Black Diamond  Raven Pro Ice Axe

I've carried this axe in the Andes, the Alps, and the Cascades. While the pick and shaft are perfectly adequate for self-arrest and as a cane, they went too far for weight saving and left a big hole in the adze blade just to save a few extra grams. I tried to dig with it to place a picket (hurrying to rig a rescue for a climber hanging in a crevasse on Mt. Baker) and the snow simply passed right through the hole. It was like eating soup with a fork. In some snow conditions it works better, but you don't get to choose your conditions when something serious happens on the mountain. Buy something with a SOLID adze blade instead; it's only a few grams difference and worth every gram for safety. I carry a Petzl Sum'Tec now and leave the Raven Pro at home.

I have been using this axe for 7 years and have been on Mt. Rainier, and many Colorado 14ers. This axe saved my life while climbing Little Bear Peak when I self arrested in the hourglass couloir on ice. I have had to actually self arrest 5 times in my life and this axe has performed great each time.

Use: mountaineering up Mt. Shasta - Northside Route - Hotlum-Bolam Ridge and glissading down -for those interested in getting an ice axe, main difference between the Black Diamond Raven and the Black Diamond pro seem to be weight. The pro feels a lot lighter and has a stainless-steel head/spike which feels more solid when digging into the ground. overall: lightweight, solid/stiff ice axe, and is everything you expect

I'm a previous owner of the non-pro Raven ice axe, and I have to say, in everything but weight, this version is a substantial step backwards for a few reasons: 1) The pick, adze, and spike are all much sharper than is necessary or safe for a simple glacier travel traditional axe, making carrying and travel less convenient. If this were an ice-climbing tool or otherwise more oriented towards technical terrain, a sharp pick and even spike might be justified, but a sharp adze doesn't do anything but cut other equipment during travel, and gloves or important body parts during self-arrest. 2) The adze is not particularly usable due to the too-large cutout, presumably for weight savings. I use my non-technical axe mostly for controlled glissading and shoveling to build camps (most people who survive long in the mountains aren't emergency self-arresting too frequently), so a barely-functional adze is hard to overlook. 3) Finally, and this is very subjective and may not be the case for you, the ergonomics of the head which had previously made me a huge fan of the non-pro version of the Raven are much worse for me in the pro version. It doesn't fit as comfortably in my palm, and makes the axe more unwieldy to use. I want gear that may help me stop a dangerous fall to fit right. In summary, if you are absolutely set on the lowest weight ice axe with a pick, this is a decent enough option. If your priorities also include ergonomics and safety in real-world use though, I would strongly consider looking at other models or brands.

So far the only place I've used the axe is on Mt. Hood in Oregon. Performed well. I love the head on this axe. It probably has the most comfortable hold of any axe out there. It has great balance as well. All around Black Diamond made a very ergonomic axe. If I ever lost it I'd definitally buy another.

This was an essential item on my climb on Mt. Rainer in May 2013. Light weight, easy grip. Only 2 negative characteristics: first, the whole thing would freeze and, in turn, freeze my hand even with a heavy glove on...but this is to be expected (wish it came with a cover slip or something though). Second, the pick and spike were extremely sharp...more than needed for what I was doing I think. I had to really watch out so I didnt' bump into it or ruin gear.

All three points are mega sharp. I have to be super careful when throwing this in the Jeep to not scratch or puncture anything. The material is fantastic and warms up quickly for use with bare hands. Really easy to use and makes for quick self arrests. Love that I can go glissading safely now.

The handle has a very sharp tip while using it as a cane, giving me a confident third point of contact while going up. The adze chipped easily through the snow and ice making flat spots to stand and rest. It had a great swing to it, dug in well going up and while using it to self arrest. Would recommend the protective covers as it is a very sharp tool

I decided to get a new ice axe and went with this one. I love the lightweight feel. Easy to use in all conditions and very safe feeling when performing self arrest. I sized it a bit bigger and glad I did as I love to use it while trekking steep climbs and getting rid of my poles. The shape, weight and feeling while in your hand make this a great tool, and so glad I upgraded. This is a perfect choice for all activities. thanks.

I've used this on Rainier, Helens and countless other peaks. This axe is rock solid and my go to piece of equipment. I have punished this axe and it's still going strong. Great piece of equipment!!