Best avi shovel and probe???????

**Crass3000** · 01-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Hey yes I did search. Didn't find much -- maybe because I'm splitting hairs here but:

I'm looking to get a BCA Tracker and also a reliable probe and shovel. I actually have a Dakine (made by Voile) shovel/snowsaw combo I bought 5 years or so ago but I'm not sure how great it really is. If I ever have to dig someone out I'd like to have the best backcountry shovel I can get short of bringing a backhoe.

What type of shovel and probe do you use? How long should the probe be?

I saw these on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/BCA-Tracker-DTS-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/BCA-Tracker-DTS-...QQcmdZViewItem

Do the shovels and probes suck? Should I just buy them all seperately so that I can get a better quality shovel and probe???????

**summit** · 01-30-2008, 01:20 PM

Probe in the shovel = automatic fail

search more in the slide zone... there is a recommended gear thread

**pechelman** · 01-30-2008, 01:23 PM

metal blade, long shaft, preferably with a big handle. T or D is your preference.
do not shop shovels by looking at the weight, if you are, youre f'in it up

Black Diamond Probes
I like the guide 300
Get a long one.

**hoarhey** · 01-30-2008, 01:30 PM

Yes, buy separately..

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...d.php?t=109709

Hope you learn to search with your beacon better than you search TGR.

**Crass3000** · 01-30-2008, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by whorehey

Yes, buy separately..

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...d.php?t=109709

Hope you learn to search with your beacon better than you search TGR.

Yah I didn't even think about searching anything except tech talk. Thanks.

**naedward81** · 01-30-2008, 02:20 PM

crass, you looking for a beacon? shoot me a pm, i have a couple trackers in the shop

**Sinecure** · 01-30-2008, 02:45 PM

Best shovel and probe?

The one you actually carry with you, along with a beacon that you know how to use.

Sorry, had to say that.

Metal blade on the shovel. I like the idea of a slightly larger blade so it moves more snow. I also like an extendable handle so I don't kill my back as much.

If its not an urgent need, keep an eye on SAC - probes and shovels show up there sometimes.

**hutash** · 01-30-2008, 03:38 PM

Large/longer the better on both. That being said my BCA Chugash shovel handle is too big for my 22L BD covert pack, but fits my Le Meije pack. The longer probe helps prevent a lot of bending over when probing deep snow pack, and the extra weight is minimal.

If you need all three look for some of the package deals.

**hoarhey** · 01-30-2008, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by hutash

Large/longer the better on both. That being said my BCA Chugash shovel handle is too big for my 22L BD covert pack, but fits my Le Meije pack. The longer probe helps prevent a lot of bending over when probing deep snow pack, and the extra weight is minimal.

If you need all three look for some of the package deals.

Hey Dave, does the shovel handle on your BCA Chugach break down into 2 pieces?
Mine does on the Voile Telepro T6, which is the only way I can get it to fit the 22L Covert.
Not trying to be a dick, but I stupidly didn't realize my handle separated to two short pieces until my friend showed me.

**hutash** · 01-30-2008, 05:50 PM

It does, and it was broken down. If you need to move a shit ton of snow it is the one to go with.

BTW-Did I send the the $50 I owed you? I am too lazy to check.

**hoarhey** · 01-30-2008, 06:02 PM

That's the Chugach!
Thanks, Dave.
I haven't checked the mail today yet, but haven't received it yet.

**hutash** · 01-30-2008, 06:34 PM

I must not have sent it yet then. Don't worry, the check is in the mail

**KungFu Eddie** · 01-30-2008, 06:39 PM

I have a dakine shovel and I bent the blade the first time it was used. The moral of this story is not to use an avy shovel to dig a frozen in rail out of the ground while drunk. It was worth it though because we made a seriously cool feature in the staff accom parking lot that involved airing over an aboandoned car onto the rail.

**chocolatecoveredbacon** · 01-30-2008, 06:42 PM

I've always been a fan of the Voile TelePro shovel.

- D-Grip
- Telescoping Handle
- Metal Shovel

**LightRanger** · 01-30-2008, 07:07 PM

Absent from the recommended gear list in "The Slide Zone" (if I remember correctly, from the last time I saw the list), and absent from this discussion, is the G3 Avitech. Extendible, T6, webbing slots, D-Grip, and little hide-a-stash in the handle. I'm very happy with mine. Also happy with my burly G3 probe.