This axe is bomber. It is the lightest axe I have ever used, and the grip on the head of the axe is super comfortable. The Spike is very effective, and the adze slices through ice with no problem when new. I held a couple of big falls with this tool, and was very happy with its performance. The only thing that worried me was the thickness of the metal on the shaft. After two days of tapping my crampons to de-ball them, I put a couple of holes in the bottom of the shaft. This is a great tool, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a light all purpose piolet.