DMM Cirque 2008

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Gear Reviews

DMM Cirque 2008

£65.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

The DMM Cirque is a clean, thoughtfully put together general ice axe. The adze and pick are substantial, and will cope well with long sessions of front pointing, step chopping and daggering. The teeth layout is such that they will grip on ice and névé but will remove easily with good technique. Head grip clearance is very good and this axe carries well in the walking/braking position. The shaft is bent and has a decent diameter which makes swinging a delight. It is T (techincal) rated, which means it is strong enough for belaying. The sticky rubber hand grip is very useful but would benefit from being recessed. It comes with a heavy-duty slide-adjusted leash. But the DMM Cirque will not appeal to walkers looking for an ultra-light model.

Classification technical
Materials EN47 steel (head), 7075 aluminium
Sizes 50, 55, 60 and 65cm
Weight 640g (60cm with leash)
Made in Wales
Stores in the UK 250
Stockist details tel. (01286) 872222; www.dmmclimbing.com

Verdict
An outstanding mountaineering and walking axe that will help you balance, cut steps, front point, belay and, most importantly, brake with great confidence. Indeed, Trail rated is as ‘Best in Test’.

Review by Jeremy Ashcroft
First published in Trail magazine January 2009

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

Bombproof

BivviBaz

User's Overall Rating

Show Details

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

This is only my second axe, and it hasnt had the testing that it should have by now, but im more than happy with it. The price is excellent, its reasonably light, its got a good curve, and more importantly, i havent broken it yet! Its "T" rated, comes with a good leash, and has a rubberised grip on the shaft. I dont think there are any axes in this price bracket that come close to this, and i would thouroghly reccommend it.

(Written by: BivviBaz)

12 September 2010 17:17