Alpha tools are truly unique thanks to several innovative features. For starters, they're available with two different head materials. For hard, dense ice, most climbers prefer the damping and power that cast steel provides. Thinner, softer ice climbers may opt for the lightweight titanium tool that is easier to swing and control.

Both feature stainless steel picks that, when severely torqued, will deform and twist before they ultimately fail … a comforting characteristic when you're reefing on your shafts with your picks cammed in a shallow crack! They also sport adjustable front and back ends; simply adjust the pick angle to match the steepness of the terrain. And for travel, fold the pick and adze along the shaft and you'll never bust through your expedition duffel again! Alphas come standard with Yates M-9 leashes (a $60 value).