Warnings, general information, maintenance, servicing, lifespan and instructional pictures.
Switch Adze
Description
Radically curved to maximize clearance, it is the perfect partner for the most outrageous mixed, ice, and dry tooling routes around.
The Switch is instantly recognizable as a top end ice axe. An aggressively curved shaft gives optimal clearance for steep terrain. Both the shaft and pick are T rated, which along with the full strength handle and double riveted construction, means the Switch can stand up to the harshest treatment.
The handle is CNC'd from a solid block of aluminium to maximize ergonomics and make the Switch highly stable when hooking through thin terrain. Full strength upper and lower rests allow you to make use of the full range of modern mixed climbing techniques.
The Switch's handle is machined from a single block of aluminium. This creates a highly ergonomic and strong shape that maximizes stability, and gives full strength upper and lower rests.
Dual handrests allow techniques such as matching, maximizing the performance of these tools when leashless climbing on steep terrain.
Picks feature removable weights that adjust the balance of the swing. Adding weights helps the pick cleanly strike hard ice, while removing them reduces weight for mixed climbing and dry tooling.
The curved shaft of the axe creates clearance for reaching over bulges on ice and rock, allowing you to climb on steep ground more easily. It also reduces the angle of the handle when the axe is hooked on a feature, making climbing on steep terrain less tiring and more secure.
The clip in points on the base of the axe handle allow the axe to be used as an anchor. Inboard eyelets can be threaded with cord for attaching Freedom Leashes.
Grip Tape lets you insulates the axe shaft, protecting you from hot aches and allowing more of the axe to be used as a hold.
DMM axes are T rated, making them tough enough for modern mixed climbing techniques.
Steel picks are strong and highly durable. They are laser cut, and then CNC machined for high performance on ice, frozen turf and rock.
The Switch and Apex are available with a full size adze for easier ice clearing and ledge chopping in mountainous terrain.
The Switch and Apex are available with picks that maximise either performance on either ice or mixed terrain.
Retail price
US$ 329.95
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Weight (g / oz) Weight (g / oz)In grams and ounces, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand. The weight is the packaged weight. If there are differences in weight (due to optional accessories) we'll note them here. | 684 g / 24.12 oz |
| Length (cm) | 50 cm |
| Head Details | Adze (pair: Switch Hammer
) 2 Screw adjustment |
| Ice Rating | Pick: T / Type 2 Shaft: T / Type 2 |
| Picks | Included with the tool: Ice Adze Pick Other Picks Available: Ice Hammer Pick Mixed Adze Pick Mixed Hammer Pick Mixed Mtn Adze Pick |
Pommel & GripPommel & GripUpper PommelFixed: An upper pommel that is fixed in place (it cannot move up/down the shaft nor can it be taken off). Adjustable: An upper pommel that can move up and down the shaft. Removable & Adjustable: An upper pommel that is completely removable and also adjustable. Removeable: An upper pommel that is either on or off (it cannot move up/down the shaft). None: If there is no upper pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately). Lower PommelFixed: A lower pommel that is fixed in place (the angle cannot be changed nor can it be taken off). Adjustable: A lower pommel that can change angle or location on the tool. Removable: When the lower pommel can be removed but not adjusted. None: If there is no lower pommel that comes standard (there may or may not be options to buy separately). | Upper Pommel: Fixed Lower Pommel: Fixed Grip Size: 1 size fits all (not adjustable) |
| Materials | Pick: Steel Head: Steel Shaft: 7075 Aluminum Grip: Injection Molded Rubber |
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. Learn MoreRock and Ice Certifications Guide |
CE, EN, UIAA |
Ice Pair Reference
Picks it comes with
Interchangeable Picks
Ice Tool Acces. Ref
No reviews yet.
Would I recommend them to some one climbing mid-grade routes? You can climb mid-grade ice with them without any great drama but you may need adjust your swing and where you aim due to the very curved shafts, particularly if coming from mid-curved tools like Flys, Vipers or Quarks. If you think it is unlikely that you will be climbing harder than V or WI4, then a more general technical tool like those just noted (or perhaps the DMM Apex) could be a better choice, particularly if you are mountaineering with them and want a 'proper' spike at the bottom. But if your ambitions include plumb vertical ice, freaky wind-formed cauliflowers, over-hanging hoared-up rock and the most tenuous of turfy seams and cracks – and you have the biceps and shoulders for that – then the DMM Switches will have you future-proofed for climbing as hard as you can and dare.
The DMM is a really nice tool—quality-built, nice design and a good price point. But—of course—"really nice" is the kiss of death in so many love triangles. You may have noted that I've spent more than a little bit of time talking about the Petzl Nomic. Simple, clean lines, crisp swing, solid placements, easy removals and versatility with accessories: in the end, that's the tool by which I still measure all others and the one I keep going back to.
All in all I love the DMM Switch ice tools and they are my current tools of choice. They’ve been with me on many routes over the last few months, from classic alpine traverses, big north faces such as the Eiger and Matterhorn and moderate ridges and gullies. They tick the boxes as an all round tool, particularly if you want something that performs well on the harder stuff but can tackle everything else as well. The grip is brilliant and incredibly comfortable, and the whole construction feels utterly bombproof. They’re made in Wales too
DMM Ice Tool and Ice Axe
DMM Switch Ice Tool
Head cam footage of trying out DMM Switch ice tools.
DMM Switch Ice Tool