The Petzl Ergonomic - a top-end leashless dry tooling and ice climbing axe, designed to be the ultimate tool for the most difficult dry tooling pitches and the most unlikely hanging ice features. This is a fairly hefty (not to say heavy) tool and the handle and pick angles make it unsuitable for easier routes - for climbers operating at grade VI (WI5) and below, the Nomic or the Quark would be a better choice.
The ultra-curved shaft offers exceptional clearance under the head and allows a wider range of movement. The adjustable ergonomic handle allows multiple grip positions and limits the risk of pick shift when switching hands. The strong curve of the handle creates an ideal angle for prolonged dangling and significantly increases power when pulling (at least that's what it says on the Petzl website!). It has a fully modular head for adapting the axe to whatever you are doing. Thus, with the Masselottes Pick Weights (included), the axe gives precise, efficient purchase in ice, but remove them to lighten the axe for dry tooling. The "Dry" pick can be replaced and is tapered at the tip (3mm) for easy penetration, even in cold ice. The thickness of the pick (4mm) makes it stronger when slotted and torqued. The hooking teeth, located on the bottom and top (for reverse positions) stabilize the ice axe. A rubber grip on the upper handle provides better grip and thermal insulation.
- Comfortable grip, designed for highly technical climbing.
- Multiple grip modes and stable hand switching due to high and low handles.
- Lower handle is sharply angled for more comfort when hanging and more power for extremely difficult sections. The shape allows open-handed grip, limiting fatigue and optimising rests.
- Upper handle is over-moulded and bi-material, offering excellent grip and insulation from the cold.
- Hydroformed shaft for optimal grip in the middle of the shaft.
- Efficient placement, hooking and wedging on any terrain.
- Perfect shape and balance of the ice axe provide an exceptional swing.
- Facilitated hooking, thanks to the curve under the head.
- Dry pick is tapered at the tip (3.3 mm) and versatile across all terrain: rock, snow and ice. The 4 mm thickness of the pick makes it stronger when slotted and torqued. The serrated edge stabilizes inverted positions.
- Inertia and striking quality are improved by the (removable) Masselotte weights.
- The shape of the weights is optimised for slotting the pick in cracks.
- Entirely modular head allows the technical aspects of the ice axe to be adjusted.
- Compatible with Petzl accessories: Ice Pick, Pur'Ice Pick, Pur'Dry Pick, Panne (Adze) and Marteau (Hammer).
- Sold with Mini Marteau (Mini Hammer), to protect the head and allow the user to hammer a piton back in.
- Griprest Ergonomic handrest is over-moulded and adjustable in three positions to allow for to all hand sizes when wearing gloves.
- There is no steel spike on the ferule to stop the climber injuring themselves if the axe slips out of position.
The shaft is 'T' Rated.
Weight: ca 635g (can be stripped down to ca 550g for dry tooling)
NB Price is per single axe.