[pct-l] Strength of Aluminum Alloy Ice Axes

[mdonnay at yahoo.com (Michael Donnay)]

I'm shopping for a lightweight ice axe to carry on the PCT.  I've found
4 ice axes whose shafts AND heads are made of a lightweight aluminum
alloy.  I'm considering the CAMP XLA 210, CAMP/Lowe HL250, Grivel Nepal
Light, and Cassin Ghost.  The CAMP XLA 210 and the Cassin Ghost are
made of "tough 7075 Aluminum alloy" while the other two use a "light
alloy material."

1. Can anyone attest to how "tough" these alloy lightweights really
are?  Could an aluminum alloy pick break off in a self-arrest?  Should
I stick with a steel head and aluminum alloy shaft instead?

2. I've taken a basic mountaineering class in the past that taught the
self-arrest.  Now I'm wondering if I can get away with the shortest
shaft available to save weight.  Wasn't Jardine's ice axe a mere 20"
long?  Any recommendations?

3. Are there any other ice axes out there that I should be considering?

Thanks for your recommendations.
Mike



		
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