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ULA Helix Ice Axe

"A true ultralight ice axe for snow walkers: carbon fiber and aluminum make this axe 50% lighter than other walking axes..."

Disclaimer

WARNING: THE HELIX IS NOT CERTIFIED BY ANY RECOGNIZED MOUNTAINEERING SAFETY ORGANIZATION TO MEET ANY LEVEL OF MINIMUM SAFETY STANDARDS. USING THIS TOOL FOR THE FOLLOWING TECHNIQUES MAY RESULT IN ITS FAILURE WHICH MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH: ICE AXE ARREST, BOOT AXE BELAYS, PLUNGED SHAFT BELAY/ARREST, PIOLET PANNE, PIOLET POIGNARD, PIOLET ANCRE, PIOLET TRACTION, DRY TOOLING, OR OTHER TECHNIQUES BEST SUITED FOR B- OR T-RATED ICE TOOLS.

Overview

BackpackingLight.com Comments: We recommend the Helix for piolet canne or piolet ramasse techniques while hiking on snow slopes where self arrest is required only to reduce discomfort in the event of a fall, and not required to save yourself from serious injury or death. The adze of the Helix is a very useful stepcutting tool, and the pick and the head-shaft connection may (or may not) provide the necessary strength to self-arrest.

Ryan Jordan uses a pair of Helix axes for ski mountaineering. Read more about this wholly unendorsed application of this axe.

If you've read this far and by now are thinking scary thoughts, then go buy another axe. We recommend the Ushba Altai for the ultimate in strength:weight ratio.

However, if after all of these warnings, you are still thinking, "all right, get on with it!" then check this out:

Manufacturer Comments

New for '06, the Helix Carbon Fiber Ice Axe is the lightest ice axe on the planet! Designed specifically for the needs of non-technical users the Helix offers all the benefits of a traditional non-technical ice axe but at ~1/2 the weight! A full carbon fiber shaft, aggressive hard anodized aluminium pick, adze and end spike ensure your safety when used properly.

Making the Leash

By Ryan Jordan

To make an ultralight wrist leash for the Helix using our AirCore Pro Rope (which remains light and strong enough for excellent durability while being thick enough to prevent the cord from cutting into your clothing or skin), do this:

1. Mark one end of the rope using a piece of electrical tape or with a permanent marker, just to distinguish the ends and make these instructions easier to follow.
2. Approximately 16 inches from the marked end, tie an overhand knot in the rope. We'll refer to the rope length between the knot and the marked end as "below the overhand knot" and the rope length between the knot and the unmarked end as "above the overhand knot".
3. Using the marked end as the tag end, tie half of a double fishermen's knot above the overhand knot.
4. Tie the unmarked end to the round hole in the adze end of the ice axe head with a bowline knot. Adjusting the length of the tag end of the bowline knot allows you to adjust the length of the wrist leash.
5. Generally, the length of the wrist leash is adjusted in the bowline knot, by controlling the length of rope between the bowline knot and the overhand knot. The shorter this length, the shorter the leash. It's a matter of personal preference how long you want to make this length. However, a length of 4 to 8 inches is generally acceptable, and provides enough length for you to easily adjust your grip on the axe and to let it hang out of the way from your wrist when not holding on to it to perform other tasks.
6. Generally, the diameter of the wrist loop is adjustable by controlling the distance between the overhand knot and the half double fisherman's knot. Try to fine tune this length initially to accomodate the diameter of your wrist and associated clothing and handwear. Then, in the field, if you desire a smaller diameter wrist hole on the leash, simply move the overhand knot towards the half double fisherman's knot.
7. A wrist leash made in this manner with AirCore Pro Rope will generally weigh in the range of 0.12 to 0.16 ounces.
8. Lengths of AirCore Pro Rope are sold here.

Warranty & Returns

BackpackingLight.com does not honor a warranty for this item. Warranty inquiries may be made to the manufacturer at ula-equipment.com, but that does not guarantee that a warranty request will be granted.

Due to safety reasons, under no circumstances may this item, or any other piece of mountaineering gear, be returned for exchange or refund.

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