Probes - what do you use?

[Foggy_Goggles]

My 10yr old Life-Link 300cm finally gave it up yesterday. It broke on the joint between two sections with the smaller diameter piece snapping off inside. I'm sure this is a result of "shaking it out" too aggressively during practice sessions. The new Life-Links have "speed bullets" which are maybe designed to prevent this. Are there other 300cm probes that are better? Why? I'm looking to make a quick purchase to get back in the BC.

Thanks

[zion zig zag]

I've got the 300cm guide probe from BD. I really like it, it's quick to deploy, and it has the different colored sections and cm markings on it.

[comish]

I have a BD "probe lite". It has mostly lived in its little bag. Prior to my Euro trip I pulled it out and gave it the standard shake. Well the part with the inner cable seperated from the rest of the pole which then caused the whole thing to fall apart. Can't say I was too impressed...

Edit: Oh ya, BD was good about replacing it. No worries there.

[InspectorGadget]

Not that I know how to use it, but I'm about to order a G3 240cm Tech probe.

[cj001f]

BD Guide 300cm. Great Probe + has 1cm markings if you like a probe for pit work.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I've got a G3 its real easy to use, hopefully I'll never have to use it for real though

[summit]

+1 for BD probes

[AltaPowderDaze]

also 300cm bd guide. very versatile with the markings, quick, simple and strong.

[Foggy_Goggles]

also 300cm bd guide. very versatile with the markings, quick, simple and strong.

Gotten. Nice and simple. No plastic.

[Core Shot]

Buuump for more info.

There arent too many probe threads. I searched "probe" in the tech talk forum and there were really only 3 threads.
some other info here:http://tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42541 but not much more, so this shall be the definitive probe advice thread.

I am due for an upgrade.
I will not buy less than 260cm.
Was thinking carbon for stiffness, not just lightness. Most folks seem to find carbon works great as long as it doesn't break. I have read about some bdel breakage as well as their kev cords yanking out prematurely.

Looking for 2 things

1) will not break
2) easy and reliable assembly mechanism.

Any preference of metal cable vs. kevlar cord?

Am leaning towards the lifelink carbon probes. They seem well made. Its a good company. I like the speed bullet ends to assist assembly.

Any other thoughts?

edit: - forgot to search the slide zone:
there's not many threads there either.
http://tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67583

Finally, please dont make this the "I bought brand X and never used it and its great!" Lets try to keep this to actual experience and use.

Also, any links to mag articles or other reviews are fine - I haven't been able to google much.

[SiSt]

I have an old R.E.D. probe. Aluminium, think it´s 320 or 340 long, heavy gauge, single pull tightener. With depth markings for each segment. Don´t think it´s made anymore though.

I basically got it because there were no moving parts, and apparently nothing that could break easily or required removing your gloves. It was made by Easton aluminium, which i trust, as they used to make hockey sticks which were really good.

[Toadman]

Not that I know how to use it, but I'm about to order a G3 240cm Tech probe.

Just picked up one of these yesterday on SAC for $17.95 + S&H. Don't do any BC just side country at the PNW ski areas and Whistler. Hope to never need it but will practice deploying it.

[hoarhey]

I like the BCA SR3 with Quick-draw, 300 cm.
It is aluminum with a metal cable.
It has a nice positive lock that is very easy to operate.
Conway recommended it for the quick deploy (speed ends)
Here is a link:
http://www.avalanche-center.org/stor...quicklock.html
Bought it here once, and had to replace so I bought through Marshal's group buy.

Edit: Reason for replacment was because I LOST it, not because of breakage.

[soul_skier]

orthovox 320cm guide probe, steel cable pull, aluminum sections, oversized tip, heavy but durable and way overbuilt

[sar13]

Soul skier beat me to it.

Ortovox guide 320 if you want the strongest, most burly one out there. It is heavier but worth it if you are really using it. I have seen most other brands break or bend in probe lines while this one just kept on going.

I just picked up a BD super tour 265 as a lighter "every day" option. It seems pretty solid but I haven't stuck it in the snow yet.

Carbon probes make me nervous since I have seen so many carbon ski poles break at in-opportune times.

[truth]

I use a Cen-Tech wire fish. It's 50 feet long and comes on a reel to keep it tidy in my pack. It also allows one to probe the snow pack in a large radius without having to move.