Simple, Light and Strong

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I don't know about you, but I have been searching for the perfect ice axe that would be for alpine routes that involve short sections of glacier travel — routes in the Cascades, Serpentine Arete on Dragontail Peak or North Ridge of Mt. Stuart are a few that come to mind.

On these routes you need an ice axe for the approach and after that the axe needs to be stowed on your pack for the remainder of the climb, so it needs to be very light, effective for self-arrest and to potentially do a little steep ice. I have found an ice axe that is perfect for this type of climbing. The Grivel Air Tech Racing, this ice axe is simple, light and strong.

The Air Tech Racing is a perfect all around ice axe. The head is made of forged chromoly, which gives the axe good bit for cutting steps or for using in the different dagger positions. The shaft of the axe is made with Ergal aluminum; this gives the axe a very lightweight feel. The spike is made of an aluminum alloy that is very resilient. I have seen other alloy spikes wear down to a nub very quickly. The Air Tech Racings spike is very durable and long lasting.

As for weight the Air Tech Racing is considered the lightest forged chromoly headed ice axe in the world. A 66cm ice axe weighs in at Very light 14 oz. Yes, there lighter ice axes in the world but you sacrifice durability and strength for the weight savings.

The Fine Print
Sizes: 48, 52, 58, 66, 74cm.
Cost: SRP $118.50

— Patrick Cook, Alpine Ascents International Gear Manager