The Petzl Summit Ice Axe is a top - choice classic mountaineering tool that offers an outstanding balance between cost and performance. This lightweight ice axe has just the right amount of weight in the head to provide excellent anchoring power. Whether you're using it in piolet - canne, piolet - rampe, or piolet - traction mode on short, steep sections, it delivers great results. The curved upper part of the shaft gives you plenty of clearance while climbing, and the straighter lower part ensures efficient penetration in snow. The pick and adze are made of hot - forged steel, providing solid anchoring. The thin (3 mm), toothed tip of the pick offers good grip in hard snow and ice, while the thicker middle part is perfect for soft snow. The teeth on the upper part of the pick enhance your hold in piolet - rampe mode. The durable stainless - steel spike penetrates hard snow well, especially in piolet - canne mode. The high - strength steel adze has a comfortable support surface and is designed to carve stairs efficiently. Its tilted design directs the axe properly into the snow. Both the head and spike have holes for attaching a carabiner or sling. The high - quality 7075 aluminium shaft, with an anodized finish, offers excellent protection. The handle is cut into the adze for a better grip. This ice axe is also compatible with the LINKIN leash. Specifications: Pick type: 1, Shaft type: 1, Certification(s): CE, UIAA, Material(s): heat - treated steel, aluminium 7075, stainless heat - treated steel.
Using the Petzl Summit Ice Axe is quite straightforward. For piolet - canne mode, hold the axe by the handle and use the spike to penetrate the snow for support as you walk. In piolet - rampe mode, place the pick and adze on the snow surface and use the teeth on the pick for a better hold. On short, steep sections, switch to piolet - traction mode. When using the adze to carve stairs, use the edge design to your advantage. Always make sure to attach a carabiner or sling through the holes in the head and spike for added safety. As for maintenance, after each use, clean the ice axe with a soft cloth to remove snow and dirt. Check the pick, adze, and spike for any signs of damage or wear. If the aluminium shaft gets scratched, the anodized finish will still offer some protection, but try to avoid excessive scratching. Store the ice axe in a dry place to prevent rusting, especially for the steel parts. And keep it away from sharp objects that could damage the shaft or the handle.
