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Ultra-Lightweight Ice Axes

Clean the Sky - Positive Eco Trends & Breakthroughs

The Ice Rock Idol is the World's Lightest Ice Ax

— March 29, 2017 — Lifestyle
As one would expect, technical ice climbing requires the most durable equipment, but climbing company Ice Rock has developed a tool that can deliver that durability without adding excess weight thanks to its Ice Rock Idol ice ax. Billed as the lightest ice ax in the world, the Ice Rock Idol employs both unique materials and clever product design to achieve such a slight mass.

The Ice Rock Idol weighs in at 188 grams. To put that staggering number into perspective, even the lightest of general mountaineering axes (let alone technical axes) weigh over 300 grams. The key to the Idol's weight is its use of a carbon fiber frame coupled with an aircraft-grade aluminum spike. These materials are also matched with a monocoque design that allows for less material to be added to the ax.
Trend Themes
1. Ultra-lightweight Ice Axes - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new ultra-lightweight materials and designs for ice climbing equipment.
2. Durable Lightweight Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create durable lightweight equipment for various industries, such as mountaineering and outdoor sports.
3. Carbon Fiber and Aluminum Composites - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the use of carbon fiber and aluminum composites in other industries to achieve lightweight yet durable products.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Sports Equipment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative lightweight equipment for outdoor sports such as climbing, hiking, and mountaineering.
2. Mountaineering Gear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture mountaineering gear using advanced materials and lightweight construction techniques.
3. Aerospace Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply the use of carbon fiber and aluminum composites in aerospace engineering for lighter aircraft and spacecraft components.
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