The Salewa Alpine-X Ice Axe in Night/Black is a top - pick for general mountaineering. It's a lightweight, hybrid axe that's a joy to use. Its ergonomic head makes it super comfortable to hold during ascents and descents, giving you great support. The 3 - mm aggressive steel blade easily penetrates ice and snow, perfect for steep alpine couloirs or glacier work. The precision - cast steel head, with its concentrated weight, provides excellent anchoring. The straight shaft helps with smooth plunging and secure belay construction. The sharp (replaceable) carbide tip at the bottom gives better grip on hard snow or ice, and the sharpened adze is ideal for cutting steps and chopping ledges. It's compatible with SALEWA's self - locking handrest and handloop. There are holes at the head and bottom of the shaft base for clipping a carabiner. The shaft is made of anodised and hardened high - tech aluminium 7075, T6. Materials include a carbon steel head, 7075 aluminium shaft, and carbide spike. It's certified with CE EN 13089, B, UIAA 152. Available in 53 cm (350 g) and 65 cm (375 g).
Using the Salewa Alpine - X Ice Axe is straightforward. When climbing up or down, hold the axe by its ergonomic head for a comfortable grip and use it for support. For steep ice or snow, the aggressive blade will penetrate easily, but make sure to use proper technique. When making steps or ledges, use the sharpened adze. When moving on hard snow or ice, the carbide tip at the bottom will give you a better grip. To clip your carabiner, use the holes at the head and bottom of the shaft base. As for the handrest and handloop, if you have the SALEWA self - locking ones, they're compatible with this axe. When it comes to maintenance, keep the blade sharp. If the carbide tip gets dull, you can replace it. After each use, wipe the axe clean to prevent rust, especially the carbon steel head. Store it in a dry place. Always check the certifications and make sure the axe is in good condition before using it in the mountains.
