[pct-l] ice axe length

[Nathan Ventura]

Just received my 70cm tall ice axe in the mail. I am 5' 10" and  
according to the sizing chart this length is good for low angle 15  
degree slopes. I was surprised by how short it is now that it is here.  
Is this really a good length. I bought it from REI so it would be easy  
to return for a different size. Any suggestions for as to what length  
would be good for someone of my size on the grades that I will be  
hiking with it would be appreciated.

-Rainer