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
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