Helix Operations – Tactical

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Switch

Radically curved to maximise clearance, it is the perfect partner for the most outrageous mixed, ice, and dry tooling routes around.

The Switch is instantly recognisable as a top end ice axe. An aggressively curved shaft gives optimal clearance for steep terrain. Both the shaft and pick are T rated, which along with the full strength handle and double riveted construction, means the Switch can stand up to the harshest treatment.

The handle is CNC'd from a solid block of aluminium to maximise ergonomics and make the Switch highly stable when hooking through thin terrain. Full strength upper and lower rests allow you to make use of the full range of modern mixed climbing techniques.

CNC machined handle for ergonomic grip and excellent stability

The Switch's handle is machined from a single block of aluminium. This creates a highly ergonomic and strong shape that maximises stability, and gives full strength upper and lower rests.

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

Product Name	Product Code	Colour	Length	Weight	Certification
Switch Adze	A0291BLK	Black	50cm	684g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015
Switch Hammer	A0292BLK	Black	50cm	676g	EN 13089:2011+A1:2015

They tick the boxes as an all round tool, particularly if you want something that performs well on the harder stuff but can tackle everything else as well. The grip is brilliant and incredibly comfortable, and the whole construction feels utterly bombproof. They’re made in Wales too. Climbing Gear Reviews

Overall, the Switches are well designed and appear to be super-strong tools for the hardest routes, whether ice or mixed. They have huge clearance and stable hand positions allied to easy to grip handles. Toby Archer - UKC