In reply to EdH:
Bought a pair end of last winter [assume you've seen them on SportsPursuit again as well!]
Only used them twice this winter unfortunately, most of my climbing has been lower grade and they would be overkill.
They seem ok tho- fairly technical bits of kit, they seem odd when I first picked them up but I guess I'm not used to such technical axes. Was worried they wouldn't swing properly because of the extreme angles involved, but actually in use they were fine.
Lower handle is quite solid rubber but grips well. I've added squash tape to upper handle.
For sixty quid I certainly can't fault them! If you're regularly climbing hard grades I guess you might notice the difference between them and a pair of Big Brand axes, but I guess your wallet would also notice a major difference more...
The Quark-like ones are outrageously good value for thirty quid each, Mrs Peebles got a pair and I'll be honest, I'm kicking myself for not getting some as well (tho they're not on sale at the moment)
Go on, buy them...!
Cheers,
Gordon
