No matter what ice axe you choose you need to take it out in a safe place (like a ski run) where you can test it and practice your technique. Any ice axe is useless unless it is second nature to quickly get in an arrest postion and properly plant the head. There is a lot more to a self arrest than the equipment. On some snow conditions, no ice axe will work. The most difficult about snow climbing is to judge when to rope up and set an anchor. This is not beginners stuff. You need expert training and lots of practice. If you truely need an ice axe, do not compromise.