[pct-l] Ice Axe Questions

[pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net (Jim Mayer)]

Carl,

I would think so too, but it doesn't seem to be the case.  Here's how the
one's I've found stack up:

    Grivel Pamir - relatively light, negative clearance
    Advanced Base Camp Massif - relatively light, postitive clearance
    REI Ice Axe (SMC Shuksan is the same) - heavier, positive clearance (I
think they changed
            it for this year... the Climbing review implied negative
clearance, but REI says positive and
            that's how the pictures look)
    Hugh Banner Glacier - heavier, positive clearance
    SOP Helios (http://sopgear.com/helios.htm) axes - feather weight,
agressive positive clearance

Very odd...

By the way, ABC (http://www.advancedbasecamp.com) carries a couple of axes
with telescoping shafts.  If they are sturdy enough, they would be great for
treking.

Also, the SOP Helios axes I mentioned above are available in custom lengths
at no extra charge.  You can take your choice of steel or titanium heads,
and titanium or aluminum shafts.  The titanium head/aluminum shaft is
extremely light and relatively inexpensive.  I can't speak to how well they
work, as I have little experience and have only seen their web page.

-- Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl Mears" <carl@remss.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 03, 2001 1:38 PM
Subject: [pct-l] Re: PCT-L digest, Vol 1 #3 - 10 msgs


<snip>
> I agree with Climbing Mag -- I think the top one [postitive clearance -
JLM] would
> pretty violent for a self arrest on ice.  I'd bet that
> most 90 cm axes would have picks like the bottom one [negative clearance -
JLM].