Camp Corsa Nanotech

The Corsa Nanotech is the most advanced superlight mountaineering ice axe on the market.

It merges the hyperlight properties of an aluminium construction with a Sandvik Nanoflex steel reinforced tip and spike for a solid grip on hard snow and ice (Sandvik Nanoflex® is an innovative patented steel alloy that is 70% stronger and 20% harder than normal steel which allows for a significant reduction in the amount of metal used, thereby decreasing weight while maintaining strength). These steel components dramatically increase the performance of these critical points without significantly increasing the weight of the axe.

The single-curve shaft provides extra clearance without interfering with walking or plunging performance and the aluminum alloy construction is lightweight, but still rated in accordance with EN 13089 Type 1 for use as a snow anchor and self-arrest.

• A technical version of the Corsa with a single-curve shaft and Sandvik Nanoflex steel reinforced tip and spike for a solid grip on hard snow and ice.
• Designed for glacier travel and ski mountaineering.
• Nylon spike plug keeps snow out of the shaft.
• Small head slot for attaching a leash (not included).
• Machined grip for good handling.

NB Not suitable for use on vertical ice, mixed terrain or for intense step cutting.

We do not stock the 70cm version but could probably obtain one if required.

New Axe Tests
B and T Ratings have been superseded by new EN Ratings, Type 1 and Type 2:
Both have the same test and strength requirement for the shaft strength test (which best simulates the buried axe/T-Slot technique), so either axe type can be used for belaying from the shaft in a buried axe belay. Where the differences between Type 1 and 2 become more obvious is in the lab tests that try to simulate torqueing/stein pulling and really test the strength of the pick and the pick-shaft interface, with the loads required for Type 2 tools being significantly higher.

So in summary:
Type 1: Standard walking and alpine mountaineering axes, suitable for ice axe belaying, but not designed for hard modern mixed climbing involving torqueing picks etc.
Type 2: Modern leashless tools suitable for ice axe belaying, and also designed for hard modern mixed climbing involving torqueing picks etc.

Thus it is not strictly true that Type 1 = B and Type 2 = T as both tests pass the old T shaft test and Type 2 axes are now being tested for properties that were not previously tested for.