Ice axe size by height . For example, one of our guides is 6’1″ (185cm) and their longest ice axe is 60 cm. Parts of an Ice Axe. A short ice axe is useless in the lower steepness terrain. A longer axe, though, can be unwieldy to use during self-arrest because the spike can catch in the snow and send you and your axe flying. Factors to consider when selecting the right mountaineering ice-axe length include your height—taller folks generally go for longer axes, for obvious reasons—but also what kind of high-country recreation you intend to be pursuing. The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says Height Gradual Elevating Steep Vertical 5ft 0in : 55cm 50cm 50cm 50cm Ice axes for general mountaineering, by contrast, may range from 40 to 90 centimeters in length. According to the old advice, all of his ice axes are at least 10cm too short! Why keep an ice axe short? On steep terrain, a longer ice axe puts the climber’s hand Jan 14, 2022 · Ice axes are measured in centimeters from the tip to the top of the head, and they generally come between 50 and 70 centimeters (20-27 inches) long (Image credit: Gerry Images) Ice axes are measured in centimeters from the tip to the top of the head, and they generally come between 50 and 70 centimeters long. His most frequently used ice axe is 56cm, and he even uses a 45cm ice axe for ski objectives. com Jan 14, 2017 · Also I would like to challenge the "shorter is better" claim based on my experience with ice axes from 66cm to 45cm at a body height of 1,80m. Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you're tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size. A longer ice axe can still be used well in 45° terrain. When you shop for an ice axe, you'll need to know its basic components: See full list on outdoorgearlab. swfkdl xeebtzxh dhpihc notyqf dicnl tzee apw tevl gwesppb ncdc