In reply to Scallywaggon: My wife is 5'3 and she likes 55cm, she's tried my 60 and 50 and finds the 55cm suits her best.
If I could be so bold as to recommend a few I would say (these all have curved picks as opposed to drop/banana picks);
If you can find any of these on bay of e then buy;
Charlet Moser Guide - f*cking bombproof axe. A little heavy but you will never break it and it will last you for ever.
or
Mtn Technology Alpine Axe - same as above and just as well made. A mixture between their Mountaineering axe (adze bit) and their Technical Axe (Pick bit)
or
Mtn Technology Mountaineering Axe - Pick is more gentle than the Alpine Axe. However I've still led Grade V with one of these but I would recommend spare pants for the belay... I've had mine for over 15yrs and it has seen some real abuse but is still my fav.
Of the more modern axes
Black Diamond Venom is good. It has the added advantage of having a hammer aswell so you can make a pair. The disadvantage is kinda the same as an advantage - it is not a one piece head. The idea being that you can change the pick to a more aggressive one if you feel you need it.
Grivel Air Tech Evolution is not as comfortable in the hand as the Venom (quite a sharp head) but many people like it.
