| Black Diamond Raven Pro
4.8 out of 5 based on 16 user reviews.
Cred: 28184 | | If you need a mountain axe and are looking for light weight, such as ski mountaineers this is a good direction to begin looking. Black diamond has kept it simple with this clean design. The handle is comfortable to hold onto the shape of the handle is rounded, you can notice it if you check out the video. You can really feel the weight of this axe or should I say lack there of when you are holding onto it for a long period of time. |
| The axes spade could be a little bigger I found since the whole unit has been paired down for weight this has also shrunk quite a bit. |
| If you are thinking of going lightweight another company producing lightweight mountain gear is Camp. |
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Cred: 888 | | Review by ErikW on Aug. 08, 2009 |
| Great lightweight and full-use ice axe. Where many of the uber-ultra-lightweight axes out there aren't strong enough to handle the rigors of mountaineering (i.e., using them as deadman anchors), the Raven Pro keeps those options in play. Abuse it all you want. Head shape fits perfectly in the hand - as does the shaft when in dagger or frontpointing position - and both holes (head and spike) accept most 'biners. I don't mind the smaller adze, it's just part of the package with lightweight axes. |
| Poor color choice for a tool that's meant to be used in the snow. |
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Cred: 14 | | I have only used this axe on one climb, but on that climb it was perfect! I hit rocks with it, it didn't dull. I glissaded down the snowy chute next to the switchbacks on Mt. Whitney with it, and it gave me excellent control. I was able to clip a carabiner into its head to improvise an ice axe leash. Simple, classic design that worked like a charm. I will definitely be taking it on my next trip. |
| Only thing is that it is a bit heavy, but that heaviness means nothing when you know you have a durable ice axe like this. |
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Cred: 2338 | | Finally replaced my old BD steel axe. Very lightweight... especially in-lieu-of my old axe. Different feel especially in comparison to my old steel axe. |
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Cred: 125 | | Simple ice axe. Have it in 65cm. Good general mountaineering axe. Light weight but still has great durability. |
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Cred: 262 | | Same as the Raven, just lighter. |
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Cred: 7 | | Kind of a funny weight on the back swing |
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Cred: 64 | | Great all around lightweight axe. |
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Cred: 12 | | Great for glacier travel. |
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