DMM Raptor Alpine Axe

Long classic alpine routes are where you will find Raptors. The Raptor comes with a traditional curved pick that's perfect for self arrest. The modular headset allows you to change the Alpine pick to a more technical reverse curve one if you so wish, to tackle more technical or steeper terrain.

Site	Price	Postage	Total
	£48.94	£5.00	£53.94
	£72.99	£4.50	£77.49

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   User Reviews

General comments: What you basically get with the Raptor is low-cost, high quality, jack-of-all-trades-master-of none axe or hammer. It is a conventional straight-shafted design available in several lengths and with either the standard 'Alpine' pick or the more extreme 'technical' pick. With 5-10 minutes and an Allen key you can take it from a tool suitable for snowy walks, alpine travel or easy winter routes into something that can be (& i have) used on grade IV water ice. The main tradeoffs i notice are that, with the standard pick, the axe is not as light as a dedicated 'walking' axe and, since you'll have picked the Raptor as an all-rounder, you have to be happy with a shorter length than normally recommended for a walking axe. With the technical pick it's a competent tool for the steeper stuff but the straight shaft and what, to me, is a relatively poor balance means that it's harder work on arms and knuckles than the more dedicated tools. Remember though, that all those classic Vs were put up with kit less technical than this! The all-in-one pick/axe/hammer unit is reasonably straighforward to change with an Allen key but it is a pain that you'll have to remove the leash (which runs through a hole in both the shaft head and the pick unit) - so this isn't a job you're going to be doing whilst out on the hill. Overall: a do-everything axe at a good price - and it's British! My tip: You want a pair of these, right? Buy the hammer short for climbing (e.g. 40cm) and the axe 5-10cm longer so it can be used on it's own for walking

Pros: Cheap, flexible, British

Cons: Head changing is slow and a little painful Rubber on the handle doesn't last as well as I'd like It isn't the best at anything

General comments: I got these axes for an absolute bargain price, so although they are probably not what would have been my first choice, I have been pleasantly surprised by their performance. As they are a straight shafted axe, they can be used both for climbing and as a walking axe. Admittedly, as i have read in other reviews - they are not the worlds best in either department but do the job just fine. I have been able to go out for the day carrying the hammer and given my other half the axe and they have been good enough that I would do it again. At the same time I have used them both for Scottish winter and mixed and some alpine stuff and they have been happy enough up to about grade III. I wouldnt be too keen on trying anything more difficult than that in them and have swapped to other axes for more technical climbs. For the price, they provide a great all round axe, suitable for someone starting out to the whole winter thing and i would definately recommend them.

Pros: Strong, rugged, reliable, good all rounder

Cons: weight, not made for technical stuff above grade III

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