[pct-l] ice axe length.

[ronyon at comcast.net (Ron Smith)]

Dave,
REI says "The best all-around length is from your hand (hanging by your
side) to the top of your foot." I'm just under 6'1 and chose a 70mm ice
axe (Black Diamond Raven Pro). It doesn't quite reach the top of my
foot, but feels just right. You can probably get by with 70mm, but, at
6'4, may want to look for a model that comes in a 75mm length (such as
the aforementioned Black Diamond Raven Pro -- not as light as the Ghost,
but still light) Better yet, if you're near a climbing store, get their
recommendation for length.
Ron

> I'm planning to get a Cassin Ghost ice axe for a
> little wintertime training and for PCT2004 (CA portion
> at least).  I'm almost 6'4, so no doubt longer is
> better.  Cassin offers at 50, 60, and 70 cm. (The
> weight differences must be pretty negligible, since
> it's only 7 oz for the 50 cm length.)
> Any thoughts on the best length for someone of my
> height?  I'll be carrying two trekking poles also, so
> this is really just for the serious snowy / icy
> slopes.
> Thanks!
> Dave T.