BLACK DIAMOND Product Reviews and Ratings - Winter Mountaineering Gear - Raven Pro Axe from Eastern Mountain Sports

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(based on 9 ratings)

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Brand: BLACK DIAMOND

Online Retailer ID: 210178478

Located in: All Outdoor Gear, Winter Gear, Winter Mountaineering Gear

Keeping the gear light is always a must for mountaineers, and at just 13.5 ounces for the 70cm length, the Raven Pro definitely qualifies. The head is wasp waisted for comfort on day-long trips or shuttling loads to high camps.

More information for the Raven Pro Axe

Product Reviews Summary

Avg. Customer Rating:

(based on 9 reviews)

100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:

Lightweight (9)

Cons:

None (3)

Best Uses:

Mountaineering (7), Snow climbing (3)

Describe Yourself:

Casual adventurer (4)

Black Diamond Quality

By Greg - 14teener Climber

from Castle Rock, CO. on 7/21/2008

Pros:

Good Balance, Lightweight, Safe

Cons:

None

Best Uses:

Glacier Climbing, Mountaineering, Snow Climbing

Describe Yourself:

Avid Mountaineer

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Used the Raven Pro on Rainer and I wasn't disappointed. When I took it out of the box and compaired it to my old Ice Axe as far as weight and balance, I was already sold on it. It bites into the snow and ice like it should, and because of the light weight, is even more comfortable to use than older axes.

excellent for steep snow

By Marmot

from New Mexico on 4/29/2008

Pros:

Lightweight, Sturdy

Cons:

None

Best Uses:

Glacier Climbing, Mountaineering, Snow Climbing

Describe Yourself:

Avid Mountaineer

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

great axe for AK, CO, CA, etc. snow climbs & glacier travel.

Doesn't compromise weight for strength

By X from Brunswick, ME on 12/4/2007

Pros:

Comfortable Grip, Good Balance, Lightweight, Sharp

Cons:

None

Best Uses:

Mountaineering, Snow Climbing

Describe Yourself:

Casual/ Recreational

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I bought this as my first ice ax and if it continues to preform it will be my last. This ax cuts steps in ice remarkably easily despite its light weight, because of this aspect it has endeared itself to me quite quickly. It seems like a steep price but the stainless steel is worth it when all you want to do when you get back to your car is warm up and not immediately start to dry off your ax. Great Product!

Ice ax what I expected

By David in PDX

from Portland, OR on 7/11/2007

Pros:

Easy To Use, Lightweight, Tough

Describe Yourself:

Casual/ Recreational

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Bought this as my general ice ax. Light with tough steel head for icy conditions.

very light, strong

By shining

from ramsey ,MINNESOTA on 4/21/2007

Pros:

Easy To Use, Lightweight, Stylish, Tough

Best Uses:

Icy Conditions, Slushy Conditions, White Out Conditions

Describe Yourself:

Advanced, Casual/ Recreational, marathon runner,hiking

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

first time,I used this ice axe during trail running.very light,strong.I chopped ice,hit the rocks,dead wood,anything,to clear the running path.still brand new condition.I am going to try this again at Teton Crest Trail ( 4 days hiking and backpacking)in the Grand Teton National Park this comming june.I am very satisfied so far.

It's a piolet

By fat feet

from DC on 2/14/2007

Pros:

Lightweight

Best Uses:

Mountaineering

Describe Yourself:

Casual/ Recreational

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

It’s light and simple. Chopping or setting the pick requires more force than finesse do to the lack of head weight, but for purposes of balance and self-arrest it's irrelevant. The shaft may be thinner than others, but it still meets UIAA specs. Wasp-waist makes for a very comfortable grip.

Nice axe!

By Ryan

from Petersburg, Ak. on 2/8/2007

Pros:

Lightweight, Rugged

Best Uses:

Mountaineering

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Very happy with the Black Diamond Raven Pro ice axe. This thing is very light weight, yet it is strong. Way to go BD. [...]

Lightweight and durable

By JP

from New York, NY on 2/8/2007

Pros:

Lightweight, Packs Well

Best Uses:

Mountaineering, Skiing, Snowboarding

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This is a great lightweight axe.

[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

don't leave base camp w/o,damn decent

By snow dux from Conncticut/Alaska on 1/26/2007

Pros:

Good handle length, Lightweight, Packs Well, Rugged

Cons:

Has no grip on sideshand, Needs more strap on head

Best Uses:

Good 4survival situations, Mountaineering

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I was on the trail,when a sudden snow squall wich became a major snow barrier hit;this is a damn good axe to be with,digs a decent snow cave w/little effort,but it does need a set of rough side grips;slides out of the hand a little too much.good price/excellent length

Customer Reviews about the Raven Pro Axe at Eastern Mountain Sports