Mountain Logic™ Guides Ice Axes and Crampons | Page 7
Technical Ice Axes Ice axes for technical ice routes will have aggressive bends and be heavier than a general mountaineering axe, for better ease of swinging into ice. The shaft on these axes will be shorter and typically come in only one length. Leashes are useful on long, technical climbs. Most climbers now choose an umbilical leash that connects to the harness instead of the wrist. For general mountaineering we recommend not using a leash at all. You will be switching your ice axe from hand to hand frequently and having a leash connected to the axe can be frustrating.