Naomi Judd
What To Look For
When looking for the right pair of ice axes, you really want to take your time and decide what's right for you. These are not a cheap item and ultimately are an extension of your body when climbing. Look for axes that have a slightly angled shaft if you are a beginner, but avoid the "leashless" tools such as the Black Diamond Fusions or BD Reactors. These might look cool but are more for mixed and vertical to overhanging ice. When browsing for ice tools in your local gear shop, pick them up and see which ones feel best when you grip them and swing them. Some shops have practice walls you can actually swing fully into. Trusted brands are Black Diamond, Petzl and Grivel. Hold the ax for a good 10 minutes or so before deciding if you like the weight; some people do better with a lighter ax such as the Petzl Aztarex tools (500 g), and others prefer swinging a mid-weight ax such as the Black Diamond Vipers (625 g to 655 g).
Common Pitfalls
Pay attention to the entire design of the ax. Some have spikes or ferrules on the bottom of the shafts. Some do not, and others are designed so that you can remove them if you wish. The removable ones are the kind you want to find. These can be helpful when using the ax as a walking stick across a glacier, but you may want to remove them for your own safety when starting out. In a similar fashion, some axes come with a removable finger rest that is very nice to have. Buy one with a hammer and one with an adze for starters, using the one with the hammer in your less-dominant hand in case it comes back at your face.
Where To Buy
Buy your ice axes from a local gear shop or from an online source, which may be a little cheaper. Trails.com, Altrec.com, MountainGear.com or Back Country.com all have a selection of ice tools. If you do buy online, go to gear shops in person first and handle the tools. It's like trying on a pair of pants or shoes; it's best done in a store. If you are looking at used axes such as on eBay, you may be able to find a good deal if the shafts are in good shape, but you may need to replace the picks if they have been thinned out too much after repeated sharpening. Don't hesitate to ask the seller a load of questions about what the tools have been through and why she is selling them.
Cost
New ice axes generally cost from $180 to $300 per ax. Prepare to dish out at least $500 for a new pair. Individual ice picks range from $32 to $50 each. Clip-on leashes (highly recommended for beginners) cost about $45.
