FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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Lying again. I understand quite well, but rather than cede the simple and wide consensus fact that straight plunges better than curved for axes (even if you personally find the difference negligible), tent stakes, nails or anything else the OP might relate to, you move the goal posts so you can spray, denigrate, and try to convince others how much better you are than them with "for s**t against the guys ... fondled your ax" lines. Is that more JK- or Gladbach-like? Agreement isn't a requisite for civility.
I do 14er stuff for fun, a pursuit not a competition, and I support and encourage others to as well.
"A few hours' mountain climbing make of a rogue and a saint two fairly equal creatures.
Tiredness is the shortest path to equality and fraternity - and sleep finally adds to them liberty."
86Raz wrote:Tallgrass is all smoke and mirrors, and his lack of giving credible first hand experience of his own alpine climbs is why his suggestions are a joke. Back up your spray, TallGrass, and others might leave you alone.
TG, maybe it's time to call it quits? Remember what happened last time you got carried away in an argument...
Edit: ^ Oh, and the accusation of lies... always fosters a good basis for civility and fun...
Like Monster, I have an array of axes that provides solid options for all of my route choices AND a whippet that's vital on 50+ degree ski lines and/or icy ones.
Proud to be against fascism, racism, xenophobia and stupidity.
Like Monster, I have an array of axes that provides solid options for all of my route choices AND a whippet that's vital on 50+ degree ski lines and/or icy ones.
I bought a whippet this past year for climbing purposes, to use in conjunction with an axe, and I love it! I'm also in the camp of climbing with an axe & trekking pole, so a whippet added to my quiver was a no-brainer!
I'll often approach slopes without an axe in my hand (but stowed between by shoulder blade & pack for quick access if conditions/comfort level changes), depending if the exposure isn't bad, and I will just go up a ways with a pole -- which is where the whippet is a great tool to have along.
Furthermore, after years of climbing with a 65 or 70 cm axe (I'm 6' and when I bought my first axe I used the method of holding axe at my side to gauge where spike was in relation to my ankle), I bought a curved shaft axe and the differences were few but for me was a good change.
And yet, if we put TallGrass and Monster5 in the same room -- or on the same trail -- they'd probably become friends. But where each other is trying to prove to the world who's the smartest guy around . . . tragedy of the 'net.
FireOnTheMountain wrote:Personally, Im a huge fan of my older version 55cm hybrid BD venom and almost certainly wont ever buy anything longer (i'm 5'-11" for ref).
This is my favorite axe. I use a 57cm BD venom on many routes over 45 degrees and I've found it to be both comfortable and beefy. I'm 5'7" but prefer an axe that is slightly longer
Proud to be against fascism, racism, xenophobia and stupidity.
DArcyS wrote:And yet, if we put TallGrass and Monster5 in the same room -- or on the same trail -- they'd probably become friends. But where each other is trying to prove to the world who's the smartest guy around . . . tragedy of the 'net.
One of them is smart and has a knowledge base to support his position.
One of them is smart and needs to prove it. On EVERY subject, bar none, including one like this where he knows almost nothing.
I'll leave it to you to figure out which is which.
Call on God, but row away from the rocks.
Hunter S Thompson
Walk away from the droning and leave the hive behind.
Dick Derkase
I am 5'11" and use a 70cm BD Raven Pro for slopes/glaciers less than 45 degrees and a BD Venom 57cm for slopes/glaciers/culiours over 45 degrees. Often times I'll use my Raven Pro in combination with a ski pole on lower angle slopes for stability, balance, and coordination when hiking, and use a second BD Venom on higher angle slopes when kicking steps or snow climbing.
For measurement, I've always used the top of my ankle to my mid calf to determine what length I need (except on ice tools) and always go with a bit shorter size than I think I need for easier mobility, less weight, etc.
To the OP, if you are looking for more of an all purpose axe for general use on snow slopes at a variety of angles, and have never owned one before I would start with a more basic model such as the BD Raven Pro or equivalent, and if your comfortable using an axe and are climbing steeper angle slopes go with something equivalent to the BD Venom.
Just my two cents,
Kai
"I want to keep the mountains clean of racism, religion and politics. In the mountains this should play no role."
- Joe Stettner
"I haven't climbed Everest, skied to the poles, or sailed single-handed around the world. The goals I set out to accomplish aren't easily measured or quantified by world records or "firsts." The reasons I climb, and the climbs I do, are about more than distance or altitude, they are about breaking barriers within myself."
AND a whippet that's vital on 50+ degree ski lines and/or icy ones.
Since this thread is already muddied up anyway, does anyone happen to know when the whippet was invented?
My friends and I made homemade whippets in early 1992 for our ski descent of Storm Mountain in the Wasatch. We made them using hose clamps, ski poles, and a ice axes (plus a little duct tape to make the hose clamps less sharp).
I'm just wondering if we missed out by not patenting it. Not that we would have anyway.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
Scott P wrote:Since this thread is already muddied up anyway, does anyone happen to know when the whippet was invented?
My friends and I made homemade whippets in early 1992 for our ski descent of Storm Mountain in the Wasatch. We made them using hose clamps, ski poles, and a ice axes (plus a little duct tape to make the hose clamps less sharp).
I'm just wondering if we missed out by not patenting it. Not that we would have anyway.
I guess you missed your chance at fame and fortune Scott...
"I want to keep the mountains clean of racism, religion and politics. In the mountains this should play no role."
- Joe Stettner
"I haven't climbed Everest, skied to the poles, or sailed single-handed around the world. The goals I set out to accomplish aren't easily measured or quantified by world records or "firsts." The reasons I climb, and the climbs I do, are about more than distance or altitude, they are about breaking barriers within myself."
