How to use Black Diamond ice tool and ice axe correctly, warnings, care, maintenance, transportation, inspection, lifespan and retirement with instructional pictures. Note: This is page two of document for instruction in foreign languages, page one has English instruction.
Raven Pro
Description
A more technical take on our traditional mountaineering piolet, the Raven Pro is now lighter with a slightly angled and ergonomically shaped trapezoidal shaft, tuned pick and adze geometry for improved ice performance, a grooved grip for more secure grip and a redesigned spike for better bite and plunge-ability.
Our technical mountaineering axe, the Raven Pro is now lighter and features a slightly angled and ergonomically improved trapezoidal shaft for better grip and more aggressive climbing. The updated pick, adze and spike geometry allows for more secure placements, whether you're kicking steps up Aconcagua or winding through crevasse fields in the Alps, while the investment-cast, polished stainless-steel head provides dependable durability.
Retail price
US$ 129.95
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Weight (g / oz) Weight (g / oz)In grams and ounces, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand. Since the most common ice axe length is 50cm that is the main length that we reference. When available, we list the weight for each length here. | 373 g / 13.15 oz 50 cm: 373 g / 13.15 oz |
Best UseBest UseUltralight MountaineeringThe lightest axes available, used most for ski mountaineering, adventure racing, and other "go light" ascents. 350 grams is usually the max weight. The decreased weight means they are axes are built for snow missions, not ice. MountaineeringThis is the most common type of snow mountaineering axe. These axes are above 350 grams and are a great balance of weight and durability. There may be a grip and they will always have an adze head (and no matching hammer pair). These axes are great for snow and can handle chopping steps in ice, or other small ice scenarios. Technical MountaineeringThese axes are for tougher conditions when the majority of climbing is on snow, but the axe needs to be able to handle a short ice wall. They generally have a bent shaft and T-rated (more technical) pick. Often these beefier axes will have a rubberized grip and they may have a matching adze and hammer version. They're basically the offspring of an ice axe and ice tool. |
Mountaineering |
Length Options (cm)Length Options (cm)Measured in centimeters, the best length is based on your height and ape index (arm length). Holding the axe in your hand, the spike (sharp end) of the axe should arrive around your shin. At the max size, it should go to your ankle. Two people of the same height could need a different sized axe, based on arm length (t-rex vs monkey). If in-between sizes, our bias is towards sizing shorter. Rule of Thumb
Worth ConsideringThere are other resources online that suggest a longer axe is a plus and that you should measure below the ankle. We absolutely disagree. A longer axe means you'll be tempted to use it as a trekking pole (which will put you off balance), or you'll have to give your arm a huge workout just to lift it in and out of the snow. Ice axes are meant to be used on the uphill side, which is already much higher. |
50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm |
Head DetailsHead DetailsThis refers to the back of the ice axe head (opposite the pick). 
For ice axes, adze's are (by far) the most common. An adze will allow you to break ice by chopping or shoveling in a specific area, and they also provide more room to hold on to the head than a hammer does. This grip helps for arresting too. Hammers are usually only used as a pair with an adze on the other axe (hammer's are much more common in ice tools than ice axes). A hammer uses a more broad force to break ice bulges. | Adze |
Ice RatingIce RatingThe certified rating of the pick and the shaft. These ratings might not match each other. There are only 2 possible shaft ratings: B / Type 1 / CEN-B: Basic | Pick: B / Type 1 Shaft: B / Type 1 |
MaterialsMaterialsThe materials, as stated by the manufacturer / brand, of the pick, head, shaft and grip. | Pick: Investment-Cast Stainless steel Head: Investment-Cast Stainless steel Shaft: Aluminum |
CertificationCertificationsThe main climbing gear certifications are CE and UIAA--and normally the UIAA creates the rules that the CE body also supports. When possible, we try to list all the certifications the product carries. To sell a climbing product in Europe, the device must be CE certified. There are no official requirements to sell climbing gear in the US. The UIAA certification is a voluntary process. For ice axes, there is a separate certification for the pick and the shaft. Learn MoreRock and Ice Certifications Guide |
CE, UIAA |
WarrantyWarrantyThis isn't super common, but sometimes the manufacturers will state a specific warranty such as "3 years against manufacturer defects" |
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With its light weight and refined design, the Black Diamond Raven Pro is a joy to handle. Its angled, trapezoidal shaft and sculpted head give it a satisfyingly ergonomic feel, whether you're using it in walking mode or swinging it on steeper ground. While the B-rating rules it out for more demanding mountaineering, it is spot on for a one-axe day on UK winter hills or big non-technical snow peaks overseas. The lightness will also appeal to ski tourers or anyone looking to save some weight on an overnight trip with a big pack. While it's not a budget option, the Raven Pro is a thing of beauty. Hands down, the nicest walking axe I've used.
Raven Ice Axe Range