Sum'tec

 

Manufacturer's Description

Lightweight, technical, classic mountaineering ice axe
The logical evolution of the classic mountaineering ice axe, the SUM'TEC combines the qualities of a technical mountaineering ice axe - thanks to its curved shaft - and a classic mountaineering ice axe. Light and versatile, this ice axe has an adjustable hand rest and an interchangeable pick.

The TRIGREST hand rest improves grip efficiency. Its position can be adjusted as needed, without tools - in the lower position, it improves grip and facilitates progression in steep sections; in the upper position, it allows the shaft to easily penetrate the snow.
Ice axe designed for mountaineers looking to reduce weight (485 g for 52 cm)

ALPIX curved pick is interchangeable and adapted to difficult alpine climbing. The pick (3.5 mm) is designed for efficient penetration into ice and guarantees solid hooking on rock.

Shaft is made of extruded, ultra-light aluminum with a curved upper section. This shape provides good clearance during ice climbing or in the snow and helps avoid impacts to the hands.

Pick is quickly and securely replaced with the unique screw lock system
Wide oval holes in the head and in the spike facilitate clipping a carabiner.

Tilted adze directs the axe correctly into the snow (piolet-canne usage)
Stainless steel spike ensures excellent grip on rock
Available in two lengths 52cm and 57cm

My Experience

The Sum'tec the border between a technical ice tool and a mountaineering axe. It has a shaft and spike that make it plunge easily but features a pick that is very capable of steep ice.
From most of the pictures of the axe online and reading that the pick was only B rated I expected it to be a much smaller pick and adze, but in actual truth it is much larger and nicely weighted. The pick is a full on ice climbing pick, no doubt.
The trigrest is a cool gadget that works great for leaseless if you use it as a trigger. It could be improved to use as a horn because it digs into your palm if your wearing thin gloves.
The shaft is light, very light, but it's great. It keeps the overall weight of the axe down and helps keep the well balanced swing. It's also a larger diameter then expected but it's nice because it gives a much nicer grip.

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