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Considering an ice axe: BD Raven Pro or Camp Corsa?

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Jun 10, 2012 at 1:08 pm #1290884

David Drake
BPL Member

@daviddrake
Locale: North Idaho

A couple of times last year I ran into situations where an ice axe might have been a better choice than trekking poles. Also considering some walk-up summits, and more early season travel.

Looking at either BD Raven Pro or Camp Corsa. I'm 5'6"–maybe 60 cm? So difference is ~5 oz and ~$20.

Thoughts?

Jun 10, 2012 at 1:34 pm #1885717

Matthew Black
Spectator

@mtblack

BD ice axes are made in China. The Camp products were made in Italy. Admittedly the Raven and Raven Pro are nicely finished and didn't appear inferior to other brands.

The Petzl Snowalker isn't terribly heavy, includes a leash and was made in France last time I saw one.

Jun 10, 2012 at 4:07 pm #1885737

Richard Fischel
BPL Member

@ricko

in your near future or you don't mind buying another ice axe, go with the camp corsa. it's perfect in the roll of extra insurance when sticking to snow fields. if i was planning on any real glacier travel or was going to be pounding in pickets, i'd avoid the corsa with its aluminum head. another light axe that comes in around 14 oz is the grivel air tech race. i've seen it on sale recently for around $125. not sure how that compares to the prices you've seen on the corsa or raven pro.

length is a real personal issue. if not too steep terrain a 60 cm or thereabouts is fine.

Jun 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm #1885751

Brian Austin
Member

@footeab
Locale: Pacific Northwest

Which one has more pick/adze/spike length on it? IE which one can be sharpened more than the other? Are you 95% backpacking and just want to get across steep snow slopes that may have a gory end at their bottom? Then whichever is lighter. If more into summiting peaks, go with the axe that has more life time wear length to it.

Sorry, don't have each embedded into my mind as to which is what. My backpacking axe is about ready to be thrown out as I have sharpened it too many times. Lasted me about 10 years of backpacking/scrambling. Most often used to dig "cat holes" and dry tooling up summits that I really should have had a rope for… Or self belaying down super steep mud/heather etc. Ice climbing axes are a whole'nother kettle of fish and unless you are into vertical ice are a waste of money IMO.

A sharp axe makes a gigantic difference on semi technical routes. Same with sharp crampons.

Jun 10, 2012 at 5:41 pm #1885753

Paul Hatfield
BPL Member

@clear_blue_skies

This topic has been covered in-depth already.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=43106

Jun 10, 2012 at 9:26 pm #1885808

David Drake
BPL Member

@daviddrake
Locale: North Idaho

Thanks for the info, all. And thanks for the link, Paul. Must have missed that one.

I don't anticipate carrying an axe very often, or for many days, but my base weight is plenty light enough to allow a few extra ounces. At this point, I'm tilting toward the BD Raven Pro for wider range of use, increased durability, and (slightly) lower price. Plus, a local independent shop carries them, and I like giving the guy my business when I can.

Jun 10, 2012 at 10:46 pm #1885823

Stephan Doyle
Member

@stephancal

The Corsa is aluminum, making it useful only for occasional snow travel during the summer.

The Raven Pro is a lightweight axe, in the style of a typical mountaineer's tool, sufficient for all conditions of snow/ice/glacier.

With that said though, the Raven has a better pick for self-arrest. IMO, the Raven Pro isn't as good a mountaineering axe as the Raven.

Length is, to a degree, a personal thing. The standard these days is easy enough to measure. Pick up and axe, and gently hold the head in one hand, letting the spike end droop near the ground. With your arms comfortable relaxed at your side, the tip of the spike should come to your ankle. For gentler walk-ups and hiking-oriented travel, a bit longer length is recommended.

Jun 10, 2012 at 11:40 pm #1885825

Christopher Yi
Spectator

@traumahead
Locale: Cen Cal

"With that said though, the Raven has a better pick for self-arrest. IMO, the Raven Pro isn't as good a mountaineering axe as the Raven."

What's the difference between the two?

Jun 11, 2012 at 9:19 am #1885891

Stephan Doyle
Member

@stephancal

@Christopher: the Raven Pro has a smaller pick. If I have to arrest, I don't want a down-sized tool. The difference is easy to see in person, not so much web shots.

Jun 11, 2012 at 11:24 am #1885913

Christopher Yi
Spectator

@traumahead
Locale: Cen Cal

Thanks. Assuming that's why the Pro is a bit lighter. The pictures on BD's website makes it looks like the Pro has a larger pick too.

Jun 11, 2012 at 10:39 pm #1886121

Paul McLaughlin
BPL Member

@paul-1

The Corsa is a very limited tool. I have one for backcountry ski trips. You wouldn't want to do anything but self-arrest with it (or just use it on an uphill or traverse where you're plunging the shaft into the snow as a handhold). It's so light that it's almost useless for cutting a step. A little more weight in the head is very useful if you want to do anything besides self arrest.

Jun 11, 2012 at 11:29 pm #1886127

Stephan Doyle
Member

@stephancal

I don't trust the Corsa in ice, only snow. Against rocks, the aluminum would get worn quickly.

Jun 12, 2012 at 1:36 am #1886143

carlos fernandez rivas
BPL Member

@pitagorin
Locale: Galicia -Spain

I used both axes and I prefer the BD ….

Made in china? .. maybe.. but it it has very good finishing and appears much better than the camp

Very good and confortable head (smooth and polished) perfect for small and gloved hands

Steel pick much better than aluminium (and Stainless meaning no rust)

Smaller pick …. no way .. We have three (I work for a mountaineering club) used intensely in mountaineering courses with hundred of self arrest practices…

Anyway the Camp axe Its ok….. but we have axes from simond, petzl, camp, lucky… and the BD raven is one of my favourites….

Jun 12, 2012 at 1:36 am #1886144

carlos fernandez rivas
BPL Member

@pitagorin
Locale: Galicia -Spain

I used both axes and I prefer the BD ….

Made in china? .. maybe.. but it it has very good finishing and appears much better than the camp

Very good and confortable head (smooth and polished) perfect for small and gloved hands

Steel pick much better than aluminium (and Stainless meaning no rust)

Smaller pick …. no way .. We have three (I work for a mountaineering club) used intensely in mountaineering courses with hundred of self arrest practices…

Anyway the Camp axe Its ok….. but we have several (about 20) axes from Simond, Petzl, Camp, Lucky Grivel … and the BD raven is one of my favourites….
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