CM came out with a hybrid of the pulsar and Quasar ice tools the Axar. I can't seem to find anyone (on the web or shops) that has tried or heard about the performance of these tools. I'm considering to buy a tool for ice climbing that is also performing in an alpine enviroment and those two (Pulsar or Axar) seem to be in a thight run. The tools I use now are old Stubai with straigth shaft and got quite confortable with the not too radical bent. I read the review in Rock &Ice WHAT'S NEW section and realize that it is more a decision based on preferance but I'm enquirinq about their performance(pick, swing, weigth, durability/material). Thanks and Cheerio. Mathieu

-- Mathieu Bourgeois (MMMP@nbnet.nb.ca), February 10, 1999

Answers

Hey,

A friend of mine demoed the axars and loved them. I think he's even going to break down and buy a pair soon.

-- Brian (SloBRI@aol.com), March 15, 1999.

I bought a pair of Axars last winter and they have been working extremely well on icefall climbing and also very suitable for mountaineering. Axars are as good as Quasars on icefalls and better in mountaineering! Definately better that Pulsars!

-- T-P Alastalo (terala@utu.fi), July 28, 1999.

Hi Mathieu! Last winter I bought an axar an a stubai (45 cm, straight shaft). After one ice saison and one summer of montaineering, I made my choice: the stubai one was nearly destroyed after one week in Chamonix! I have now 2 axars that will last forever: CM's steel quality is remarquable! Have fun! Aurele PS Who needs a Stubai axe? Low price!(I live in Switzerland)

-- Aurele Vuilleumier (aurele_v79@yahoo.com), November 09, 1999.