Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe with Grip

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The Raven Axe with grip adds some classic features that offer an enven better performance, with a rubber grip for extra comfort and a slider leash for extra security. 

Black Diamond says

The Black Diamond Raven Ice Axe with Grip takes our classic mountaineer’s piolet, the Raven, and combines a new dual-density rubber grip and our updated Slider Leash for increased security and versatility. Now redesigned, the Raven with Grip is lighter, and has an updated investment-cast, stainless steel head ergonomically improved for increased comfort while walking. The updated pick and adze geometry allow for more secure placements and efficient chopping, and the revamped spike adds better bite on those icy placements with improved plunge-ability. The durable aircraft-grade aluminum shaft is also improved with a trapezoidal cross-section for a more comfortable, better grip.

Our Verdict

Black Diamonds Raven Axe with grip offers all the great features of the Raven Axe but with some classic features offer even better performance.

Raven axe is their modern take on the most classic mountain axe that has been the staple of anyone tackling the classic routes. This update offers a lightweight, durable and comfortable axe for the modern age.

The investment cast head is durable and as aggressive as you need without being too heavy, leading to an overall well-balanced axe. It is also very comfortable to hold making it easier to use while consistently walking and the modern style of spike make plunging easier, both of which are helpful on longer days.

The rubber grip allows for a firmer more confident grip on the axe while swinging into ice and snow. While the slider leash offers a higher level of security that was standard for generations of ice axe design, but may not be to everyone’s tase on a walking axe, particularly if you like to swap hands. 

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Durable, trapezoidal cross-section, aircraft-grade aluminum shaft 
• Investment-cast, one-piece stainless-steel head with a large hole for a carabiner 
• Comfortable, dual-density molded grip 
• Pick’s curve and teeth engineered for secure self-arresting 
• Equipped with updated Slider Leash 
• CEN-B certified

Specifications

• 60cm length weight: 469g (brands stated weight)
• Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel Head & Spike
• Head: Investment-Cast Stainless steel
• Shaft: Aluminum
• Ice Axe Rating: B

B-Rated Axe – Designed to be used for hillwalking, winter walking and general mountaineering.

B-rated ices axes are an ideal choice for those who are not looking to climb mountains but are wanting something to tackle a snow climb or alpine route. These models of ice axe are perfect for additional balance on a tricky step or security on steep slopes.

Help and advice:

• Choosing Ice Axes