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Trango Piolet/Piolight Ice Axe
By Dave Loveland
On the very highest part of a helicopter, just above the blades, there is a
big nut that holds the blades on the drive shaft from the engine. It is a
small thing compared to the size of the helicopter, but it is so important
that some pilots call it the 'Jesus Nut', because if it fails in its task,
they say only He can help you.
An ice ax could be considered the 'Jesus Nut' of mountaineering, because
if you are using it, and it fails, you are going to need some divine help.
The Trango company puts out the Piolet (French for ice ax) and Piolight ice
ax, and from what I can tell, they had some divine help, because the Piolight
is heavenly. Everything from the textured shaft that helps you get a grip
with gloves on to the hard tip and head that can take on serious ice gives
you confidence in the tool. And weighing in at only 20 oz. helps on those
long hauls when every little bit counts. It has good balance and feel. The
shaft will scratch with use, but it gives it that 'been there, done that' look.
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On recent tests with this ax, it did everything I asked it to do. The
light weight makes you not mind packing it on the approach, and when you see
a couple of crevasses, and play that mind game of "What if" with yourself,
you will be glad for the welded head and pick. Trango has a great reputation
for fine gear, and these ice axes are no different. They come with a handy
head cover, with a hook and loop strip to keep it on the axe. There are plenty
of holes on the head to rig up your choice of webbing. I like a body sling,
under my pack, but you can also use a wrist sling as well.
If your not going to ever take your helicopter off the ground, any old nut
will work for the top of the helicopter, but if your going to be in it when it
is in the air, you want the very best nut holding those blades on. The same
thing with your ice axe, and this is one you can trust with your life.
Summary: A solid ice ax that will last years and years. A good value, a
great investment in personal safety.
Specs:
Piolight: 20 oz - $69.95
Piolet: 23 oz - $73.95
Dave Loveland is a contributing editor to GearReview.com. specializing in mountaineering and family camping.
For more information, contact:
Trango
4439-C North Broadway
Boulder, Colorado 80304
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