Good Probe?

[backcountryislife]

You know, with how cheap they are... it's one of those things that you probably won't ever need (hope you won't) but if you've got 3 guys at the dig site, having one probe could save the other two some time, and we all know THAT is the name of the game, aside from avoiding them in the first place!

 

[turbolover]

Another thing about probing is when you hit something, you leave that probe in place. Dig around and to the side of it.
Just like flux lines, a shoveled hole wont go straight down either.

Thats one of those lessons that was learned the hard way unfortunately.
It was also a wakeup call that I needed more training and experience myself.

 

[Goinboardin]

I have a BlackDiamond Quickdraw Guide, never had to use it outside of checking snowpack depth, but it seems solid and hasn't given me any issue in the 5 seasons its been in my pack.

Good discussion above.

 

[D-stroyer]

Back to the OP, I have both the G3 320 and Black Diamond 300 guide probe. I carry the BD and have the G3 as a spare/loaner in case I find myself riding with someone who forgot/is missing something(I have a spare beacon and shovel in the truck to lend out too JIC). That said, I used the G3 happily until I got the BD because the BD is a pull-lock which is just that little bit quicker than the knurled nut on the G3. Definitely get one that is large tubing because the tent-pole cheapies will break. I'm still amazed that people buy $30 crap when pro-level equipment costs $60. Literally, like come the F on.