This is nothing but an opinion videos with no substance. The way I've seen it used is for self arrest, just like an ice axe, and for climbing (booting) up moderately steep section (again, just like an ice axe). There are plenty of videos on these techniques and I highly recommend you watch these to learn the proper techniques for the use of these tools. It is definitely not an ice axe, nor is it intended for ice climbing.
I wouldn't recommend this product. If you are expecting to take these poles into Black Diamond type of conditions, these are NOT for you. I bought them with the faith that they would stand up in Black Diamond type of conditions. One broke with very little force in a green diamond type of condition. Black Diamond will not stand behind their product. I had to call and email them for a month and they said that I was at fault and put excessive force on the pole. I always pay top dollar for fly rods and they always replace them with no questions. I would recommend Walmart. You will get similar quality for $30 and at least they will replace them if they break.
