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2nd Ice Axe

Original Post
B C · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2022 · Points: 0

Currently I have a single summit evo that I use. Is it preferred to have 2 of the same axe, or would adding a sumtec hammer be better? Length is the same for both.

Richard Z · · Duvall, WA · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 0

Adding the sumtec hammer would be a great addition, that's what I did initially for my second axe. I also picked up a petzl gully hammer and rotate through all of them for different outings. 

Eli W · · Oregon · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 0

Tool+UL ice axe, UL ice axe+standard/tech ice axe, tool+standard/tech ice axe pairings give you lots of options for different conditions. matched pairs are overrated for steep snow/easy ice.

Karl Henize · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 643

It depends on what your climbing goals are.  You might want to list out some of the routes that you want the second tool for.

The Gully works well as a second axe for most climbs that only require a second tool for short sections.  Even though the Sum’tec may be same length as the the Summit EVO, it still feels different in use.  If you want tools that feel the same, you might just want to get a matched pair of hybrid ice tools.  If you don’t need a hammer, then a second Summit Evo might be the better option than the Sum’Tec.

I have done a lot of climbs with mismatched tools, but I ultimately decided that I prefer to have a matching set of tools for climbs that require two tools for long sections.  I personally like having an adze on one tool and hammer on the second tool.

Steve McGee · · Sandpoint, ID · Joined Aug 2021 · Points: 795

I climbed everything before I quit in the early 2000's with a piolet and a straight shaft hammer. It worked, and not having a matched pair didn't matter. 

I had leashes, too, and wasn't matching hands on tools. Nobody was.

However, I was not climbing stuff where I was concerned about precise pick placements. 

Karl's answer - 'it depends on what your climbing goals are' - you should ask yourself this, then you can answer your own question based on available product info.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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