New last year, the Petzl Charlet Summit is rapidly becoming a classic. It builds on the tradition well-established with the Charlet Goulet ice axe so favoured by guides. The curve of the shaft, its weight balance and its full rubber grip make it a delight to swing, and the well-engineered pick and adze ensure all the energy you put in is used efficiently. A solid general mountaineering axe, it will appeal to those who like tackling steep stuff but also need a walking axe. But amazingly for such a good mountaineering axe, it is only rated as a ‘B’ (basic), which means it should not be used for axe belays.
Classification basic
Materials hot forged chromoly steel head and ultra-light aluminium shaft with textured rubber coating
Sizes 52, 59, 66cm
Weight 506g (size 59cm without leash)
Made in France
Stores in the UK 50