Equipment Store

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe

Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe description

The Raven Pro Ice Axe is the lightest, full-service piolet available, period. It has a super clean and simple design for the high-end user who refuses to sacrifice performance for less weight. The sleek and ergonomic head provides a sure grip and all day comfortthis also makes for a fast, smooth hand rotation when going into self-arrest. Boot-axe belays are a snap too. The classically curved adze blasts ice, chops steps, and clears snow quickly and easily. Not just for the climber, the Raven Pro is a ski/snowboard-mountaineer's dream as well. At 11 ounces, you may think you forgot to bring it with you. Durable 7075-T6 Aluminum shaft, 17-4 investment cast stainless steel head and spike.

The Raven Pro is amazingly light for a full steel head and a real alloy spike (as opposed to just a plug in a cut-off shaft). The pick and adze are on the narrow side, but that appears to be the only performance concession made to save weight. The weight penalty is surprisingly small compared to my all-aluminum ice axe, and the additional performance is worth the weight on routes where I know I'll be using an ice axe for extended periods.

This was the perfect ticket for a very snowy, icy Mt. Whitney ascent this spring. Had one slip and the axe proved itself with a quick self-arrest. And did I mention it's really light?

Really light and way better then their raven from 5 years ago. The handle is really easy to hang on to and the adze doesn't cut into your hand. Super solid which is much expected from Black Diamond. Great for scaring the crap out of un-wanted visitors trying to get in your home when not in use on the mountain.