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I bought the Grivel G-Zero for classic lower-48 mountaineering routes.  I've climbed with it in snowy Colorado couloirs, and on exposed glacial slopes high in the cascades.  It's light weight makes it perfect for the weight-conscious mountaineer, offering great balance and outstanding self-arrest.  I've also used it to belay a partner in a t-slot when I didn't have any picketts.  Held up great!  Overall it is an outstanding mountaineering axe.  I gave it 4/5 stars because it's straight shaft makes it difficult to climb technical routes, so I had to opt for a hybrid axe and technical tool for those routes.  But if all you plan on is steep snow, this is the axe for you!!