Ushba Altai Titanium Ice Axe

[Dug]

Anyone had any experience with this? Got a Backpacking Light award apparently. Ti would be stronger than Al but I wonder how it compares to steel.

http://www.ushba.com/catalog/altai.html

[cj001f]

You add .8oz and save $150 by buying a RavenPro

[Dug]

I'm not in the market for a new ice axe. This is just a curiosity.

[cj001f]

just a curiosity.

Describes the 6 year history of the Altai

[Will]

11.8oz?

pffft.... lead bricks if you ask me.

4.5 oz, bitch!

http://www.ula-equipment.com/helix.htm

(though not too sure if I'd trust it for more than a desperate self-arrest or a walking cane.)

[summit]

11.8oz?

pffft.... lead bricks if you ask me.

4.5 oz, bitch!

http://www.ula-equipment.com/helix.htm

(though not too sure if I'd trust it for more than a desperate self-arrest or a walking cane.)

I saw that... carbon fiber shaft.... they don't market it as an alpine axe they sell it as a "Potty Trowel"

[Will]

I met the guy who makes them in Logan (and got one for free from my friend page). He markets it as a 'potty trowel' as he got a lot of crap from folks for calling it an ice axe. It's not tested and it's crazy light - calling it a potty trowel probably avoids some liability issues.

I expect that the long distance enduro-racers who are looking for something like that understand all the dangers associated with using it, but are willing to accept them.

[iskibc]

I'll keep my 11.8 oz. RavenPro. Only an extra several ounces. Shave weight by using some ultra-light crampons. Not worth risking your life by using a potty trowell as a self-arrest tool.

[summit]

Regarding the CF/Al axe, what Dave said. The thing doesn't get the CE B rating. Dave is your Raven Pro the 55cm version or what?

Also in the realm of superlight is a Camp USA XLA 210 the 50cm is 7.4oz but I don't know if it has a CE B rating. It's all Al including the head.

Regarding the Ti axe, thhough it is less than an ounce ligher than a Raven Pro (60cm Raven Pro is 13.5oz, 60cm Ti axe is 12.7oz) I'd bet my life that it is a hell of a lot stronger than even my Raven. The sales mumbo jumb on the site is insinuating that it is nearly a CE T but didn't get that rating. But do you need that (and in a straight shaft)?

I use an 18oz 70cm Raven if I know I'm going to need an axe. I use a 15oz 68cm Petzl/Charlet Moser Snowalker if I'm bringing the axe as a just in case.

The Raven series has to be the best and most ergonomic axe out there although some question its wider shorter (vertically, not length) pick.

I'm thinking of selling both axes to buy a 65cm or 70cm Raven Pro as I don't really need the larger adze or extra strength (extra weight) on the Raven.

There is also the Venom. The 64cm adze version of the interchangable tech pick bent shaft Venom looks interesting for the same weight as the Raven.

[Dug]

Regarding the Ti axe, thhough it is less than an ounce ligher than a Raven Pro (60cm Raven Pro is 13.5oz, 60cm Ti axe is 12.7oz) I'd bet my life that it is a hell of a lot stronger than even my Raven.

I thought Ti was softer than steel though...I think.

[harpo-the-skier]

I have had the Ushba axe for the last 5 or so years from before the Raven Pro came out. If I was making the purchase now, I would go with the Raven Pro. I have used the Ushba for numerous snow climbs but have never had to sink the pick into ice. For what I have used it for, it is holding up well, and it is beautifully welded. That said, I would like to hear from someone how the balance and pick strength of the all Ti design is for sinking the pick into hard snow or ice. Anyone have experience with that?

[cj001f]

There is also the Venom. The 64cm adze version of the interchangable tech pick bent shaft Venom looks interesting for the same weight as the Raven.

If you care about oz's the Venom is an oz or two heavier than the comparable Raven size. My 57cm (actual is a cm or so shorter than that) Venom weighs 18.1oz (sans leash, as stock adds ~1oz). Still handles well, but it's definitely not a T tool...

[sfotex]

I've got a raven pro and like it alot. I got into some rock hard alpine ice with it last year, and it handled pretty well for the weight/pick on it. I was having to swing multiple times to get a good stick,but it was going in. I really should have had an ice tool though for the conditions ...

[Orange Julius]

I have used the Ushba 55cm Ti axe for years now. It is a perfect ski-mountaineering axe and excellent for glacier approaches to difficult rock climbs. It is almost too light at times though! The pick has no momentum when swinging, so it takes some work. It is lovingly welded and a piece of art. Mega$$$ at retail price though. I would not get on stuff that is super techy with it, esp water ice. Summer glacier/firn snow is perfect for it.

[bad_roo]

This is lighter than all of 'em and only costs €49 from TP. Has served me well for years.

[summit]

^I dunno about those 45deg shaft cut "spikes"

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I think that the venom, being about equal weight to the raven, might be a more functional tool in hairier situations, B tool even. But I'll probably opt for a 65cm or 70cm Raven Pro if I unload my gear.

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One nice thing about a sharp 70cm Raven... you swing it... it goes in.