I want to get a good set of probe poles but there are so many to choose from....what are some of the best poles to get, what poles should i stay away from......i already wear a beacon and carry and a shovel so i figured that probes would be a very wise decision......i was just curious as to what some of you riders suggest?? thanks!
Avalanche Probe Poles
- Thread starter yardsale_oem
- Start date
Get one that is AT LEAST 8 feet (240cm) long. Also, get one that is thicker diameter than a pencil. Get one that snaps together quickly so you don't have to be messing around when you are in a hurry.
Any of the following probes, I would recommend
Black Diamond Guide Probe (300cm) - $59
BCA SR3 (300cm) - $59
Black Diamond SuperTour (265cm) - $49
BCA Profile 240 Quickie - $49
Any of the following probes, I would recommend
Black Diamond Guide Probe (300cm) - $59
BCA SR3 (300cm) - $59
Black Diamond SuperTour (265cm) - $49
BCA Profile 240 Quickie - $49
I like the Voila Tour light
ive got one that fits inside my shovel it came with it easy and quick but not the longest. hopefully will never need to use it.
S
snowww1
Well-known member
Here's what I look for in a probe:
-260cm or longer (8'6")
-large diameter aluminum tubing or carbon fiber.
-Easy to use and durable.
Black Diamond Guide Probe 300cm $59
G3 Speed Probe 320cm $89
Backcountry Access SR3 300cm $59 (very fast to put together)
Backcountry Access carbon 260 $79 (light and fast).
Life Link also makes some great probes.
Stay away from the thin diameter "light" aluminum probes. They break.
-260cm or longer (8'6")
-large diameter aluminum tubing or carbon fiber.
-Easy to use and durable.
Black Diamond Guide Probe 300cm $59
G3 Speed Probe 320cm $89
Backcountry Access SR3 300cm $59 (very fast to put together)
Backcountry Access carbon 260 $79 (light and fast).
Life Link also makes some great probes.
Stay away from the thin diameter "light" aluminum probes. They break.
I purchased this Beacon from you guys at the Puyallup snow show. Nice piece, hopefully it never gets used.
The way I look at it is If I am going to spend $50 on some safety item I might as well spend 60 on something that is going to be faster, longer and just plain better. Not saying the other ones don't work, But think about trying to fumble around putting together your shovel and probe while you buddy, brother, father or son is trapped under the snow. Not a good feeling when every second matters.
I'd say get at least a 300cm probe. And also second the Black Diamond Guide Probe.
does anyone have an opinion on the Ortovox 320+......?
Is that the stainless one? Click here
That is the one I have.. It is heavier then most, but I don't really car. It is really strong, and should last a really long time. The mechanisms for locking the cable are really good too.
I like the extra length and strength. Figure with my two survival tarps and other gear with the probe, I can rig up a pretty good shelter if need be.
Plus you can use it to poke the eye out of a cougar when they attack you! Or win jousting fights with your buddies..
Every avy class I have attended, the instructor said those were a joke... FYI but you might want to look into it. Remember, you aren't going to be hitting it through powder. Go up to a plow pile and jab it in there repeatedly and see how it does.
Those same instructors would say that after doing a probe line, there would always be a pile of broken probes afterwards.. Not sure what that says...
