Helix Operations – Tactical

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Apex

Despite its aggressive appearance, the Apex is comfortable across a wide variety of terrain. The shaft curve has been precisely designed to give clearance and stability on steep ground while remaining effective when plunging, daggering and moving on easier angled snow slopes.

The Apex is fully T rated, and the head and handle are double riveted onto the lightweight aluminium shaft. This robust construction lets the Apex handle the burly nature of winter climbing

The hot forged handle also strikes a balance between performance and versatility. A straight design with a spike on the base makes plunging the Apex into snow and ice easy when moving on less steep terrain. The upper and lower hand rests allow hand matching, crucial to the Apex’s performance on steeper ground.

Dual handrests for leashless climbing

Dual handrests allow techniques such as matching, maximising the performance of these tools when leashless climbing on steep terrain.

Removable pick weights allow customisable balance

Picks feature removable weights that adjust the balance of the swing. Adding weights helps the pick cleanly strike hard ice, while removing them reduces weight for mixed climbing and dry tooling.

High clearance shaft maximises performance on steep terrain

The curved shaft of the axe creates clearance for reaching over bulges on ice and rock, allowing you to climb on steep ground more easily. It also reduces the angle of the handle when the axe is hooked on a feature, making climbing on steep terrain less tiring and more secure.

Full strength clip in point allows use of axe as an anchor

The clip in points on the base of the axe handle allow the axe to be used as an anchor. Inboard eyelets can be threaded with cord for attaching Freedom Leashes.

Supplied with Grippy Grip Tape for extra handle grip and insulation

Grip Tape lets you insulates the axe shaft, protecting you from hot aches and allowing more of the axe to be used as a hold.

Shaft and picks T rated for durability

DMM axes are T rated, making them tough enough for modern mixed climbing techniques.

Picks laser cut from steel for strength, and CNC'd for high performance in frozen turf and ice

Steel picks are strong and highly durable. They are laser cut, and then CNC machined for high performance on ice, frozen turf and rock.

Available with Mountain Adze for greater versatility on traditional terrain

The Switch and Apex are available with a full size adze for easier ice clearing and ledge chopping in mountainous terrain.

Interchangeable picks for improved performance on either ice or mixed terrain

The Switch and Apex are available with picks that maximise either performance on either ice or mixed terrain. The ice pick has a pronounced taper to its point, for efficient penetration of thick ice and reduced dinner plating. The Mixed Pick has a less tapered profile to increase hooking stability and the durability of the point when torqueing in cracks.

Spike gives security on low angled snow slopes

The spike allows the axe to bite into ice and break through snow, giving you greater stability when walking and plunging.

Product Name	Product Code	Colour	Length	Weight	Certification
Apex Adze	A0281BLK	Black	50cm	673g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015
Apex Hammer	A0282BLK	Black	50cm	658g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015
Apex Adze	A0281MG	Matt Grey	50cm	673g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015
Apex Hammer	A0282MG	Matt Grey	50cm	658g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015

Apex product features

An overview of the features and benefits of the Apex ice axe.

Overall, I will be reaching for these tools for both guiding and personal climbing on moderate ice and mixed terrain. For upcoming alpine trips in bigger ranges, these will also be in my kit since they are more than capable of withstanding battering. Alpinist Mountain Standards

The Apex is a seriously impressive go anywhere, do anything (and generally do it brilliantly) jack of all trades technical axe... UKC