Petzl Charlet Aztar

The Petzl Charlet Aztar is an axe which can be used for general mountaineering right up to ice climbing. The pick is shaped for optimal penetration into tough ice and a rounded shaft enables safe use without too much knuckle bruising. This axe is perfect for those who enjoy taking advantage of UK winters as well as fitting in a few trips to the Alps.

Site	Price	Postage	Total
	£105.00	£1.95	£106.95
	£108.99	£4.50	£113.49

   User Reviews

General comments: Used these Petzl Aztar axes on a few grade 2 routes in the Cairngorms, borrowed off a friend and was pretty impressed with them. The pick was pretty sharp, had a b-rated pick on it so seemed to hook into the ice very well, and came out smoothly too, no need to yank like on some axes. The grip feels nice, plastic rather than rubber and seemed to plunge as well as any straight shafted axe and the small amount of curve in the shaft didnt affect plunging but allowed a bit of clearance, didnt have bruised knuckles at all. Shaft of the Aztar feels quite narrow, so good for those with small hands, or women. Smaller people might also appreciate that the axe doesnt feel like you're using a sledghammer, it's reasonably lightweight but still feels good to swing into the ice. There is a tiny grip at the bottom of the axe, not quite a pommell, but a reasonable amount of support, felt nice in the hand. The leash is good when properly adjusted, takes some strain off wrist but found it an awful tangle to use at times, so on easy routes, would be tempted to climb leashless. Adze seemed a reasonable size and cleared snow well enough, hammer seemed large enough too, enough weight to bash in a deadman but not all too heavy. I like these axes a lot, recommended. Overall a nice pair of axes.

Pros: Lightweight. Good pick. Nice leash.

Cons: Leash can be a tangle, adze isn't perfect. Not good for very big hands. Minor problems.

General comments: When you pick up this axe you instantly feel the quality and high standards that this has been made to. It has a great balance when swinging high above your head and hit home well into the ice for a great hold. The freelock leases that come with these axes are adusted with one twist of the wrist. The handle is constructed from a resilient rubber for a comfortable elastomer grip which provides insulation and because the axe shaft is not entirely bent you can use this for mountaineering rather than just as a technical ice tool. The pair of axes comes with an adze and a hammer and the fitted blade is of a good all round quality suitable for all climbs whether it be dry tooling or pure ice climbing. The head is fixed which allows for a lighter tool

Pros: Great quality feel. Good balance whilest swinging. One hand adjustable freelock leases which are included with both axes. Soft durable rubber grips. Great for use as walking/mountaineering axes aswell as ice climbing tools.

Cons: Quite heavy at 630g, if you are only using them as walking/mountaineering tools. Not as good as pure technical ice climbing tools if that is your primary use for them.

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