I have rented axes before and they were mostly Black Diamond Ravens, so that is the one I bought. I have used it on a few trips so far, and it's been just as advertised: a well-made, durable ice axe for general mountaineering. It's reasonably light, and it holds up to the rigors of casual usage. If you spend a little more, then you could get a lighter axe with a more aggressive design, but I like
This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.