Petzl Sumtec

Just got a petzl sumtec (off mountainproject!); have some questions.
I came really recently, so I haven't been able to go use it and test it out, but in the
meantime ive benn thinking...
The pick is pretty aggressive and does have a good curve, but it doesn't seem like a pure ice tool. As for swing motion, am i going to need the flick as needed with ice tools or more a swing from the shoulder, as in ice axe

StefanJ wrote:As for swing motion, am i going to need the flick as needed with ice tools or more a swing from the shoulder, as in ice axe

Um the petzl sumtec is a mountaineering ice ax. It not meant for technical ice climbing.
I dont understand what your a wanting from what you wrote(see quoted section above).

You can clearly see that the pick is much more drooped then a bd raven or petzl summit say (2 ice axes i would define as the classic general mountaineering axe). I have a short one (52 cm), got it for a second "alpine tool". Looking at some steeper terrain. You're going to need a second axe when you're one 60-70 degree alpine ice!

StefanJ wrote:You can clearly see that the pick is much more drooped then a bd raven or petzl summit say (2 ice axes i would define as the classic general mountaineering axe). I have a short one (52 cm), got it for a second "alpine tool". Looking at some steeper terrain. You're going to need a second axe when you're one 60-70 alpine ice!

Summit is far from a "classic" general mountaineering axe. It probably defines the border of what you would call a general mountaineering axe. Once you start adding pinky rests and replaceable picks it is something inbetween.

StefanJ wrote:You can clearly see that the pick is much more drooped then a bd raven or petzl summit say (2 ice axes i would define as the classic general mountaineering axe). I have a short one (52 cm), got it for a second "alpine tool". Looking at some steeper terrain. You're going to need a second axe when you're one 60-70 alpine ice!

The Sumtac is a more aggressive mountaineering axe (compared to the raven and the Summit). You could use 2 sumtecs for steep alpine ice. as for swing style, you're just going to have to go play with your new toy to figure out the best method for the scenario you are in. The Sumtec is kind of a blend of mountaineering axe and technical ice tools

if this doesn't answer your question, I don't understand what you are asking.

thats what I figured, just get out there and use it!

Old thread, but I'll chime in

My partner and I both have 59cm sumtecs and they perform fine as a seconds tool.
I am by no means a 'hard' climber but have solo'd wi4 in them quite comfortably.
You'll need a shoulder swing and wrist flick, the head is very light and requires a lot of force to get in.

Also of note, they freeze up your hands right quick on cold days as they are uninsulated