This is a more basic version of the popular Air Tech Evo, which David Lintern gave 4 stars and a Recommended rating in 2023. This version – the Grivel Air Tech Light – lacks the Evo’s rubber grip and Technical rating, and has a different shaft. Although a range of shaft lengths are available, there are no longer options.

Alex Roddie’s verdict

There are fragilities to this ice axe which let down the excellent one-piece hot-forged steel head.
Pros
  • excellent adze
  • good pick performance on ice
  • good for self-arrest
Cons
  • expensive
  • smooth shaft hard to grip with gloves
  • G-slider pommel is fragile
Quick specs
Price: £133.95 (with G-slider)
Weight: 409g (58cm)
Materials: steel head, pick and adze (one-piece hot forged), aluminium shaft, steel spike
Technical rating: CEN-B (Type 1)
Grip: none
Leash or Pommel: pommel (G-slider); available without for £120.95
Lengths available: 49cm, 53cm, 58cm, 66cm
grivel.com

Rather than a distinct kink at the head end of the shaft, there’s a gradual continuous curve throughout. In use I found it almost identical to a straight shaft. Lateral grooves are said to allow greater resistance with a lower thickness. However, it’s still a B-rated axe, and not one of the lightest tested.

The shaft has a very smooth finish that makes it almost impossible to grip without a leash or pommel. The included G-slider pommel makes an effective handrest in climbing mode and can be easily adjusted to slide up the shaft when not needed. However, it tends to get in the way, and I found it fragile; mine broke on a rock after only a few uses. I’d rather have a grippier shaft and not need a pommel.

The one-piece hot-forged steel head is the highlight, with a superb adze that’s the best tested for chopping and cutting. The classically curved pick penetrates hard ice and snow well.

A minor downside: the teeth are a bit sharp under the fingers.

Overall comfort in walking mode is ok, though. In self-arrest, the axe performs traditionally, with a smooth and controllable action. I found the balance when swung to be less pleasing than some other axes tested, largely thanks to its heavy head and smooth shaft. The price is also very high.

Testing notes

Alex tested these ice axes on a range of day routes and short backpacking trips throughout the Cairngorms and West Highlands, including a real mix of terrain – typical easier winter walking all the way up to Grade I gullies and easy mixed ridges. Weights stated are as measured on Alex’s digital scale; note that the same length was not available from every brand, so the length of the axe tested is also stated.

This review first appeared in the December 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. For more ice axes tested by the experts, see our guide to the best ice axes for mountaineering.