I think I just ordered the Traverse EXT through my rescue group. Haven't put hands on yet. Weight was a consideration (the Chugach Pro is a better shovel, but much heavier), as was the fact that I could get a nice discount through a pro deal. Seems to me I see more Voile shovels on the slopes though (could be a pro deal that the ski patrol gets?). Definitely metal blade - you don't need a plastic blade to break on you, that's for sure.
MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
Correction, I got the BCA Companion Shovel (the red one halfway down the page) with the D handle but without the probe as shown on the website (a 6 foot probe is too short for our team requirements). It is super lightweight, especially when compared to the Chugach Pro purchased by several of our other members. The version I got also does not have an extensible handle, so it is pretty short. I had quitea few folks drooling over the weight of the Companion. Weather conditions being what they are I'm sure I'll get a chance to try it out here soon.
MNS
_________________________
YMMV. Viewer discretion is advised.
OOO! OOO! I like the extras built in to that shovel. Probably would have bought it if REI had it in the store. I do prefer D handles. But I'm no longer a Nordic patroller so I'll not have as much use for a avy shovel as you S&R folks.
Thanks , Eric
_________________________
"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."
Registered: 02/23/03
Posts: 2124
Loc: Meadow Valley, CA
I picked up a Black Diamond Transfer 3. Price was around what I wanted to spend and weight was a tiny bit more than I wanted to tote but it had a long handle for my old bad back. Can't have it all. A nice feature is the rectangular handle, it can't rotate, so when it telescopes out the clicker thingie clicks in easily. It doesn't have a D handle but the handle is kinda ergonomically designed to fit you gloved hand so your hand doesn't have to fit around the shaft where it meets the handle. It is flattened out some. I haven't used it yet, I may not go out snow camping anymore this year as I drove too many miles last year so I may vegetate this year some. Next piece of winter gear is an ice axe, but then, all these years that I have gone out I haven't really needed one.
I also have a LifeLink polycarbonate shovel which has been relegated to digging out the car if need be. Not only is it not good for avalanche debris, but it can't even handle consolidated or ice-layered snow well without chipping or bouncing.
For quite awhile, I've used the Voile XLM shovel---small metal blade, short handle, 16 oz., but strong---I've carved out many a snowcave with it. My new avy shovel is the somewhat heavier (23 oz.) BD Deploy 7 but the larger blade and handle, unique handle storage, and greater efficiency makes it the Avy blade I turn to. Stay away from plastic bladed avy shovels. (well, everyone here seems to know that but here's some reason's why, anyway---- http://www.telemarktips.com/TeleNews69.html
Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:
Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!