Brand: Blue Ice
Category: Ice Axes & Tools
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide — Colorado Springs, CO
Highlights: long distance, lightweight, durable, easy placement
The Aero ice screw is the ultimate choice for climbers seeking a lightweight, durable, and efficient tool for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. Its innovative design ensures quick installation and reliable performance in challenging conditions. 1. Ultra-lightweight steel construction minimizes added weight for climbers. 2. Unique 3-tooth tip design allows for rapid and effortless screwing into ice. 3. Largest diameter body accommodates existing holes, enhancing versatility. 4. Thin wall design significantly reduces overall weight without compromising strength. 5. Color-coded lengths provide easy identification for quick selection during climbs. 6. High durability threads ensure long-lasting performance in extreme environments. 7. Ideal for both experienced mountaineers and those tackling technical routes. The Aero ice screw is specifically designed for ice climbing and technical mountaineering, excelling in icy and rugged terrains. It is perfect for climbers of all skill levels who require reliable gear for challenging ascents. This product shines in high-stakes scenarios where performance, weight, and durability are critical, making it an essential addition to any climber's toolkit, especially during winter expeditions.
Price: $89.95
- Who it's for
- Ice climbers who lead and want a full-steel screw that handles varied conditions, including wet or tough ice. Hosts building a rack lean on the 13cm and 16cm lengths most heavily.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the large diameter for easy V-thread placement and the ability to rebore used screw holes, plus fast placement and light weight for a steel screw. One host explicitly warns that ultra-light (non-steel) screws can freeze up in wet ice, positioning the steel construction as a practical advantage in those conditions.
- Worth noting
- Notes are uniformly positive with no criticism; one host switched from Petzl and considers these a clear upgrade. The freeze-in-wet-ice caveat applies to ultra-light versions, not this full-steel model.
Joe Kalis's review
The cadillac of ice screws. Steel construction, lightweight, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing. Places super fast, large diameter allows me to re-use existing screw holes due to necessity or when I'm feeling spicy.
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Aero Ice Screw for?
Ice climbers who lead and want a full-steel screw that handles varied conditions, including wet or tough ice. Hosts building a rack lean on the 13cm and 16cm lengths most heavily.
What do experts say about the Aero Ice Screw?
Hosts consistently praise the large diameter for easy V-thread placement and the ability to rebore used screw holes, plus fast placement and light weight for a steel screw. One host explicitly warns that ultra-light (non-steel) screws can freeze up in wet ice, positioning the steel construction as a practical advantage in those conditions.
What should you know before buying the Aero Ice Screw?
Notes are uniformly positive with no criticism; one host switched from Petzl and considers these a clear upgrade. The freeze-in-wet-ice caveat applies to ultra-light versions, not this full-steel model.
What does Joe Kalis say about the Aero Ice Screw?
The cadillac of ice screws. Steel construction, lightweight, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing. Places super fast, large diameter allows me to re-use existing screw holes due to necessity or when I'm feeling spicy.
Why does Joe Kalis recommend Blue Ice?
Joe Kalis recommends the Blue Ice Aero Ice Screw for ice axes & tools. The cadillac of ice screws. Steel construction, lightweight, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing. Places super fast, large diameter allows me to re-use existing screw holes due to necessity or when I'm feeling spicy.
Is the Aero Ice Screw a good ice axes & tool?
Yes — Joe Kalis recommends the Aero Ice Screw by Blue Ice as their ice axes & tools pick. The cadillac of ice screws. Steel construction, lightweight, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing. Places super fast, large diameter allows me to re-use existing screw holes due to necessity or when I'm feeling spicy.
Is the Aero Ice Screw good for long distance?
Joe Kalis recommends it for long efforts: The cadillac of ice screws. Steel construction, lightweight, durable, and even aesthetically pleasing. Places super fast, large diameter allows me to re-use existing screw holes due to necessity or when I'm feeling spicy.
More from Joe Kalis's Ice Climbing
View Joe Kalis's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
7 experts recommend the Blue Ice Aero Ice Screw.
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Best ice screw on the market in my opinion. Lighter than the Petzl ultralight screws!
Recommended in Ice Climbing
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
I made the switch to these 2 years ago from Petzl and these are it! The diameter of these screws are huge. Meaning you'll hit your V-threads way easier and you can rebore old screw holes. These are also light. I like the steels because I climb in NH where ice can be wet, cold, or just tough to get the screws in. The ultra-lights will freeze in very wet ice as a warning!
Recommended in Ice Climbing
Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides
By far, the best ice screws on the market.
Recommended in Ice Climbing Kit
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
These have a larger diameter than any other screw which makes them ideal for well traveled routes. They're also light and easy to operate which I really enjoy.
Recommended in Ice Climbing
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
The Aero Ice Screw is the lightest and smoothest full steel screw on the market. The slightly larger diameter allows you to easily re-bore used screw holes if you need. My typical ice rack for leading: 8x 13cm (yellow) 4x 16cm (blue) 1x 21cm (green)
Recommended in Ice Climbing
The best screws out there!
Recommended in Ice Climbing