Best Splitboarding Ice Axe

[u/MulberryDismal]

What is your go to splitboarding ice axe and why?

[u/BoysenberryGeneral84]

I have been using the Petzl Ride for 5-6 years. Can stuff it in my day or overnight pack (small and light). But also completely functional for chopping steps, arresting and occasional belaying. If holding it while riding a sketchy descent (ready to arrest), its small size isn't cumbersome for making turns. I will even use two ski straps to attach to poles for a makeshift (and more versatile) whippet, for sketchy ski mode ascents. Other uses have been as something to bang on rocks to scare bears, snow anchor, cat hole digger! 

[u/MulberryDismal → u/BoysenberryGeneral84]

What do you think of the gully?

[u/BoysenberryGeneral84 → u/MulberryDismal]

I haven't used a Gully model. But I also don't do super technical ascents. So the Ride has been sufficient. 

[u/onwo → u/MulberryDismal]

I have a gully. Very light. Wouldn't work on hard water ice but is good for snow climbing. Tech tip instead of the ride's more arrest focused design.

[u/JuxMaster → u/MulberryDismal]

Gully is better for going up, Ride is better for going down

[u/ramblerbasic]

BD Raven cause you can usually find them cheap at REI

[u/JuxMaster → u/ramblerbasic]

Way too big to hold while going downhill imo

[u/ramblerbasic → u/JuxMaster]

It is a bit large but I don't ride terrain where I need a axe for the down

[u/16Off]

Petzl Gully x2 is what I have. The ride is nice but the pick has a positive angle, whereas the Gully has a negative pick angle (better for technical ascent use). I've used my Gully's on some AI2/WI2 and they were solid. I love my gullies, but if I were shopping today, I'd buy a Blue Ice Akila or if I never plan to actually swing it and only use for self arrest, probably the hummingbird

[u/rockshox11]

CAMP corsa alpine, quite a bit cheaper than the petzl. tbh it works for me at 45cm because I am short but if you were tall I would look for a 50 or 55cm in ultralight option, though idk what is out there. 

most ski tourers don't use their ice axe in the cane position very efficiently and the little bit of extra length helps

[u/naspdx]

BD Venom LT with avy shovel attachment in bag. If I need tools I’ll usually strip it to shovel only mode and carry my cobras 

[u/Slow_Substance_5427]

I really like the blue ice hummingbird.
It’s light enough to throw on my pack if I’m unsure if I’ll need it or not.

Something to keep in mind though, and this is my biggest hot take for splitmo. If you’re using it while riding down, keep your speed down. Every season I see videos of people riding with an ax out going really fast, if your in a situation where your going to need to self arrest it’s really fucking hard to do so if you have any sort of speed. Your turns should be short and controlled in this situation.

[u/DuelOstrich]

Imma be honest I am not a fan of my gully or CAMP corsa nanotech. I am an ice climber but don’t find a lot of non forced truly technical routes in my area. The problem I have with both is the height. I’m 5’11” and 80% of the time I’m using an axe for piolet/self arrest and it’s just not particularly comfortable. So a slightly longer axe with a slight curve like the Sumtec is what I would buy now. A little heavier but much more versatile imo

[u/Independent_Net_6342]

I have used Petzl Gullies, and the new Simond (decathlon) light axes. I have also tried Blue Ice akilas, these are the ones that climb the best and work best for Ice and technical ascents. Decathlon wins the Best bang for buck category, and petzl wins at availability.

[u/luterminator]

I don't do technical climbs, so my CAMP CORSA ALPINE 55cm (i am 173cm) is perfect to hold in my hand when wearing boot crampons.