better as a raw weapon in this game, so don't worry too much about matching elements. Sword > Club ≈ Axe The only reason I consider Axe close to club is that for Cobras club is the only one that can't use BIS. Best endgame is lightbreak or safi's shatteraxe, most rarity 12 axes are viable in endgame but blastblight is just stupid in every monster hunter game. Similarly, carrying an ice axe doesn't make you an alpine mountaineer. For the crampons, I am undecided on these (using petzl but can be similar of another brand) Vasak Sarken Lynx I would use them on easier stuff, but might eventually try steeper terrain - though very unlikely ice climbing for a few years, and if I reach that point, I can buy more technical For versatility I go with the Petzl Summit. For any tape or insulation I also really like the rubberized waterproof gloves sold at many small hardware stores. com In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top ice axes on the market, including their features and benefits, to help you make an informed decision. In the market for an ice axe and was hoping to get some thoughts / feedback. The Dreams really felt a lot better as of WI4 for me and was way more fun with them, but on the other hand I won't be leading WI4 anyway for a few years 1 day ago · Looking for reliable ice axes for your mountaineering adventures? Explore our top 15 picks to stay safe and prepared while climbing the toughest peaks. Unfortunately, he had his ice axe and microspikes waiting for him in the post office 10 miles north of Apache Peak in Idyllwild. Hey all, I’m looking to buy my boyfriend a backpack for ice climbing for his birthday. I'm I would be very afraid of using a non-certified ice axe like the Suluk 46 TiCa. The PCT has more traffic and might be better defined than the trails I am on. There's a lot of terrain suitable to learning how to use an ice axe (and get comfortable walking in crampons, which is the actual crux you'll be looking at IMO) in the white and green mountains and you should take the opportunity to do it if you want to have an easier time climbing in the cascades. Should I order the ice axe/spikes for the shoes on the trail and have it sent to me to Meadows? Or am I completly lost now. Like the other person mentioned, the Great Jagras weapon will be a good pick to get you through a lot of the story. Swaxe progression guide Also you can farm raging brachy for 2 pieces of his armor and 3 piece teostra armor. Mar 25, 2025 · We tested the 12 best axes and hatchets from Fiskars, Gerber, Gransfors, and others to help you find the best tool for the job at hand. Swaxe has never been an Element focused weapon. Assuming he’ll have ski poles, he won’t need the axe for lower angle approaches. For instance, I would of thought the Glavenus Switch Axe, with its higher elemental and descent raw, would be better as a pair with a crit elem set just because it has a higher fire damage base Learn how we tested the best Ice Axes in our review: The Best Ice Axes. On this slope you could likely self arrest with your hands and feet easily. 9/10 for ski objectives one can get a good 2 points of contact without a second tool or turning onto the toes. You can also use Ice Cubes and Ice Club as damage fillers, along with Glacier Arc + Gale Lunge/Ice Lance with Ice Skate for mobility. Master Rank Progression Guide Pre Safi Builds End Game Builds End-End Game Builds As for me, I'm currently using a Lightbreak Axe with Kaiser and Raging Brachy armor, while starting to grind out augments and decorations. Ive heard that ice is the best element against alatreon, but i know that its very high risk high reward. As for where you are in the game, you can pretty much get away with anything, personally I was using the brachydios axe. Mar 21, 2019 · The Petzl Glacier is a fantastic ice axe for an excellent price and was nearly the winner of our OutdoorGearLab Best Buy award. Best option is carry an ice axe after getting hands on self-arrest training. What’s your favourite, or what features do you most appreciate? Thanks! Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A Alpineice23 • If you struggle with the elemental check see were you can increase your elemental damage. I'm thinking about finally upgrading my 1980's ice axe (a Cassin Sahara, for the curious - just over 900 grams including leash and steel leash ring). e. Great all around ice axe, handles steeper terrain, and is quite comfortable paired with an ice tool when it gets too steep for an axe alone. I bring my second TOOL for legit water ice climbing, but that's it. One can cut steps with an ice axe. Bent shafted ice axes are generally nicer for daggering on hard snow / neve, since you can keep your hand at the bend at the shaft which keeps your hand off the snow. A walking axe and a climbing axe/tool are two very different beasts with different use cases. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. Basically, I've got 2-3 inches of ice on my driveway, and I need to bust it up and get it out of there. For scrambling, they often come loose when the axe bangs into something like a tree branch. 180+ Ectoplasmic Shield: +3 to axe and club with 7% ice protection and a 3% fire weakness. Hand to ankle is an absolute maximum, not a rule!! Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is a burden on anything graded. It's possible to use a quark as a classic axe but it's far from ideal. IceAxe: Dear Olaf lore experts does he have a true ice axe and is undertow a reference to it? And is he an iceborn? Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Top New Controversial Old Q&A Add a Comment Hyrdal • r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. I would seriously recommend buying a CAMP Corsa instead of Im currently watching the descent and saw they have ice axes. Ice axes without a steel spike have a beveled (angled) edge on the bottom of the shaft, generally with a plug to prevent the shaft from filling with snow. One can use it as a cane. In that case the tool is often left hanging in the ice or on the other tool, over a shoulder, etc. Roped mountaineering, a T rated shaft and slight curve with some grip is ideal - something that you can arrest, rescue and do light climbing with. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. You probably want to put in extra effort to get gatorbite axe. They're a little heavier, but otherwise good products. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. I feel like everyone outgrows (technically speaking) there first Ice axe after there first mountaineering experience and wants something slightly more technical . Unless you are traveling on steep snowy terrain AND are trained how to use it for self arrest then no, I wouldn't buy one. That may include things like how to self-arrest with an ice-axe, how to approach varying snow conditions (melting, firm), etc. You might end up getting an ice axe and a Whippet eventually anyway. In the game, Lara often: uses ice axes to climb rocky cliffs that have no visible snow or ice on them, uses ice axes as melee weapons in May 15, 2024 · The length of the ice axe should be chosen based on your height and the intended use; shorter axes are perfect for technical climbs, while longer ones are suitable for walking or glacier crossings. It might be worth starting off with a classic, straight (ish) ice axe which you can buy used for cheap. Lighter weight ice axes may not have a steel spike at all. Probably looking for something in the 45-50 L ish range. It will save you money later on. I'm investing in the legiana switch axe right now, but is ice element worth it or not? Seems like a fair share of monsters are immune/resistant to it Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A fredminson • With the switch axes you have listed, I wouldn't of thought that the elemental damage on those weapons would be worth it, even with a element charm. The word “necessary” is a weird one, but a decision to go without a basic safety tool is probably not the kind of thing you want to crowdsource. But if you go for a long Venom it would no long be any better than the conventional ice axes on e. Really hard to have a tool that does everything. However, in the real world, there are situations where the loss of your axe might be catastrophic, so rather than risk losing it into the abyss, you tether it. Save your money and don’t buy EC. Other than that, Axe has the most flexible element (Ice) and an almost useless one in Death while Club has Earth which is shaping up to be very good and the second most flexible one (Energy). For mountaineering you might want to use it as a tool to get up the mountain at which point you have more requirements. Would be willing to climb just about anything shy of vertical ice with it, and even short pitches of ice haven't been a problem. If you dont break the horn in time, you cant deal elemental damage, so im probably not gonna use the kjarr ice or frostfang barioth switch axe. Not looking to do anything technical, just occasional steep snow or crevasse travel. I'm looking for something I can take in high slope terrain, rated for self arrest, and about 60 cm. In fact, compared to the Raven, the Glacier is lighter, self-arrests smoother, and climbs steep snow better, while the Raven offers a better price tag. See full list on outdoorgearlab. My suggestion would be to buy a walking/mountaineering axe to get you started, as these can be had for quite cheap, and then top that up with a pair of tools when you're more certain what you'll use them for. g. I usually carry a lightweight ice axe in early summer in the Sierra so I can cut steps if needed. And one can self-arrest, but that takes practice. City plows also occasionally deposit a pile of shovel-resistant ice much that blocks a portion of the driveway entrance. Hi Im starting this year in middle om may. Nunchaku rune piercing capabilities, sup sharp, subject pe/science, viper, envemoned, education, ad looting, combo, fiery edge, unbreaking, ad mending, curse of possession. Typically, aluminum is used for the shaft of the ice axe or tool and steel is used for the head. For beginner-oriented adventures, you could go with something like the Petzl Glacier or Summit if you want to spend a bit more. All comes down to what you are climbing. Plus, an ice axe isn’t just used for arresting a fall once you’re sliding; you can use it in a few different ways to prevent a fall in the first place, which is always safer. Does anybody here have information about the unfortunately discontinued Ice Rock Idol ice axe? Do you think this one is capable of classic alpinism ascents (not for pure ice climbing)? I see this as a lightweight replacement for a Petzl Gully or Sum'Tec, BlueIce Hummingbird or similar. However, I'm not a thru hiker, I'm an off-trail mountain climber. I probably forgot something but all spartan weaponry are fairly balanced so use battle axe if you want. When it gets steep, 50 cm is enough -straight shaft, better for caning, which is most ice axe use when touring -very light -aluminum but So I saw someone mention that long axe's like the petzl summit are something newbies use and all experienced mountaineers use something like the petzl ride and trekking poles. Use or crampons would also come with the need for an ice axe, as well as self arrest skills. BD's Raven/Raven Pro are classic axes geared towards less technical use, and are very affordable. I haven't been impressed with the various attachments that hold the ice axe shaft to the pack; it looks like your pack doesn't even have them. Mar 16, 2025 · Our expert gear testing team gets to the point reviewing the best ice axes, an essential tool for managing risk in snowy mountains. Has anyone tried various options and what do you prefer? I've seen multiple 3M tapes recommended, silicone self bonding tape like Rescue Tape, tennis or squash racket grip wrap, bicycle handlebar wraps, etc etc. After more than 1 Week of Research and Calculation i am done with my Calculations for the Mathematecally best Elemental Switch Axes. That’s the best if you want to use axes until BRD stuff. Mid-calf is the There is some overlap between technical axes (like the north machine or quark for example) and ice climbing, but if you'll still end up with something not good most of the time, having the right tool for the job makes a huge difference. Next best option is micro spikes and trekking poles. The ice axe stay on the ice axe loops and clips under the side compression straps of the pack. Best weapons are longswords (especially Paladin), axes, katanas, longbows, 2H swords, flails. There are others in the same category that are similar, but the features he wants are: -Short, 50 cm. Ice axes are versatile tools designed for ice climbing, mountaineering, and other alpine activities. There's no reason to bring 2 sharp things to impale oneself otherwise (again IMO) or the weight. A general mountaineering axe will be terrible for ice climbing. Word of caution: Putting on an apron doesn't automatically make you a chef. Winter hiking will need only light and simple. The Glacier remained a standout choice for most general mountaineering applications and was one of the higher I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. What resources/ courses would you recommend? I'm usually in the Bay Area (and in Colorado right now), and have found that most Personally I use tethers when I've got a harness on and am placing or following pro. If you've never owned an ice axe before maybe you should look into more conservative climbing goals first. I intend on climbing Whitney this year and I need to pick up an ice axe so I can practice with it before the hike, my eye caught the Venom Ice Axe from Black Diamond, I prefer Black Diamond since I get a discount there, but does anyone have any recommendations? or will the Venom be a good axe for what It’s much more aggressive than a trekking pole tip and is more suitable on snow and ice. For more technical mountaineering something Anyone have any adivce on what's a good length for an ice axe? 45cm, 50cm, 60cm+? I am looking at this one but read that the 45cm length makes a self arrest more difficult? I am looking for a lightwieght small ice axe for climbing in couliors. 1 tool or hybrid and one whippet (hiking pole with axe attchment for self arrest on low angle slopes) One standard axe (raven or similar) and a hybrid tool. I'm from Switzerland and I want to start with easy high mountain tours, such as the Breitenhorn or Sustenhorn via the normal routes. All that being said, crampons and microspikes are often confused in terminology, and if there’s a language barrier even more so. Edit: wanted to add that executioners is better than lord Alexander but LA is under 10g. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Feb 12, 2024 · When looking for a climbing axe for your next adventure, be sure to consult our detailed assessment of the best ice axe. And now I have a question regarding the physical strength and reliability of ice axes. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. steep ice or other more technical terrain. With an axe this short you have to be comfortable walking on flattish ground without the 3rd point and learn reactive self-belays (which are stronger imo, drive it in with your bodyweight and works in shallower/firmer snow cause the axe is shorter). I’m almost 60 and still using lord alexanders. Dec 11, 2019 · How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski mountaineering, one with a modular head for steeper snow routes and complex glacier climbs, or a solid all-arounder to handle the full gambit of routes and conditions, we highlight some key factors to consider below. If you don’t know how to use an ice axe safely, it will cause more harm than good. Low or high snow, hikers starting out from KMS in late May could make good use of an ice axe. Let me explain. If you do things right, you would have plenty of other experiences and probably buy a second or even third ice axe by the time you're considering something like Denali. Looking at buying a ski mountaineering oriented ice axe after lugging my 60cm straight shaft ice axe around. The CAMP Corsa is definitely good enough for a thruhiker to complete the PCT, and would probably be the best choice for them. Broadly speaking, axe price correlates with the technical level of the [terrain]. I know that dirt and rocks will probably dull the ice axe. I wouldn't want to fight Alatreon without at least evade window 3. Start your journey today! I want to buy my first crampons and ice axe, and obviously I want them to be as versatile as possible. Conventional wisdom seems to be for that use case to go short and light. I’m not talking specifically about the DMM Rebel model, but about modern ice axes in general. 2 hybrid curved shaft axes, such as the petzl sumtecs or bd venoms. Logic being that if it's flat enough that you'd need the extra length from the ice axe, you don't need an ice axe. Jan 17, 2024 · Material Ice axes and ice tools are made of multiple materials but primarily aluminum and steel. Best switch axes for sunbreak I have not gotten to valstrax yet, but what are some of the best switch axes I can currently make in sunbreak? I use seething bazelguese for blast and chaotic gore magala for dragon rn. It will take a while to make 2 Compilation Videos for PC and NS Players Seperated (Edit: Done at July 10, Video here) . That’s why many more advanced climbers prefer shorter axes - they just don’t need the ax until things are quite steep, they’re fine with ski poles or nothing until then, and on that steep terrain a shorter ax will be better for swinging or dagger position or other things than We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. (All of this is my opinion) I manage and instruct on an indoor ice wall in London, and as such have had the opportunity to use the most of the alpine and vert ice axes made by the big four brands (Petzl, BD, DMM and Grivel), personally I own Quarks. How good are ice climbing axes on low angle ice and alpine use? Hi, so I went the first time ice climbing last week and really enjoyed it. And a classic straight ice axe will always be better for glacier travel and self arrest. An ice climbing tool won’t be the best for mountaineering. If I am just mountaineering (glacier travel, steep snow) I use a Petzl Summit. Some really good crossbows but loot is semi-random so you might get screwed. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Apr 28, 2025 · Explore the best mountaineering ice axes for different climbing styles, with tips on selecting the right axe for self-arrest, glacier travel, and technical climbs. When you're falling down an icy mountain, the only hope you have of possible arrest is an ice axe. while you place pro or do other things and dropping it is more likely. I would say it is more important to have good traction devices. . Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc) Going that long is great for gentle slopes, but you loose a lot of stability on steeper stuff, dexterity when swinging/hooking and its more dangerous is arrest with. Have a petzl glacier literide and think it’s a good axe for touring. I'm 5'10" and don't bend over very well, and the ice is at ground level, so that might suggest a long handle. Ice barbed spear is better though but you’d have to train polearms. If anyone has a decent PvP heavy ice build they are willing to share I would be most grateful Whilst not specifically ice climbing related, what’s everyone’s top picks for a mixed technical axe that can have picks swapped out to ice? Preferably not insanely expensive, so no more than £400 for a pair. Hockey tape for grip, a bit of foam on the top of the axe covered and compressed by duct tape works well for insulation. If I am doing an alpine route (steep snow requiring two tools, ice and mixed climbing) I use Petzl If you are travelling on blue-ice, a short ice axe could be fine, but I think it is simply too dangerous to use a short axe on snow. The other week Ice ax length depends as much on steepness of terrain as on height, the steeper the terrain the shorter the ax. My two cents would be to first decide what type of axe you need. Use case is exclusively for skiing, specifically around the Presidentials in NH (Tuckerman, GOS, etc). Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc). At higher levels you may want to prioritize defense over offense. May 1, 2025 · Explore the top ice axes for ice climbing, with expert recommendations on the best tools for performance, safety, and durability. I don’t know what length will fit in your pack, but the 45cm ice axes without steel spikes (i. Generally speaking, this is the type of axe most people prefer, when they are only using one axe (no second tool - for slopes of ~50 degrees or less). All the best and thank you for all the good threads here. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. I was wondering if you experienced folks ever used an Ice Tool instead of an Ice Axe for mountainering. Obviously not a replacement for actual practice on snow/ice, but a way to get in more repetitions. Alpine or Vert. Both of these are better that impaling your lung with your own axe because you didn’t know what you’re doing. Reply reply More replies Leandros99 • Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. So, go for a long Raven or snowalker. Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for ice axes for mountaineering. Is it common practice or do you absolutely recommend an ice axe for self arrest purpose? If an Ice Tool is fine, any recommendation on lenght compared to the usual anckle bone measure ? Thanks! Feb 4, 2019 · Searching for the best ice axes? Check out the top-rated of 2024, pros, cons, features, plus all you need to know about the best options available now! I recently played Lara Croft: Shadow of The Tomb Raider. Choose an axe for your intended level of use [and within your ability] i. micro spikes and ice axe. Now, I want to start mountaineering, and for my beginner tours, I believe I need an ice axe. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. Compliments axe of Destruction if you want that little extra push of damage. I have my eyes on the Petzl Ride, Gully For a thru hike an ice axe only has to be light and self arrest so something like the Suluk46 and Camp Corsa nanotech are perfectly fine. blnabjj bwtocdn zmj kegyj yptw nifsm kqihxowba flmh sbol trsn