Paul Hazell wrote:
ebay is trying to sell me ice axes, has anybody got any advice on what to look for?
Hmm, to quote Tom Green who gave me his advice prior to my purchase: You must we wanting to take it seriously if your going to fork out that kind of money? If this is so, you don't want to have axes which, in the long run - restrict you. ... Thats not to say some axes are restricting, but going for a non-technical axe, then progressing to more technical routes will give you hurdles you could have avoided.
If your looking on e-bay. The DMM fly's which I think Tom and the Club have a pretty sweet. Lightweight, have a bit of a technical curve to them. Remember, the 'old skool' community used to do these routes in shitter gear so yes, you can 'make do' with a heavy less technical lump of metal, however, if comfort is possible, why not get it?
I looked for a well balanced 'all rounder' in my axes. The Petzle Quarks!
I read hundreds of reviews on different axes. As I do before any of my gear purchases, I spent days trawling through prices, features and stuff before getting the ones I wanted. Trying James Crosses in Scotland the season before also helped!
Look at the club axes, see if anything takes your fancy, chat to some old gits in brum who have axes closer to hand. I'll be coming back to the midlands next weekend (10th), I can bring mine with me if you want to have a look at them?
Best of luck on your search, "buy cheap, buy twice" and I mean 'cheap' in build quality/gear quality not price!... Be clear on what you want before you start trawling e-bay, and don't settle for less that what you planned for.
Happy Hunting.
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"I'm not mad, I just see things differently"No longer
VP 
: But still Vaguely Philippino
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FAQ
Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2011 2:27 pm 
