Black Diamond  Raven Pro Ice Axe

My primary motivation for buying this ice axe was weight. It's extremely light and once it's strapped to your pack you'll forget it's there. The axe is sharp and strong, and performs on both snow and ice. I've used it for general mountaineering and some low-level ice terrain. I purchased the 70 cm axe, which is a good general mountaineering size for me (I'm 5'8"), though I might go down to 65 cm for more technical terrain. If you're looking for a lightweight, sturdy and reliable ice axe for general mountaineering, this one is hard to beat.

Let me start out by saying that I am in no way a mountaineer or an ice climber or a risk taker in the wild of any sort. I'm actually kind of a chicken and I was completely out of my mind with worry about having to learn how to use and ice axe and worse-to depend on one. However, this little number became a much appreciated companion on the PCT. The weight is great, no complaints about the design at all! And the best thing about it (in my opinion) is it's many uses. I've heard mountaineerers say that once you start using one, you'll feel like you need it all the time and I'll admit they are right-I'll never forget the day that a fellow hiker came barreling down the trail at us to tell us that ice axes dug the best cat holes-he was right! If you're looking for a good all around deal-buy this ice axe.

I have both a Raven and a Raven Pro and unless you are pulling pennies from the couch to afford it, the small extra cost is worth the reduction in weight. This is a great axe. It is well constructed so you don't have rivets, screws or other sharp edges to catch or cut your other gear. Moreover, it is just pretty. That may seem silly, but having gear you like to hold and look at not only encourages you to go use it, but is nice in the barren world of 14,000'.

I've taken this axe up Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams and it performed exactly as you would expect. It grips into ice and compacted snow as well as you could want and it is also light. I have always been a fan of Black Diamond and that is really why I bought it over the other brands, but lets be honest here, its light, its strong, and best of all it works. What more can you really expect from an ice axe?

The adze is a bit narrow and, given its light weight, cutting steps in hard pack takes a bit more effort than a heavier axe would require. Other than that, it's seemingly weightless after hours of climbing and has a nice feel in both climbing and self-arrest positions.

Wow. So glad that I purchased this ice axe. Unyielding strength combined with comfort and lightweight carry. Used this axe climbing Mount Washington and it proved itself faithful throughout the trip. Absolutely outstanding.

Used this Ice Ax for my climb on Mt Rainier. Performed great and held up to the abuse. The Pro is 100 grams lighter than the classic. That doesn't sound like much but when your using it for 10 hours it makes the difference.

This is a super lightweight ice axe, and lightweight is important when at altitude. The pick has a nice bite to it, and the adze has a nice contour for digging or cutting snow.

This axes are super light and super technical. They are great for those who are just getting into winter climbing.I use mine for ski ascents and self rescue, they rule..

Very light weight and comfortable grip design. Basic for all around mountaineering use. Not a bunch of unnessisary bells and whistles.