The Alpax Special Ice Axe by Camp USA is the Alpax technical alpine tool with patented Hand Rest system - a pinky rest is extractable from the shaft for vertical ice and tucks away for more general mountaineering, all without the need for any special tools.
DECENT FEATURES of the Camp USA Alpax Special Ice Axe
Alpinism, General Mountaineering
Most versatile alpine tools on the market!
Patented Hand Rest system for leash less climbing-no tools required
Superb balance and swing for demanding alpine routes
Smooth shaft plunges easily into snow
Mono-structure replaceable head and pick reduces vibration
Rugged T-rated picks and shafts
Wear indicator warns when it is time to replace the pick
Optional Alpine adjustable leash (1304) easily attaches to the head
Carabineer holes at the head and spike for easy clipping
"Finish on the 'hammer' version not as good"
04/12/13
I bought the 50cm hammer pick version and the 57cm adze version. The 57cm finish was good but the 50cm hammer was not. I noticed that the hammer hex bolts had rounded (making it difficult to remove the pick) for a new axe. What a pain in the ass as I now have to replace them (if they loosened in the field I would have a tough time dealing with rounded bolts for pick change). Not sure what bolt type they are...and the sticker/bubble thing on the red handle was poorly stuck on. It's coming off already so why bother doing it if it comes off so easily? The nut recession also needs tighter tolerances holding the nut in place (for adze and hammer).
I struggled with trying to get a set of axes that would do everything...these have a nice curve (wish it was more bent) but at 57cm it was a good length. The hand rest is beefier than what the pics make it out to be. The button for the handle was quite difficult to depress to slide the handle (don't expect to do it with gloves on).It feels comfortable enough in the hand.This comes with a leash.