Just a few comments from my own experience:
surfnturf wrote:Shorter axes are better for a number of reasons...There are more reasons, but I can't think right now... ice axes are not walking sticks or trekking poles, they are a tool. Im 6'2" and I use a 60cm ice axe...
1) When falling, you can swing the axe quicker to self arrest position. It also should not get snagged as easily on the rope, clothing, leash, etc.
Whenever I've arrested a fall (slip) I've never swung my ax, only rolled over on it.
2) When digging a snow anchor, thats 5 or 10 cm of digging that you dont have to dig. You can make a snow anchor
faster.
Maybe, if you're using your ax as the anchor. I've never dug a T-slot that was the exact size of my ax and I usually bury a picket.
3) When hiking, a shorter axe will get snagged less on straps, trees, bushes, other hikers, etc.
So true, especially those damn tree branches.
4) When traveling, much easier to pack.
A 75cm ax should fit in a duffle.
5) When opening a beer with the adze, you won't spill the beer quite as frequently.
Haha, I only take cans so I can't comment on this.
By the way, I'm 5'-9" with only 27" legs and find a 65 way to short for me. Everyone's different.