The Raid has a smooth rubber coating on the lower third of the shaft, which we found inhibits smooth probing and quickly got chewed up by crampon whacking. If you're into coated shafts, the Raid's is better than the bulky rubber on the Camp Nuptse.

The wrist loop, which attaches to the shaft with a sliding plastic ring, interfered with the rope during boot-axe belays. Fortunately it can be removed with an Allen wrench, and a normal leash can be tied to the hole in the head.

The zinc-plated galvanized-steel head sat comfortably in our hands, though the pick didn't keep its edge as well as a chrome-moly alloy. When it came to self-arresting, the Raid had no difficulties.

Weight (70 cm): 1 pound, 8 ounces
UIAA rating: T
Price: $55
Pro: Comfortable head and lowest price in the test.
Con: Rubberized shaft interferes with probing, pick loses edge.
Self-arrest: 2.5
Steep snow climbing: 1.5
Durability: 2.5
(Rating scale, 1  5: 1 = poor, 3 = average, 5 = excellent)
Comparative Ratings Chart

For more information: Climb Axe, (503) 236-9552