Glencoe
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | Glencoe |
| Manufacturer | Mountain Technology |
| Page By | Peak Freak |
| Page Type | Sep 20, 2002 / Sep 20, 2002 |
| Object ID | 478 |
| Hits | 6781 |
| Vote |
• Weight 590 grams , 65 cm
A superbly crafted axe, great for all mountain terrain, with a strong, forged-steel head.
The Glencoe is appropriate for all types of mountaineering, even the steeps. The only missing feature for overhead swinging is a rubber grip on the lower shaft. This, however, cuts down on weight and makes for easier plunging. To allow for some grip, subtle indentations have been introduced along the shaft’s lower section. The tip of the head is relatively aggressive, for good penetration of harder snow and ice.
Flush steel spike.
Forged-steel head.
Lightening holes keep the axe’s weight low and provide leash attachment points.
Aluminum shaft.
Leash not included.
Available in 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85cm lengths.
CE certified to technical axe standard.
Made in UNITED KINGDOM
Reviews
Viewing: 1-2 of 2 |
Glencoe - Sep 29, 2002 6:29 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled Review
Appart from being named after me ;-) this is the best all round piolet I have found. I got one a year ago to replace a deceased Charlet Moser Guide axe. Like all mountain gear it's design is a matter compromises - but to my mind the designers have made great decisions.
The weight of the axe is in the light to middle end of the market range, but noticeably lighter than my old Guide. It is steel at both ends for great durability. There are lighter axes but none that I've used that are as tough. The weight is such that it can still be swung with some heft, unlike some of the lightweight models which feel like you're swinging a wet fish.
The aluminum shaft is light but bomber. It has bevelled edges for grip without the bulk of rubber. No rubber grip makes it easier for plunging too.
The adze is a manageable sized when holding the head but has enough face for speedy digging out.
The blade is at a perfect pitch, not so curved that it will pop out of your hands if arresting (the way the DMM Raptor might), but with some claw for steeper terrain (unlike almost all of your lightweight models). I sharpened the tip and the teeth with a file, so it works pretty well when swung from the handle in moderately steep ice.
The price makes this a no-brainer. I got mine at Mountain Equipment Co-op and I've no regrets.
Made in Scotland, this is an inexpensive, tought, light, excellent all around mountain tool. Highly recommended.
The weight of the axe is in the light to middle end of the market range, but noticeably lighter than my old Guide. It is steel at both ends for great durability. There are lighter axes but none that I've used that are as tough. The weight is such that it can still be swung with some heft, unlike some of the lightweight models which feel like you're swinging a wet fish.
The aluminum shaft is light but bomber. It has bevelled edges for grip without the bulk of rubber. No rubber grip makes it easier for plunging too.
The adze is a manageable sized when holding the head but has enough face for speedy digging out.
The blade is at a perfect pitch, not so curved that it will pop out of your hands if arresting (the way the DMM Raptor might), but with some claw for steeper terrain (unlike almost all of your lightweight models). I sharpened the tip and the teeth with a file, so it works pretty well when swung from the handle in moderately steep ice.
The price makes this a no-brainer. I got mine at Mountain Equipment Co-op and I've no regrets.
Made in Scotland, this is an inexpensive, tought, light, excellent all around mountain tool. Highly recommended.
Viewing: 1-2 of 2 |
Peak Freak - Sep 21, 2002 10:01 am - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewThe first trip I took it on, it felt great, and one of my buddies (who is way more of a gearhead than I am) had the same axe, thus reinforcing my choice.