[pct-l] ice axe length

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

With the adz at shoulder level and the shaft running diagonally across your 
stomach to your opposite anterior pelvic edge (I've forgotten what it's 
actually called), do you have enough shaft length to hold onto the shaft at 
that pelvic location to perform a self-arrest? Short axes are lighter, but 
useless for self-belay up or self-arrest down the pass. Will you be using 
the axe as a walking stick or pack prop?


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nathan Ventura" <nathanrainer at verizon.net>
To: "pct-l" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 12:55 PM
Subject: [pct-l] ice axe length


> 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
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