the claw vs whippet

[snorkeldeep]

Anyone w/ experience with both ? i have some variant comps now that I've used the claw on w/ so-so satisfaction primarily for stability while climbing.. whippets look like theyd be better.. but id need to get some bd poles (which i know are great). worth it to make the switch? or stick it out w/ the claw.. thanks in advance!

[AltaPowderDaze]

i'm going with the whippets next year. they're coming out with a new diameter carbon pole with the whippet on it. one costs about $80. the claw seems like it wouldn't be effective enough on the steep icy ascents. i wouldn't count on either in a highspeed wipeout on the steeps, but since i don't have AT boots i'm apt to slip every now and then. I don't have experience with either, but i have had a friend break a claw just knocking snow off his boot. i wouln't trust it.

[snorkeldeep]

thats kind of what ive been thinking as well.. though when its super sketch ill probably have my ice axe out instead. looking more at it for easier climbing. thanks for the input!

[PNWbrit]

Check this thread at Telemark Tips -

http://64.5.56.198/~ttalk/phpBB/view...4a5aeaa8adacf1

There's probably more info buried over there that a search will find.

[Toque]

From my research it seems like the claw is really sketchy and the Whippet is the way to go. Read a thread over on TT where somebody broke the claw trying to arrest.

[snorkeldeep]

that thread was really helpful, thanks. ive been looking around and have found a few others.. i think im going to go w/ the claw for partially financial reasons - but also, if im sketched out enough to want the whippets, ill just use my axe.

[AltaPowderDaze]

I carried my mountaineering axe last year a few times and forgot it a few. bottom line is when i should have brought it i left it in the car and when i did bring it, it was cumbersome to pack and i had little use for it. i don't know what the claw costs, but for simplicity and ease of use i'll replace my axe on almost all of my trips with the whippet. i only plan to use it on the way up, but i'm not putting it away on the way down if i'm hanging out above big drops or on boiler. as for the powder runs just stow that bitch at the top, unless you're slab hunting.

[snorkeldeep]

thing is, i really dont think either the whippet or the claw are going to help me self arrest in a situation where its needed. If im in that kind of terrain and am not comfortable skiing it out without trouble, im most likely going to have my axe out and be ready. i hear your point on the whippets though.. certainly is one approach. claws btw are cheaper.. ~65-70 for a pair