Weighing in at less than 14 ounces, the Raven Pro Ice Axe by Black Diamond is a great multi-purpose snow and glacier tool. Built with an aluminum shaft and a more compact investment-cast stainless steel head and spike, it provides all-around performance.
DECENT FEATURES of the Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Investment-cast, polished stainless steel head and spike
Lightweight aluminum shaft
Ergonomic head is designed with an aggressive pick and large hole for a carabiner
The difference between the pro and regular Raven Ice Axe is pretty remarkable when you hold them both. Considering how much time and effort you spend lugging stuff up and down mountains just to get to a place to use an ice axe, I'd say the extra cost is well worth it to get a lighter axe. As for the usability, the Raven Pro feels very solid in the pick and head areas, while the shaft is super light. It's a great combination, and I think a perfect axe for general mountaineering!
This is a nice mountaineering axe. It has a nice grip, comes in a bunch of lengths, so you can get the appropriate length, and it gets the job done. Just add a piece of webbing to make a leash and you are all set.
This is one of the best, minimalist axes I have ever used. The thing is very lightweight, yet quite sturdy, and it doesn't have any of the unnecessary bells, whistles, and other useless, weight-adding crap that you find on so many axes these days. The only complaint I have - and this is really a nitpick more than anything - is that the shaft can sometimes be a bit slippery. However, 50ยข worth of grip tape in a couple strategic locations fixed this niggle quite well. Bottom line: this is a great axe, and I would recommend it to anybody in need of a solid, medium-duty traditional axe without hesitation.
by
dustin
from The Great (and Rainy) Pacific Northwest
everything you need in an ice axe and nothing you don't. Light weight and super solid construction. What I love about this axe is that it doesn't come with any of the flashy stuff that is unnecessary like rubber grips or stupid little leashes. All you need for a leash is some webbing tied through the hole in the top of the shaft, and make it long enough to clip right into your harness so you can switch hands without having to take a stupid little short lease off your wrist everything you switchback up the slope. I would recommend this axe above any others for traditional mountaineering and ski mountaineering where you're more likely to need it than not.
The Ravens are all very comfortable to grip/carry/handle, but the Pro is especially so given its reduced weight. Though the Pro's pick is noticeably trimmer than the original Raven's, it still allows for efficient arrest.
I've used the Raven Pro during two ascents of Rainier and love how light and strong it is, as well as how comfortable it is when climbing. Mine looks especially bad ass with my Moosejaw sticker on it!
I've used the Raven Pro during two ascents of Rainier and love how light and strong it is, as well as how comfortable it is when climbing. Mine looks especially bad ass with my Moosejaw sticker on it!
I highly recommend this product for someone looking for a solid, light, ice ax. Fairly cheap I'm sure just the Raven would be fine if you want the 10 dollar difference.
Plain and simple this is the best glacier travel axe you can get. The weight savings are an obvious advantage and seeing as how it is black diamond, you know that it was built to the highest quality.
I just used this ice axe to climb the Kautz Glacier route on Mt. Rainier and it was perfect. Lightweight and very nice in the hand. You barely even realize your holding it because of the weight. Highly reccomended!
This axe is well designed and well built. It is really light for quick ascents to the glacier and does not weigh you down as you climb. This axe has wow factor when you pick it up and seems to be built tough.
$169.95 - $574.95
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