Looking For Avy Probe Recommendations

[axisofevelknievel]

Hi

I'm looking for recommendations on a quality but not too expensive avy probe. I've come across several stores that sell G3 probes, but I'm unsure of the locking mechanism they use. I figure if the probe ever needed to be used in a real emergency, you'd want a locking mechanism that would work quickly & consistantly.

Of the probes available at MEC (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_listing.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=25343743 02725865&bmUID=1203654722854), does anyone have any recommendations?

I realize I'm probably opening up a can of inappropriate probe-related jokes, but I'm optimistic that I'll get some useful advice as well. You may commence probe jokes in 5..4..3..2..1..

[wilkez]

50 bucks for a black diamond one at coast mtn sports. i just picked one up. its incredibly easy to use, you just pull the string at the end and tighten a knob to lock it. takes 4 seconds

[shirk]

G3 320 probe. Don't piss around with a cheap short probe.

On the same topic don't get a plastic or composite shovel blade. Steel won't let you down when it matters.

[TheGiggler]

G3 320 probe. Don't piss around with a cheap short probe.

On the same topic don't get a plastic or composite shovel blade. Steel won't let you down when it matters.


what he said. go with the steel.

[norona]

ditto, g3 320 and aluminum shovel will be fine as well just don't go with one of those pansy ass narrow blades to save weight. They are cute and all but move a lot less snow. I like the old school wide g3 over their new narrow light bc shovel.

[axisofevelknievel]

I already have a metal shovel, so that's taken care of.

I was wondering more about the closure device on the G3 than anything else. You three happy with it? I wasn't sure how quickly it would work with gloves on & snow everywhere.

[wilkez]

the black diamond one i have is 285cm - and at least half the price of the G3. not that i am saying dont buy the other one, just that it seems like a decent way to save a bit money without sacraficing a lot of functionality.

[norona]

no problems with it ever. The Black Diamond is also a great product. Check with the boys and girls you tour with and if they all have shorter ones get the 320. Always good to have a long probe in the group.

[gooch]

i have the g3 speed probe 320 and find no problem with their system at all, can have it locked off in and ready in under 10 seconds

[shirk]

Insist that your touring buddy's carry long probes and good shovels. It's you life on the line when their shitty gear fails.

[Poz]

no problems with it ever. The Black Diamond is also a great product. Check with the boys and girls you tour with and if they all have shorter ones get the 320. Always good to have a long probe in the group.

agreed. But give your long probe to your buddy so they can find your ass!!

When it comes to avy gear I say to myself "what would I want my partners to have if I'm buried?"

Whatever you want them to have, you get.

[Swampy]

^^^ That's great advice right there!

[Sharon]

i have the g3 speed probe 320 and find no problem with their system at all, can have it locked off in and ready in under 10 seconds

you don't even tour! what do you use your probe for???


oh never mind...

[big_perm]

I have a G3 probe speed probe 320. Looked at the BD but didnt get it as it was a 240 I believe, and didnt seem as bomber

[TheGiggler]

there's at least three different price points on the alu G3 probes but of course not all stores carry them all. IMO go for the middle or top (guide model) ones as they look like they will last longer than the low-end one. plus they have etched depth markings which the cheap one doesnt.

[gooch]

you don't even tour! what do you use your probe for???


a 320 would be impressive by anyones standards