u/trendyfriendy

Looking into buying a first ice axe after renting and borrowing gear for a while, and I’d love to save weight with some of the options I’ve seen (300-350 grams vs most traditional ice axes around 400-450g) but I’ve read that lighter axes aren’t as good with steep snow or when self arresting. Is it that big a difference using a ~1/4lb lighter axe?

Climbing in the PNW, to give a reference for the conditions.

I’m only looking at axes with a steel head and full spike at the bottom, so nothing like the camp corsa. More along the lines of the Grivel Ghost Evo or Trango Altum